How to Apply an Aerosol Finish
Five Minute Guide: How to Use a Tablesaw
Tablesaw Tapering Jig is Safer and Faster
Fixing Woodworking Mistakes
How to Cut Sliding Dovetail Joints
How to Drill Windsor Chair Mortises
Dedicated Sled Delivers Perfect Finger Joints
How to Make a Simple Jig for Offset Knife Hinges
3 Steps to Great Glue-Ups: Sliding Dovetail Joints
Buying and Using Trim Routers
T-Track is a Smart Workbench Accessory
Upgrade Your Jointer with a Segmented Cutterhead
Five Minute Guide: Glue-Ups
Box Making Tips and Tricks
How to Sharpen a Card Scraper
Best Tabletop Finish
Router Jig for Perfectly Aligned Dadoes

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UPDATE: Refinishing Furniture Made Simple (with DVD) by Jeff Jewitt

comments (125) September 11th, 2012 in blogs

Betsy Engel, contributor

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Refinishing Furniture Made Simple (with DVD) by Jeff Jewitt
The Taunton Press, 2012.
$24.95; 128 pp.

Here's a new book from The Taunton Press and we were giving you an opportunity to win a copy. Lucky Candlerain is the winner. His comment was chosen at random.

Jeff Jewitt is a finishing expert and he offers up his knowledge in this new book, Refinishing Furniture Made Simple. The book starts with a section on evaluating the piece: Is it worth refinishing? Or maybe it's a fancy antique that shouldn't be refinished. Next, Jewitt provides info on how to clean or revive a finish as well as how to remove different finishes. The book also explains surface prep, staining, and applying a new finish. Refinishing Furniture Made Simple covers the basics to help you get that old piece of furniture looking great. As an added bonus, the book comes with a DVD (82mins) to assist you with your refinishing projects.

Lucky Candlerain is the winner. His comment was chosen at random.

Check back often for more giveaways.

posted in: blogs, book review, book giveaway, refinishing

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Comments (125)

Dahlbergia writes: Want it! Sign me up, please!
Posted: 4:36 pm on September 11th

scrabtree46 writes: I would love to be a winner like charlie :)
Posted: 10:56 am on September 11th

D11RDozer writes: I think we can all agree that it's time I win one of these giveaways. :-)
Posted: 9:34 am on September 11th

Labman1 writes: My wife says "if you had finished it properly in the first place, you wouldnt have to refinish it" This book looks ideal to reduce those times!
Posted: 10:49 pm on September 10th

LaLaRockefella writes: I would love to win a copy of this book ... So I could refinish my kitchen table for my family! The companion DVD and guide would really help me learn the right way to plan this and many other projects. Thank you.
Posted: 9:18 pm on September 10th

robhodge1 writes: This would be a great book to give to my wife so she can't learn how to do all the finishing!
Posted: 3:33 pm on September 10th

Woody_55 writes: Finishing is always my weak spot. I'm eager to learn more and I hope this book would help.
Posted: 3:18 pm on September 10th

user-926901 writes: Doris Beam writes: Winning this book today would be terrific news. It would be great to win this book as my dining room table needs refinishing and I don't know where to start. I am sure it would provide the information I require.

Posted: 2:59 pm on September 10th

jeepster1 writes: I have a couple of projects I am sure this book could help me with.
Posted: 11:55 am on September 10th

PeterHajdu writes: I neet to refinish a bedroom set that was made around 1920. Over the years, children and pets have taken a large tole on this furniture and there are scrapes and gauges on it. This book would come in very handy as I know little about refinishing.
Posted: 9:07 am on September 10th

Archfella94 writes: I have a couple of books by Jeff and this one would certainly be a great add to my collection.
Posted: 8:40 am on September 10th

Pennstate84 writes: This book would sure help to answer the many questions I have about refinishing antiques.
Posted: 2:16 am on September 10th

Sharkooo writes: Living in San Diego, CA limits my finish options because of so many air VOC laws that I need to learn some new methods beyond my favorite: Waterlox.
I am preparing to install 2700 sq. feet of solid Walnut floors so Your book could be helpful.
Posted: 12:02 am on September 10th

