In addition to running a full-time finishing supply company, Homestead Finishing Products, Jeff finds time to re-finish, write and teach. He has written extensively for FINE WOODWORKING Magazine for over 14 years and has written articles on finishing for other magazines and Professional Journals. He has developed finishing products which are sold all over the world under the "Homestead" name and is the author of 5 books: HAND APPLIED FINISHES, GREAT WOOD FINISHES, THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO FINISHING (Taunton Press), FURNITURE REPAIR AND REFINISHING (Handyman Club of America) and SPRAY FINISHING MADE SIMPLE, as well as 3 videos: COLORING WOOD, APPLYING TOPCOATS and SPRAY FINISHING MADE SIMPLE (Taunton Press).
I've written 5 books about my passion for woodfinishing and refinishing. Below are some personal comments about each book.
"Hand Applied Finishes" 1997. My first book and written in response to my first generation of students. The first book you write is always the hardest because you never know if it's the only one you'll write. This book was targeted towards the myriad of amateurs, novices and home warriors who dread finishing. Covers the "classic and traditional" techniques like brushing varnish, French Polishing and will introduce you to some intermediate techniques like glazing and using dye stains. The best part was doing the video which is now avaialable as a DVD. It doesn't appear on this page but you can search "all departments" on amazon with the keyword "Hand Applied Finishes DVD".
"Great Wood Finishes" 2000. My second book and Randy O'Rourke did the photography. Randy has done photography for everyone from Martha Stewart to "Houses on the Water" and is one of the best woodworking photographers in the field. This book covers 14 popular finishes from start to finish, and was the design impetus by the Taunton Press to utilize this concept. What followed was their "Complete Illustrated Series" with authors covering everything from tablesaws to routers. My best selling book and uses some of the basics covered in Hand Applied Finishes and expands on them. Covers both spraying and hand application techniques.
"Furniture Repair and Refinishing" 2001. The only book I've ever written on refinishing and repair techniques. You'll have to get this by joining the Handyman Club of America or using the re-sellers listed on amazon.com. Don't tell anyone but I actually consider myself a much better repair/refinisher than a straight finishing guy.
"The Complete Illustrated Guide to Finishing" 2004. This book took 2 full years of my life to write. It's everything I know about finishing and in one sense was what I wanted to write for the first book but couldn't because the subject had to narrowed somewhat. I was given complete freedom to write all that I knew. My wife Susan assisted by doing all the photos. If I'm asked "Which one of your books should I buy? (assuming you ignore my response - "all of them") this is the one book to get. In fact this book along with the DVD, "Hand Applied Finishes" makes a nice set for anyone. At this point I had a better technical grasp on the chemistry of finishes as I was well into my current career as a finish and stain formulator for the business I own today, Homestead Finishing Products.
"Spray Finishing Made Simple" 2010. My latest book and one I've wanted to do for the past 5 years. I probably would have published this myself if Taunton hadn't generously offered the idea. Bottom line - if you are thinking of spraying a finish, or have a spray gun, get this book. It's a downright steal for under 20.00 for a 125 page book and 50 minute DVD. Great step by step action covers everything from spraying stains and sealers to clear lacquers and latex paint. As the troubleshooter for my business, I know all the in's and out's of the problems you'll get into spraying. Plenty of advice on solving problems and cleaning/maintaining your spray equipment.
----Jeff Jewitt---- 3/10/2010
