🎨 Finishing & Polishing Masterclass – One to One
Woodturning Follow-On Skills Clinic (2 Hours)
❓ Why You Might Need This Class
Many woodturners can shape a piece well on the lathe, but achieving a truly professional finish is a different skill entirely.
Even when the turning goes well, the final result can look flat, dull, or lacking the depth and sheen you were hoping for. The difference usually comes down to understanding how finishes behave on wood, how they are applied, and how they are polished to bring out the best in the grain.
In this session we’ll look at the finishing process step by step — from basic surface preparation through to waxes, oils, and polishing techniques that give a piece its final character.
Once you understand how these finishing systems work, your pieces can go from looking good to looking properly finished and professional.
🧰 Why Choose This Class?
A great finish can make or break a piece of woodturning.
In this relaxed one-to-one session, you’ll learn the sanding, burnishing, and finishing methods I use in my own workshop, from ornaments and keepsakes to food-safe bowls.
You’re encouraged to bring a few of your own pieces to the session — ideally something you’re happy with and something that didn’t quite turn out as expected. Looking at real examples together makes it much easier to explain finishing techniques and show how the results can be improved.
We may even turn a rough approximation of one of your projects so I can show exactly how I’d sand, burnish, and apply waxes or oils for the best results.
Most of the session will be spent working on waste wood pieces, where I’ll demonstrate various finishes and you’ll try them yourself.
I’ll also show you the products I personally use — Hampshire Sheen, True Grit, waxes, and oils — and explain where each excels.
⚡ Quickfire Skills Session
These are fast-paced, focused classes designed to make the most of your time without wasting a minute. You’ll leave with solid, practical knowledge and real results — and if you’d like to go deeper, additional sessions can easily be arranged. They’re best suited to people who already have some turning experience and want to improve specific skills.
🔧 What We’ll Cover:
• Sanding techniques & grit progression
• Burnishing & buffing methods for high sheen
• Applying waxes, oils & specialty finishes
• Understanding surface prep for different woods
• Repairing or reviving a dull finish
• Choosing finishes for ornaments, bowls, or household pieces• High Speed Buffing
💳 Tuition Pricing
Weekday Only (cash / online):
• 2 hours – €100 / €110
Price is per person. A maximum of two participants may attend together so that both receive equal attention during the session (€200 cash / €220 card for two people). If two people attend, a little extra time is added so both participants receive proper guidance.
💳 Save money by paying cash on the day!
🎁 Gift Vouchers
⚠️ Please note: this workshop is for existing or recently trained woodturners and focuses only on finishing and polishing, sanding and finishing techniques — there’s no real turning involved. It’s not available as a gift voucher option.
If you’re looking for a gift or a beginner-friendly experience, please see my Private Woodturning Tuition or Ornament-Making Classes instead.
☕ Breaks & Catering
Short coffee break included halfway — as always, the coffee machine is on.
✅ Summary of Benefits:
• Bring your own projects for direct feedback
• Hands-on demonstrations on real pieces
• Learn to sand, burnish, and polish properly
• Discover professional finishes & products
• Ideal follow-up after bowl or ornament classes
• Build confidence to finish your own work
🔨 Not just a class — a masterclass in bringing out the best in your work.
📞 Contacting Me for Bookings & Vouchers
📋 Use the Contact Page for all enquiries — it’s the most reliable way to reach me.
📧 I reply within 2 hours (check your spam folder too).
📝 Why not phone? Calls disrupt work and details can get lost.
The form helps me respond thoroughly and stay organised.
Thanks for understanding — I look forward to hearing from you! 😊
