This hands-on, 8-hour Workshop in Traditional Finishes, taught by Natalie Henshaw, introduces participants to the principles and practices of refinishing historic architectural woodwork. Focusing on doors, trim, paneling, and other wood features commonly found in historic buildings, the session covers how to:

- assess wood conditions

- identify original finishes

- select appropriate methods to remove, restore, and reapply different finishes

Participants will learn safe and effective techniques for cleaning, stripping, color matching, and applying protective finishes to wood surfaces. Demonstrations and guided practice will allow attendees to work directly with tools and materials with real architectural features salvaged by Community Forklift.

This workshop is ideal for preservation professionals, carpenters, contractors, homeowners, and anyone interested in extending the life and beauty of historic wood features while maintaining their authenticity and character. Participants will leave with practical skills, a deeper understanding of historic finishes, and the ability to approach refinishing projects with care and confidence.

Hosted at Community Forklift, a nonprofit reuse warehouse in Maryland. Community Forklift eliminates waste and fosters a healthier environment by recognizing, retaining, and returning the value of used and surplus materials to the community. They collect donations of new and gently used building materials and home essentials and redistribute them to the community for free through our community giving programs and at below market prices through our warehouse store. Community Forklift celebrates is 20th Anniversary this weekend as well! Learn more about them here: https://www.communityforklift.org

Tuition: $200 per participant
Your registration includes access to two full days of expert instruction, guided hands-on experience, and all required materials and tools.