Water_Doc writes: This would be great! Count me in.....thanks.
Posted: 5:30 pm on September 9th

the_wild_lucy writes: We would enjoy this book!
Posted: 5:26 pm on September 9th

bigrick006 writes: I currently have a large kitchen/dining table that requires a major stripping &/or refinishing ,& a 2 tier round plant table with circle stains. Desperately needing professional advice on how to procede, without destroying anything.thks.....g...
Posted: 4:58 pm on September 9th

sboston writes: I sometimes refinish a piece and every time I swear it will be the last. In the middle of one now and always looking for a better way. This one ia a walnut table circa 1920's.
The book/video might kick it up a notch!!
Posted: 3:29 pm on September 9th

debluetailfly writes: Am learning all I can about finishing. Already have another of Jeff's fine books, and this would complement it in my collection. PsychoDice vibrations will make me win!!!
Posted: 2:44 pm on September 9th

ScreenSander writes: Just bought some shellack to make French Polish for refinishing my mahogany furniture. Just the right time to learn "how to" from this expert, Jeff Jewitt!
Posted: 2:30 pm on September 9th

fred_1_fred writes: Great! This Made Simple series is really clear and learning refinishing would be a big help.
Posted: 1:26 pm on September 9th

MacGregorWoodWorks writes: I need all the finishing help i can get!
Posted: 12:16 am on September 9th

Ron_C writes: George Carlin on refinishing a table: "Don't you have to restart?"
Posted: 8:39 pm on September 8th

jedgberi writes: I have several antiques that need to be thoroughly refinished. This book would go a long ways towards helping.
Posted: 8:35 pm on September 8th

ssamuelj writes: If I learned THAT much from a 6-minute video, imagine what the book and full DVD could do!
Posted: 7:38 pm on September 8th

drsprky writes: I've got an old (1930's?) vanity sitting in my lab that a neighbor asked me to refinish almost a year ago. He said he's not real persnickity about how it looks, he just wants it usable. I told him at the time that refinishing isn't my forte, but that I would be happy to use it as a tool for my own learning. In the ensuing months, I've made and finished several pieces. Now it's this Thing's turn. I'm scared to death of messing it up. I read Jeff's article in FWW and am using it as a guide. But still, scared to jump in. Please let me have the book. And Jeff's phone number.
Posted: 6:41 pm on September 8th

grob103 writes: I enjoy repairing and rebuilding old furniture and antique pieces that are no longer serviceable and making them useful again. However, I must admit that refinishing is my least favorite aspect of a project. I liken it to alchemy. It seems that it takes a wizard with some magical understanding to do it right.
Posted: 5:00 pm on September 8th

woodchunker writes: I, too, would love to have this book. I most certainly need to read it!
Posted: 4:50 pm on September 8th

DavetheWoodworker writes: It seems that no matter how many articles I read or pieces I refinish, I have more questions or new situations that I dont' have answers for. I would love to have a copy of this book and am especially looking forward to reading the sections on determining if it is worth refinishing, and if antiques should be refinished. Overall, your outline of the book sounds like it will be very helpful to me. Thanks for this opportunity.
Posted: 3:35 pm on September 8th

stachit writes: Sounds great. Maybe the book can help me with one of my hardest processes.
Posted: 2:54 pm on September 8th

opie123 writes: I have a stack of projects ready to go. Count me in!
Posted: 1:24 pm on September 8th

Fredr01 writes: Just getting started. The book would be helpful
Posted: 12:17 pm on September 8th

maztec writes: I've been trying to figure out how to refinish old wooden toys for my daughter, this would be perfect!
Posted: 11:10 am on September 8th

wollmershauser writes: Finishing is an area that I need more information and help with. This book looks like it would do teh trick.
Posted: 11:09 am on September 8th

pabull writes: This book looks like it will answer all my finishing questions. Besides that it would look real good on my bookshelf with the other woodworking books.

