Woodworking: The Art and the Craft FINISHINGFINISHING TECHNIQUESTECHNIQUES

TEACHER’S GUIDE INTRODUCTION This Teacher’s Guide provides information to help you get the most out of Finishing Techniques. The contents of this guide will allow you to prepare your students before using the program and to present follow-up activities to reinforce the program’s key learn- ing points.

Part of the Woodworking: The Art and the Craft video series, Finishing Techniques explains and illustrates how to properly finish wood. While the program includes informa- tion about the tools and safety requirements of the task, the focus of the program is to provide specific information centered on how to sand, stain, paint, and apply other finish- ing techniques.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES After viewing the program, students will be able to: ■ Define and identify the different types of woods. ■ Understand why sanding is important to finishing wood and know the difference between the different sanding methods. ■ Identify and practice proper safety procedures when sanding and finishing wood. ■ Repair damages to wood before finishing. ■ Select the appropriate stain for different woods and describe the four types of finish. ■ Describe the procedures for applying wood finishes.

EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS National Standards This program correlates with the following competency standards for Construction Craft Laborer from the National Center for Construction Education & Research. The content has been aligned with the following educational standards and benchmarks from this organi- zation. ■ Explain the role that safety plays in the construction crafts. ■ Demonstrate the use and care of appropriate personal protective equipment. ■ Explain the terms commonly used in discussing wood and lumber. ■ State the uses of various types of hardwoods and soft woods.

The competencies and objectives from the National Center for Construction Education & Research have been reprinted with permission.

English Language Arts Standards The activities in this Teacher’s Guide were created in compliance with the following National Standards for the English Language Arts from the National Council of Teachers of English. ■ Uses the general skills and strategies of the writing process. ■ Gathers and uses information for research purposes. ■ Uses strategies to adapt writing for different purposes (e.g., to explain, inform, analyze, entertain, reflect, persuade). ■ Uses reading skills and strategies to understand and interpret a variety of informational texts. 2 ■ Uses discussions with peers as a way of understanding information. Copyright © 2004 Meridian Education Corporation® ■ Uses listening and speaking strategies for different purposes. ■ Makes formal presentations to the class (e.g., includes definitions for clarity; supports main ideas using anecdotes, examples, statistics, analogies, and other evidence; uses visual aids or technology, such as transparencies, slides, electronic media; cites informa- tion sources). ■ Uses viewing skills and strategies to understand and interpret visual media. ■ Uses a variety of criteria (e.g., clarity, accuracy, effectiveness, bias, relevance of facts) to evaluate informational media (e.g., web sites, documentaries, news programs).

Standards for the English Language Arts, by the International Reading Association and the National Council of Teachers of English, Copyright 1996 by the International Reading Association and the National Council of Teachers of English. Reprinted with permission.

Technology Standards The activities in this Teacher’s Guide were created in compliance with the following National Education Technology Standards from the National Education Technology Standards Project. ■ Students demonstrate a sound understanding of the nature and operation of technolo- gy systems. ■ Students are proficient in the use of technology. ■ Students use a variety of media and formats to communicate information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences. ■ Students use technology to locate, evaluate, and collect information from a variety of sources. ■ Students use technology tools to process data and report results. ■ Students evaluate and select new information resources and technological innovations based on the appropriateness for specific tasks.

The National Education Technology Standards reprinted with permission from the International Society for Technology Education.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW Every wood project must be finished to enhance its look and to protect it from damage. This program demonstrates the major materials and techniques that are used in the finish- ing process. Also included throughout are safety concerns and best practices related to wood finishing.

MAIN TOPICS Topic 1: Sanding Introduces the need for sanding and demonstrates sanding techniques. Shows three types of sanders and their particular uses. Also shows hand sanding tools and techniques.

Topic 2: Repairing Dents Demonstrates how to remove small dents by steaming. Explains the three types of wood filler, and how to fill dents using them. 3 Topic 3: Selecting and Applying Stain and Paint Shows three methods for applying stain and paint. Explains safety precautions to use when working with stains. Explains the factors that determine which stain to use. Demonstrates proper stain application technique. Also explains how to lighten stain after it has dried.

Topic 4: Selecting and Applying Finishes Demonstrates techniques for applying finishes. Explains the different types of finish, and their advantages and disadvantages.

Topic 5: Selecting and Applying Clear Coats Explains why clear coats are used over finishes. Demonstrates techniques for applying clear coats. Explains the different types of clear coats, and their advantages and disadvan- tages.

