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Master The Foolproof, Non-Toxic Wood Finish

When
Tue, November 17, 2026
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Location
Woodshop
Spaces left
9

Registration

Non-member 1 - Pay it Forward – $115.00
$105 class registration + $10 materials fee
Non-Member 2 - Standard – $97.00
$87 class registration + $10 materials fee
Non-Member 3 - Community Supported 80 – $80.00
$70 class registration + $10 materials fee
Non-Member 4 - Community Supported 64 – $66.00
$56 class registration + $10 materials fee
TCM Member 1 - Pay It Forward – $97.00
$87 class registration + $10 materials fee
TCM Member 2 - Standard – $80.00
$70 class registration + $10 materials fee
TCM Member 3 - Community Supported 80 – $66.00
$56 class registration + $10 materials fee
TCM Member 4 - Community Supported 64 – $55.00
$45 class registration + $10 materials fee

Master non-toxic and inexpensive wood finishing technique that you can use on every project.

About This Class

Finishing is often the most intimidating part of woodworking, but achieving a heirloom-quality surface doesn’t require costly mixes or dangerous chemicals. In this hands-on workshop, you will master a traditional, foolproof finishing method that is both budget-friendly and completely non-toxic once cured.

Experience Level

Makers of all experience levels and skills.

Skills You Will Learn

Using simple, readily available Shellac, we strip away the YouTube fuss of modern finishings in favor of a natural, old technique. Learn how to mix and thin shellac—a natural, food-safe (not for cutting boards) resin derived from lac bugs—using denatured alcohol and create a fast-drying seal. Discover the rubbing technique that eliminates brush marks, drips, and dust nibs, giving you full control using inexpensive shop rags. Complete the piece with a hand-buffed hard wax coat producing a warm satin luster that invites touch. You will leave with a reliable, budget-conscious finishing system that is safe to use in home workshops and easy to replicate across any future furniture build or craft project. It is one of the few finishes allowed in the TC Maker Woodshop.

What to Bring

Clothing suitable for the wood shop.
Wear close-toed shoes and avoid loose, dangling clothing and accessories.
Eye and hearing protection is required.
Dust masks and eye/ear protection are available to borrow but bringing your own is recommended. If you need, please bring a respirator (cheap from Harbor Freight is fine).

Contact Tim with questions in advance.

Refund Policy

Up To 7 Days Before the Event Starts

About the Instructor

Tim Bednar is an Assistant Wood Shop Manager at TC Maker and also teaches the Woodworking 101 class. After studying at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, he spent many years as a minister and then web developer before returning to furniture design and woodcraft.