PaBull.
Posted: 10:59 am on September 8th

emptysaddle writes: Wife bought me a very nice, antique (real one)lawyers bookcase with glass doors for Christmas. Finish needs a little TLC. Don't want to ruin old finish and value of bookcase, but bookcase needs good cleaning and a few spot touch ups. If don't win the book, will probably purchase later to update the several I have in my library of wood working/finishing books.
Posted: 10:58 am on September 8th

Jasper_50 writes: Looks like a good book to have...count me in please
Posted: 8:40 am on September 8th

TexasTed writes: This appears to be "Finishing for Dummies", just what I need.
Posted: 8:21 am on September 8th

boomerjunier writes: Would love to participate. I've been meaning to refinish my oak kitchen table and have never done any refinishing work... ever. This will help guide me through the process.
Posted: 7:51 am on September 8th

pauldonis writes: When it comes to refinishing, I could always use a bit of extra help. This book would come in handy in that respect!
Posted: 7:29 am on September 8th

DonzoB writes: I like to have the book!

Don
Posted: 6:20 am on September 8th

John_Moran writes: Count me in ... although I think us Brits are excluded from all your "win this" promotions for some reason ...
Posted: 4:50 am on September 8th

Flipper3932 writes: I do a lot of furniture refinishing and have been looking for a GOOD book to help me improve my skills. This book should be the answer I'm looking for.
Posted: 3:27 am on September 8th

sadie170 writes: This book would really help in my next refinishing project.
Posted: 10:10 pm on September 7th

Edward writes: When it comes to finishing I can never learn enough. Every project is an opportunity to try a new product or method. Learning from Jeff: doesn't get any better than that.
Posted: 5:22 pm on September 7th

sloanworks writes: yup
Posted: 6:12 am on September 7th

JQL writes: I've been working wood for over fifty years and retired recently and now have my own dedicated workshop. My primary finishing method has been linseed oil, poly, and mineral spirits mixture and shellac. I quess it is time to try something new.
Posted: 2:11 am on September 7th

Woodworker3301 writes: Finishing and Using Hand Tools are two areas I need improvement!
Posted: 9:53 pm on September 6th

blackre3 writes: Looks great. Thanks for the opportunity.
Posted: 8:32 pm on September 6th

Rambler writes: I could use as much as information as possible when it comes to finishing. With 100+ degree days and 15% humidity, getting finishes to apply correctly is always a challenge for me.
Posted: 2:47 pm on September 6th

Turtles_Cabinets writes: Please let me win.
Posted: 1:48 pm on September 6th

bko writes: Great looking good--I'd love to have it!
Posted: 11:12 am on September 6th

pisan writes: All the best woodworking techniques mean nothing if you are a poor finisher. I am working on the finishing aspects of my woodworking skills and desperately need to enhance my finishing / refinishing techniques. Jeff's new book will go a long way to help in my pursuit of woodworking bliss.
Posted: 10:19 am on September 6th

scrabtree46 writes: please! haha
Posted: 10:14 am on September 6th

JoeAlpeza writes: One of Jeff's books would be a great addition to my library.
Posted: 9:11 am on September 6th

IndyMac writes: I'd like to have that book.
Posted: 9:02 am on September 6th

MacGregorWoodWorks writes: I would be proud to receive Jeff's book!!
Posted: 10:18 pm on September 5th

Redoy writes: Finishing new wood is an education on its own but refinishing/restoring takes a completely different approach. I'm very much interested in what Jeff has to say.
Posted: 9:29 pm on September 5th

MKWerman writes: I would love to have this book. I have two refinishing jobs on the horizon right now. Pick me, pick me!

Posted: 8:57 pm on September 5th

Dean7 writes: Looks like a finishing book worth having & a DVD too!
Posted: 8:30 pm on September 5th

JPSzcz writes: Great oogly moogly! That looks awesome!
Posted: 4:43 pm on September 5th

Millo_77 writes: I've seen his hand-applied finishes video, read some of his articles, have used his dyes. Great stuff!
Posted: 4:25 pm on September 5th

FrancisFranjo writes: Developing the correct plan for the item is the hardest part for me.
Posted: 3:31 pm on September 5th

Woodsmithy writes: Great book by one of the top wood finishing experts. count me in too.
Posted: 12:08 pm on September 5th

sk2tobin writes: Yes please! would love to learn more about finishing and refinishing.
Posted: 6:39 am on September 5th

TobiasSanDiego writes: I'd can't wait to review this new book by Jeff!
Posted: 1:13 am on September 5th

rodk1 writes: Would love it , sign me up!
Posted: 12:54 am on September 5th

casaheil writes: This wbook would be handy. I've got a few pieces that could use a fresh finish.
Posted: 11:03 pm on September 4th

mtnfreak14 writes: mmmmmmmmmm, books.
Posted: 10:34 pm on September 4th

drllucas writes: This would be helpful. I am seriously thinking of starting a small refinishing business to help support me in my dottering years. Jewitt is brilliant.