FAST FACTS ■ The finish can either enhance the look of the wood or magnify its imperfections. ■ Soft wood absorbs color quickly and may take stain unevenly. ■ Start sanding with 80 or 100 grit sandpaper and rarely go beyond 180 grit. ■ Sanders come in different types, including the belt sander, the orbital pad sander, and the random-orbit sander. ■ The belt sander removes a lot of wood in a short amount of time. ■ The orbital pad sander removes the least of the three power sanders, and leaves small round distinctive scratches on the wood. ■ Random-orbit sanders fall in between the two other sander types. ■ Hand sanding results in the best surface for a finish to be applied. ■ Use a “dental floss” technique to sand spindles. ■ To check for snags, gently rub a tack cloth across sanded wood. ■ Repair small dents using a steam technique; repair large dents using wood filler. ■ Allow the project to dry thoroughly between steps. ■ Only the final coat needs to be “with the grain.” ■ The stain and the finish must be compatible, but not have the same solvent. ■ You can lighten the stain after it has dried by rubbing it with solvent. ■ Clear coats give added protection to the finish coat.

VOCABULARY TERMS binder: The solvent or transport medium of a stain. clear coat: An epoxy, polyurethane, or acrylic coating that is applied after the finish coat for additional protection to the wood. colorant: The chemicals in a stain that provide the color. dye: A type of colorant consisting of a liquid that smoothly penetrates the wood. finish coat: A coating applied to wood to protect it from environmental hazards. hardwood: Wood that is not easily marked with a fingernail and that takes stain evenly. paint: A coating applied to wood to cover the wood surface and color. pigment: A type of colorant consisting of colored particles that lodge onto the pores, scratches and defects in the wood. 4 sand: To use an abrasive such as sandpaper to rub off imperfections and smooth the wood. sanding block: A small block of wood around which sandpaper is wrapped for use in hand sanding. soft wood: Wood that is easily marked with a fingernail and that takes stain unevenly. stain: A chemical applied to wood to change its color.

PRE-PROGRAM DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. What do you think is the most important step in finishing wood? 2. Have you ever finished a wood project? Did you like the results? Why or why not? 3. Why do we use stains on wood? 4. Why do we use a finish coat on wood?

POST-PROGRAM DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. What do you think is the most important step in finishing wood? 2. What will you do differently now to finish your wood projects? 3. Would you rather finish soft wood or hardwood? 4. Why does hand sanding give the best finish? 5. In what careers might the techniques demonstrated in this video be useful?

GROUP ACTIVITIES Stains and Finishes Display Have the class prepare a display of different stains and different finishes on the woods used in the shop. This activity will familiarize students with the different effects of stains and finishes on the wood they will be using.

INDIVIDUAL STUDENT PROJECTS Make a Sanding Block Have students make a sanding block. This activity provides practice in preparing materials for hand sanding.

Dents: Before and After Have students make a demonstration board containing small and medium dents. On one half, simply apply stain and finish. On the other half, repair the dents prior to staining and finishing. This activity illustrates the importance of proper wood repair, and provides prac- tice in wood repair techniques.

INTERNET ACTIVITIES Stains and Finishes Have individuals or groups of students research the manufacturers of stains and finishes, and their available products. The research should include the intended market or use for each stain and finish. This activity will familiarize students with the products available for use in staining and finishing their projects. 5 ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS Q: What is the difference between soft wood and hardwood, and how do you distinguish between them? Answer/Feedback: Soft wood absorbs color quickly and may take stain unevenly. Hardwood does the opposite. If you can make a dent in the wood with a fingernail, it is soft wood.

Q: If you are careful, you can skip directly from 80-grit sandpaper to 180-grit sandpaper. (True or False) A: False Feedback: This will leave sanding marks in the wood from the 80-grit sandpaper.

Q: Why is sanding important for proper finishing? Answer/Feedback: Sanding removes imperfections. If you didn’t remove these imperfec- tions, the stain and finish would magnify them.

Q: What are the different types of power sanders? (Select all that apply.) (a) Orbital disk (b) Circular (c) Belt (d) Random-orbit (e) Random belt A: (a) Orbital disk, (c) Belt, (d) Random-orbit Feedback: Circular and random belt are not sanders.

Q: Why not use steel wool to sand prior to a water-based finish? (a) It doesn’t do a good enough job. (b) It leaves iron particles that may rust. (c) It scratches the wood too much. (d) It causes slivers to be imbedded in the users hands. (e) It is too expensive. A: (b) It leaves iron particles that may rust. Feedback: The steel wool particles can’t be completely removed from the wood. Since the finish is water-based, the steel particles will rust.

