The primary emphasis of this book is on the application of various types of finishes to wood furniture. It also contains chapters on furniture repair and the preparation of wood surfaces. New to this edition are a glossary of terms; rewritten and updated information on antiquing, stencilling, and other craft-type finishes; references to specific brand names and products and the companies that produce them; emphasis on safety precautions when using finishes; and extensive rewritten and updated information on all types of stains.

James E. Brumbaugh has spent twenty years in the residential and light commercial construction industry. He is an accomplished educator fluent in several languages, and has written more than fifteen books on HVAC, construction, and the building trades.