Posted: 10:22 pm on September 4th

bobandsally writes: Sign me up. I would love a copy.
Posted: 10:05 pm on September 4th

routerrat writes: I am really finished when it comes to finishing.
Posted: 9:59 pm on September 4th

dtrust writes: I still remember my first refinishing project. I was 13 years old and refinished my bed headboard. That project taught me why you always do your final sanding WITH the grain. Boy, do the mistakes show up when you put that stain on!

Love to get a copy of the book, never stop learning
Posted: 9:35 pm on September 4th

derfm writes: I would really appreciate help with finishing, it is still a mystery to me

Posted: 8:44 pm on September 4th

wikki writes: This a TOOL I can use right now more than ever . An Pass it on to the next woodworker to keep the craft ALIVE
Posted: 5:45 pm on September 4th

GoRedsUS writes: I need all the help I can get on finishing and refinishing.
Posted: 4:44 pm on September 4th

Bsmiley writes: This looks like a petty good book to read.
Posted: 4:32 pm on September 4th

Minotaur writes: I know it is a couple of years or so away, but what a good way to learn the art of refinishing for my retirement. It will keep the grey cells ticking over and it would be a real treat to win this book and DVD
Posted: 3:43 pm on September 4th

Xyppee1 writes: This is a very cool prize. I would love to learn refinishing. It would thrill my wife !! LOL

Posted: 2:28 pm on September 4th

candlerain writes: I need this so much, I suck at finishing!!!!!
Posted: 2:26 pm on September 4th

jtobs writes: Count me in!! Jeff's books are awesome!
Posted: 1:16 pm on September 4th

zzzzdoc writes: Sign me up. If it's anywhere as good as his other books, should be great.
Posted: 1:02 pm on September 4th

Laliberte writes: Sounds like just the right book for me!
Posted: 10:29 am on September 4th

JP4 writes: Count me in. Thanks
Posted: 8:29 am on September 4th

JocknTexas writes: I have done a little refinishing work and know I need to know more so count me in!!!
Posted: 7:37 am on September 4th

Jimx writes: The reviews on this book are quite good. I would like to own it.
Posted: 7:13 am on September 4th

thewoodninja writes: I like that Jeff starts out with figuring out whether pieces are even worth finishing or if they are too valuable to be refinished in the first place. Looks like a great resource to own.
Posted: 5:44 am on September 4th

jverreault writes: This would be a great addition to the finishing section of my meager library of woodworking books & DVDs. Thanks for the chance.
Cheers,

John
Posted: 2:08 am on September 4th

chri7s writes: This looks like a quality read and would be a help in giving new life to the antiques that have made their way through the generations and into my house.
Posted: 10:40 pm on September 3rd

bigjon_175 writes: I have his 'Great Wood Finishes' book. This would be a great addition to learn more about finishing.
Posted: 9:32 pm on September 3rd

JLYoung writes: Count me in too please! Thanks
Posted: 8:14 pm on September 3rd

GeorgeRousis writes: I need all the help I can get with finishing projects around out 1913 bungalow.
Posted: 8:13 pm on September 3rd

fossa writes: Hello! Sign me up, please. I need all the help I can get.
Posted: 8:02 pm on September 3rd

Geneaux writes: Sign me up! Thanks!
Posted: 7:57 pm on September 3rd

jimabbruzzese writes: I have refinished a couple of pieces but would love to know how a pro does it. Fingers crossed.
Posted: 6:24 pm on September 3rd