Q: When using the steaming technique to remove small dents from wood, which of the following statements is/are true? (Select all that apply.) (a) Never touch the soldering iron to the wood itself. (b) Let the wood dry thoroughly before proceeding. (c) The wood must be sanded afterwards. (d) a and c only. (e) a, b, and c. A: (e) a, b, and c Feedback: Touching the soldering iron to the wood would burn it. The wood must be dry before sanding. 6 Q: Choose the main types of wood filler. (Select all that apply.) (a) Nitrocellulose-based (b) Acrylic-based (c) Lacquer-based (d) Latex-based (e) Gypsum-based A: (a) Nitrocellulose-based, (b) Acrylic-based, and (e) Gypsum-based Feedback: Nitrocellulose-based putty cures very fast. Acrylic-based cleans up with water until it cures. Gypsum-based is mixed with water, but will not re-dissolve once it has cured.

Q: What are the methods of applying stain and paint? (Select all that apply.) (a) Dipping or immersion (b) Spray gun (c) Brushing (d) Using the fingers (e) By cloth A: (b) Spray gun, (c) Brushing, and (e) By cloth Feedback: Brushes come in numerous sizes and bristle types. There are also foam brush- es. Polyester and other synthetic fabrics don’t work as well because they aren’t absorbent enough. Spray guns are for the more advanced woodworker.

Q: State and explain the three factors that determine the properties of a stain. Answer/Feedback: Binder, colorant, and thickness. Binders are one of four common fin- ishes: oil, varnish, lacquer, or water-base. The colorant is a pigment or a dye, and each has a very distinct look. The thickness of the stain affects how freely it flows and pene- trates the wood.

Q: What are the different types of finish? (Select all that apply.) (a) Varnish (b) Lacquer (c) Shellac (d) Water-based (e) All of the above A: (e) All of the above Feedback: All of these are excellent finishes. Varnish, including polyurethane, is the most durable and the most popular finish. Most lacquers are made to be sprayed; they dry too fast for brushing. Shellac has poor resistance to water, alcohol, and heat. Water-based fin- ishes have become popular in recent years. Water-based finishes are scratch-resistant; they are very hard, and resemble a polyurethane finish.

7 ADDITIONAL RESOURCES WEBSITES

Woodworking.com www.woodworking.com

New WoodWorker.com www.newwoodworker.com

Fine Woodworking www.taunton.com/finewoodworking/index.asp

Women in Woodworking www.womeninwoodworking.com

National Center for Construction Education and Research www.nccer.org

BOOKS

The Basics of Craftsmanship: Key Advice on Every Aspect of Woodworking (Essentials of Woodworking), by Purdy Strother. Rodney Crosby Publishers’ Group West, 1999. ISBN: 1561582972

Tage Frid Teaches Woodworking 1&2: A Step-By-Step Guidebook to Essential Woodworking Technique, by Tage Frid, Peter Chapman (Editor). Taunton Press, 1994. ISBN: 1561580686

Setting Up Shop: The Practical Guide to Designing and Building Your Dream Shop, by Sandor Nagyszalanczy. Taunton Press, 2001. ISBN: 1561585556

Wood: Technology and Processes, by John L. Feirer and Mark D. Feirer. McGraw Hill, 2002. ISBN: 007822411X

MAGAZINES

American Woodworker, F&W Publications Inc., ASIN: B00005NION

Fine Woodworking, Taunton Direct, Inc., ASIN: B000063XJH

Popular Woodworking, F&W Publications Inc., ASIN: B00005NION

Woodworkers Journal, Rockler Press, ASIN: B00005N7TN

8 OTHER PRODUCTS Woodworking: The Art and the Craft, VHS/DVD, Meridian Education Woodworking: The Art and the Craft is a 15-part video series that explains and illustrates a variety of common techniques and cuts used in woodworking. While each program includes information on the tools and safety requirements of each task, the focus of the program is to provide specific information on “how to” accomplish each task. The series includes the following titles: Ripping and Crosscutting; Finishing Techniques; Basic Methods of Measuring and Cutting; Working with Nails and Screws; Planning; Sanding; Methods of Cutting Circles and Curves; Sawing & Shaping; Gluing & Clamping; Creating Biscuit and Dowel Joints; Creating Rabbet Joints; Creating Dado Joints; Creating Miter Joints; Creating Mortise-and-Tenon Joints; Creating Dovetail Joints and Casework. Item no: 31970, www.meridianeducation.com, 1-800-727-5507

