IMO, this book is the bible on finishing.  First edition was a real education for me and second edition is about 50% more text and photos.   If you don't have this book, it will be the best money you ever spent.    Until June 29, 2018, Woodcraft has it on sale for $10 off.

Wow, almost 1/2 off, can't beat that. Thanks Keith. Finishing has always been my hardest skill.

 

Herb

If you want a better price or want to read the first edition  try this: Thrift Books

I have a hardcover edition of "Understanding Wood Finishing" dated 1994. It's one of a library of many woodworking books that I've accumulated over many years. I surely don't know everything that Bob Flexner included there, but I'm reasonably certain that I won't be trying anything that I haven't already tried. So, in order to insure the book will find a good use in the future, I'm offering it to whoever first lets me know thru a PM, that they are interested, and provides a mailing address to send it to. The book is in very good condition.

Edited June 4, 20188 yr by It Was Al B

That is a super offer Al, hope one of the new folks on the site might take you up on it.

I put this book and/or the one by Jeff Jewitt on the list of required material in any hobbyist shop. Personally, I find Bob's book a little easier to read (I actually sat down and read it much like a novel) but the both contain pretty much the same info. Jeff's book is probably a little easier to use as a desk reference. But having one should be a requirement for anyone that intends to finish anything.

Thanks Keith.  Ordered and on the way.

1 hour ago, Fred W. Hargis Jr said:

I put this book and/or the one by Jeff Jewitt on the list of required material in any hobbyist shop. Personally, I find Bob's book a little easier to read (I actually sat down and read it much like a novel) but the both contain pretty much the same info. Jeff's book is probably a little easier to use as a desk reference. But having one should be a requirement for anyone that intends to finish anything.

I like both and think they complement each other well.   I find Jewitt's book goes into more things, perhaps, and is well-illustrated.   Most topics cover 4-6 pages.  

Flexner tends to get more into fundamentals and why things work the way they work.  And Flexner is the original myth-buster.  Becoming frustrated with why things didn't work the way they should and why directions and labels seem to not coincide with reality, he dug in and did the research.

 

I have said in the past that Flexner is the undergraduate course and Jewitt is the graduate level course.

 

On 6/3/2018 at 10:05 PM, It Was Al B said:

I have a hardcover edition of "Understanding Wood Finishing" . In order to insure the book will find a good use in the future, I'm offering it to whoever first lets me know thru a PM, that they are interested, and provides a mailing address to send it to. The book is in very good condition.

Still haven't received any requests.

I'm surprised, too.

 

Consider yourself PM'ed. 

Glad to say that the book will soon find its new home. Hope you enjoy it.

Al, 

 

Book arrived today in perfect condition. 

 

THANK YOU. 

 

and THANK YOU, again.