Noah74 writes: Sign me up!!!!
Posted: 5:18 pm on September 3rd

wood96 writes: Fresh thinking to challenge and validate our thinking is always good
Posted: 4:43 pm on September 3rd

beem writes: Count me in. Thanks!
Posted: 3:55 pm on September 3rd

PB1235 writes: I've done several refinishing projects over the years but it is always great to learn how others handle the task. We learn to be better when we can learn from one another.
Posted: 3:45 pm on September 3rd

Larrythewoodguy writes: Don"t have to many finishing books thanks for a chance to win.
Posted: 3:24 pm on September 3rd

dcp writes: A great companion to Jeff's Spray Finishing book.
Posted: 3:13 pm on September 3rd

cahudson42 writes: Another hat in the ring! Thanks!
Posted: 1:39 pm on September 3rd

ABADGER1 writes: THIS BOOK MAY BE GREAT FOR ME...READY TO LEARN FROM MY MISTAKES.
Posted: 1:36 pm on September 3rd

krweatherl writes: Refinishing is even more confusing than finishing. Think I'll have this book in my library.
Posted: 12:28 pm on September 3rd

JoeBrewer writes: I would love to have this book! I plan on refinishing my coffee and end tables soon.
Posted: 10:45 am on September 3rd

theframer writes: Finishing tips of any kind are always good to hear.

Posted: 9:50 am on September 3rd

bluejay writes: Jeff's material is always good. Looking forward to getting it.
Posted: 7:53 am on September 3rd

PurdueDan writes: Would love to have this.
Posted: 7:33 am on September 3rd

jrfuda writes: I really enjoyed Jeff's "Spray Finishing Made Simple" book and DVD, really helpedme get started. I'm looking forward to this book and DVD as well.
Posted: 6:43 am on September 3rd

BigO writes: need this book bad!!!!
Posted: 6:10 am on September 3rd

JayMel writes: Woodworkers don't like finishing projects, which is why I need this book.
Posted: 11:07 pm on September 2nd

GlenRoseBud writes: I really need this book. Just read a lot of conflicting tips on the web and need a real experts thoughts and techniques.
Posted: 9:37 pm on September 2nd

Circuit Rider writes: I can always use another finishing book

Posted: 7:44 pm on September 2nd

Circuit Rider writes: I can always use another finishing book!
Posted: 7:42 pm on September 2nd

jdm92562 writes: I would like to expand my finishing ability and think this would be a great help.
Posted: 7:20 pm on September 2nd

MikeOD writes: Can't wait to read this one, I'm a big fan of Jeff's work.
Posted: 6:52 pm on September 2nd

brockangelo writes: Looking forward to working through this one.
Posted: 6:15 pm on September 2nd

jzisa writes: I'm excited to read it finishing has been a great learning process but refinishing is really intimidating for some reason. Its one thing working on my own project but I'd hate to mess up some one else's work.
Posted: 5:13 pm on September 2nd

Jmos writes: I can always use another finishing book, and Jeff's stuff is great.
Posted: 4:14 pm on September 2nd

Kittu writes: I have used only shellac and wax on 3 projects and shellac,stain and wax on one project 8 projects over the last year sill await finishing!!
Posted: 3:59 pm on September 2nd

Since1971 writes: Uncle Ed writes: My wife inherited a largish dining room table and coffee table, hand made in Peru. Forty years on, the joints are separating and the finish shows the wear. Worth saving, just unsure on multiple fronts.

Posted: 3:39 pm on September 2nd

GrumpyBadger writes: I'd love to have a copy of that! I'm sitting here looking at a dresser that I've been meaning to refinish for years... might be the kick in the pants that I need.
Posted: 2:54 pm on September 2nd

candlebox writes: Just finished replacing an old tabletop for a neighbor. Would have loved to have had Jewitt's input. From what I hear, he's one of the best. I hope to win the book. Thanks for the shot at it.
Posted: 2:02 pm on September 2nd

Greg Jones writes: I've heard good things about this book-I'd like a copy of my own!
Posted: 1:35 pm on September 2nd

MikeSweet writes: Would love to have this book. I am always refinishing furniture and wondering what is the best way to do it. Hope I win this book/DVD combo!
Posted: 1:34 pm on September 2nd

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UPDATE: Refinishing Furniture Made Simple (with DVD) by Jeff Jewitt

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