I provide wood finishing in my shop. This includes refinishing and new finish on older and more recent furniture and cabinetry including new pieces. I use both hand finish and spray finish techniques. 

 

I work with both traditional and modern materials. They include waxes, shellac, nitrocellulose laquer, varnishes and catalyzed coatings. I mostly work with clear coatings but  also different varieties of paints as well as glazes, dyes and stains.

 

When it comes to antiques I prefer to preserve and protect original finish as much as is possible while also considering a client's desired outcome.

Restoration and repair of both antique and new woodwork has been a speciality of mine for nearly  two decades. Whether it's worn or damaged woodwork or finish or both, I will do work on site or in my shop to repair and /or restore it. I also have access to historically accurate hardware repair.

 

My work on architectural millwork includes doors, trim, built-in cabinetry, stair components and wall panel systems. Also, I do an occasional wood floor repair. This type of work is most often site work by nature and is therefore subject to many variables specific to a particular job. This usually requires a first hand site visit for pricing and schedule.

 

Furniture work and marine work are usually done in my shop although I do site work when necessary. I try to limit boat work to those 18 feet and under although I can fabricate and finish custom wood appointments for larger craft. I also offer consulting for restoration & repair.

Restoration & Repair

Finishing

Custom Woodworking

Historic Preservation

I am an ardent supporter of preservation. Some of the most interesting and educational work I have done has involved historic preservation. For example, I restored a very ornate drop font desk made for the 1876 Centennial Exhibition in Philidelphia, PA. I recieved the desk with many loose pieces, small details missing, inoperable components and severely degraded finish. After re-assembly and repairs I was able to remove the finish without disturbing the actual wood surface and patina, reconstitute the original finish material and re-apply it. Additionally I have been involved with the 110 year old "La Duchesse", a 106 foot long two story houseboat, the Garrett-Jacobs Mansion in Baltimore, MD and numerous privately owned pieces of furniture. I have also done work for the National Park Service which is responsible for objects of significant national heritage. 

 

Historic preservation work is often done on site and requires a first hand site visit for pricing and schedule. Many times, furniture work can be done in my shop. I am also available for consultation.

 

I am a member of the American Instutute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works (AIC).