Careers in Construction Trades, CD-ROM, Shopware The need for qualified construction workers continues to grow. This interactive CD-ROM guides users through several occupations in the construction industry, including cement masons, bricklayers, plumbers, pipe fitters, carpenters, and electricians. Video interview segments include information on the background of each job, what is expected of the employee, qualifications, subjects in which to enroll, what the job is like, expected wages, and outlook for each job. Interactions and quiz segments appear throughout the program to help reinforce concepts and information. This is the perfect program for those interest- ed in a construction career! Windows only. Item no: 20434, www.shopware-usa.com, 1-800-257-5126

Carpenters, VHS/DVD, Cambridge Educational This fast-paced program provides a concise profile of carpenters, looking at educational background, apprenticeships, salary, and the work itself. Item no: 32261, www.cambridgeeducational.com, 1-800-468-4227

Building Basics: An Interactive Guide to the Fundamentals of Construction, CD-ROM, Shopware Learn the basics of construction in this exciting and informative CD-ROM. The program covers all aspects of construction, from the initial planning to the steps involved in build- ing both light and heavy constructions. All construction should begin with a good plan— Section One outlines factors to consider during the planning phase, including identifying the purpose of the structure, its form, cost, and types of materials to use. It also intro- duces various tools used in the construction process and discusses the functions of each. Light construction methods are discussed in Section Two, using homes, small apartment buildings, and offices as examples. Windows only. Item no: 24232, www.shopware-usa.com, 1-800-257-5126

Building Trades Series, VHS/DVD, Meridian Education A very comprehensive overview of the many elements needed to build a structure. Each of the ten videos provides a look at a specific construction area and shows the work being performed, while explaining what’s involved in the job. Individual titles offer flexibili- ty to cover topics as needed...fits any curriculum requiring general information. The series includes Blueprints: Planning a Building; Climate Control; Drywalling and Interior 9 Trimming; Electricity; Exterior Walls and Roof Construction; Floor and Wall Construction; Interior Finish Work; Plumbing; Site Preparation; and The Foundation. Item no: 24841, www.meridianeducation.com, 1-800-727-5507

Construction Technology, VHS/DVD, Meridian Education This five-part video series explores the world of construction technology. It provides an overview for elements of project design, site preparation, erecting sub- and superstruc- tures, installing utilities, and enclosing, finishing, and landscaping. Using an entertaining format, the series follows a student in the future who uses his home computer to answer questions on a school project. The series includes Enclosing, Finishing, and Landscaping Structures; Erecting Substructures and Superstructures; Installing Utilities; Introduction to Construction Technology; and Project Design and Site Preparation. Item no: 17674, www.meridianeducation.com, 1-800-727-5507

Introduction to Construction Technology, VHS/DVD, Meridian Education Covers basic information on construction technology, including a definition of construc- tion, the project design, types of construction, the involvement of architects in the con- struction process, zoning laws, building codes, local covenants, site preparation, substruc- ture and superstructure, building materials, installation of utilities, enclosing, and finish- ing. Item no: 25678, www.meridianeducation.com, 1-800-727-5507

Millwrights, VHS/DVD, Meridian Education This fast-paced program provides a concise profile of millwrights, looking at educational background, apprenticeships, salary, and the work itself. Item no: 32270, www.meridianeducation.com, 1-800-727-5507

Residential Carpentry Framing Series, VHS/DVD, Meridian Education A step-by-step “how-to” series of videos that will show your students how to build. Whether working with floor, wall, ceiling, or roof framing, viewers get a first-hand look at construction procedures, safety issues, and proper tools. A clear explanation of each step provides in-depth information, while viewers watch actual carpenters do the work. “Notes” are given throughout, offering tips and safety warnings. The series includes Residential Ceiling Framing; Residential Floor Framing; Residential Roof Framing; and Residential Wall Framing. Item no: 26204, www.meridianeducation.com, 1-800-727-5507

Tour of the Trades, VHS/DVD, Meridian Education The construction industry is big business, involving hundreds of professions and specialty areas. This program offers a fast-paced survey of the skilled construction trades, providing a sense of the diversity of jobs available, as well as comparing the wages of construction trades to other industries. Along with dozens of scenes from construction projects on a variety of scales, apprentices and journeyman workers discuss what they enjoy about their trade and how they got started. Item no: 32258, www.meridianeducation.com, 1-800-727-5507 10 2572 Brunswick Avenue Lawrenceville, NJ 08648

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