Furniture finishing workshop

Beginner workshop

Wanted to finish your furniture or timber projects with traditional or natural finishes but been a bit confused where to start or what finishes to use?

Join furniture conservator Shane Weichnik to learn traditional finishing methods, including surface prep, boiling your own linseed oil, and using a range of traditional and modern finishes. This course covers: linseed and tung oils, oil varnishes, spirit varnishes such as shellac, waxes and wax finishes, modern water-based finishes, french polishing technique and practice, and more!

Included in this course are a series of practice boards and a bespoke timber vase that you will have the opportunity to finish with your new knowledge and skills.

2 x 5 hour sessions
$399 per person
Open to students 13+, read our child safe policy here
Course includes moderate physical exertion

    • Practice preparing different timber surfaces for finishing

    • Spend time applying a number of finishes including:

      • Oils such and Tung and Linseed

      • Oil varnishes

      • Spirit varnishes such as shellac

      • Waxes

      • Modern waterborne finishes

    • Learn about and practise french polishing techniques including making your own rubber to keep.

    • Cook your own oil varnish
      Mix your own shellac

    • Create and use your own wax paste

    • Finish a timber vase that you will get to take home, in a finish of your choice

  • This workshop is aimed at people with no experience with woodwork. It is open to anyone 18 years and over.

    • The language and knowledge to understand finishing techniques and materials

    • Hands on-experience with a variety of finishing techniques and materials

    • Sample boards of different finishes on different timbers

    • An understanding of different brushes and finishing equipment

    • An understanding of safe clean up and disposal of materials

    • A timber vase finished by you with your finish of choice.

    • Some home-cooked oil resin varnish.

    • Homemade wax paste.

    • A jar of shellac and shellac rubber, made by the students.

    • A booklet featuring finishing recipes, tips and tricks, and more.

  • Among the Trees  is committed to child safety and has zero tolerance for child abuse. We care deeply about the children’s well-being and are committed to acting in their best interest at all times. You can read our full Child Safe Policy here: https://www.amongthetrees.com.au/terms/childsafety 

    Among The Trees accepts students under 18 in two groups:

    • Students 13-15 years of age must attend all courses with a parent or guardian. This parent or guardian must also purchase a place in the course and take part. One parent/guardian is able to attend with multiple students.


    • Students 16-17 years of age may attend a course without a parent or guardian present.


    For all students under 18, the full name and contact information for parents and guardians must be provided when booking. If you have any questions, please get in touch with us.

    • You are encouraged to bring your own facemask, protective eyewear and ear protection however sanitised Personal Protective Equipment will be available to use. Any borrowed PPE needs to be sanitised after use.

    • You are required to wear closed-toe shoes.

    • Please wear clothing that can get dirty (e.g. sawdust will be present).

    • Long hair needs to be tied back and no loose hanging jewellery should be worn.