Antique Painting and Finishing

Saturday 4/4, 1-5pm

The finish is where time settles into an object..

Antique painting and finishing explores traditional paint and finish techniques used on historic furniture and architectural elements. This class focuses on layered color, wear patterns, and restraint; how to finish a piece so it feels earned rather than applied.

Students will work through surface preparation, milk paint and linseed oil paint and traditional finishes, and techniques for aging that respect form and function.

You’ll learn to:

Prepare surfaces for painted finishes

Apply traditional paint systems

Create depth through layering and abrasion

Understand historical finish choices

Finish pieces with longevity and character

Who it’s for: Woodworkers, furniture restorers, and anyone interested in traditional surface treatments.

Ezra Gardiner approaches finishing as an extension of craft history, emphasizing quiet decisions that let form and use lead.