Discover Our Courses
Whether you are looking for Gilding, French Polishing or anything in between, please take a look through full details of our courses on the drop-down menu above, to find what you need.
Here’s a short description of our courses:
Furniture Restoration classes.
We hold 3 classes on a Monday 10am – 1pm, 2pm – 5pm and 6pm – 9pm. Thursday 10am – 1pmStudents will bring their own furniture to the classes and are carefully guided through the necessary to repair the objects.
Please ring for availability as these classes are very popular and fill up very quickly. The classes are based a 10 week term. These are priced at £320 for the term and are non refundable.
Gilding Course
We offer a comprehensive 5 day course in gilding and frame Restoration covering all traditional techniques in Water and oil gilding.
You will also be shown preparation techniques on how to make gesso and bole. Also included in the course you will be taken through cleaning of frames and gilded objects mould making of lost pieces and casting of new ones. You can ring to pay over the phone or book via booking system on the website.
French polishing courses
Our courses cover the French polishing process from start to finish and include the following topics:
Wood stripping
You will be shown the correct way to strip and prepare your item of furniture for refinishing
Surface Repair techniques
The various methods employed in disguising marks and blemishes, dent raising , staining, grain filling wood graining and colouring.
French Polishing
The different kinds of French polish will be shown to you and introduced to you through the various stages from bodying up to skinning in and final finishing.
We recommend you bring at least two pieces with you. You can book either by phone or by the booking system on the website.
We offer a 5 day French polishing course and a 3 day polishing course
Veneering
This course is a 4 day course in veneer repair. You will learn all aspects of veneering using the knife cutting technique. You will learn to apply cross banding ,stringing and decorative inlays as well as laying down selective decorative veneers. You are also encouraged to bring veneer damaged pieces which will be explained on how to repair. Booking is via website or via phone.
Chair seating
Our chair caning course is designed to teach you the basic principles over three days. Students will be taught the most popular six way pattern and all materials are supplied. There is also an option to either do seagrass, Danish cord and rush. Booking via our website or by telephone.
Furniture Restoration five day course
You will be taken through demonstrations and practical exercises as well as working on your furniture. This is an ideal course if you want to get into the fascinating world of Furniture Restoration. Some of the techniques to expect on the course as follows;
Sharpening of tools , cabinet makers, chair and furniture construction, veneering, French polishing, gilding and you will glueing and clamping correctly and general view on all the courses that are offered within the school. You can book via website or via telephone.
Scratch repair
This is aimed at the construction and corporate companies for those that don’t have the time to do a traditional finish you will be shown how to repair scratches on items of furniture or wooden panels. Using modern finishes and techniques perfect for the hotel’s. You can book via the website and by telephone.
Japanning
This is the western intake on oriental lacquer, motifs include flowers, animals, people and buildings. You will learn the difference in traditional lacquer and a japanned surface. Techniques in cleaning lacquer and japanned surfaces are shown. You will be also shown how to make gesso and choose a design of your choice. Once chosen then your design will be decorated using traditional materials and techniques.
Restoration services
Whilst we are a school of Furniture we do offer a Restoration service when working on the clients Furniture whether it be a full or a sympathetic Restoration all works are fully discussed with the client.
When you are ready, you can book the course you desire by simply clicking the button below or give us a call.
We look forward to welcoming you to Paragon School of Furniture Restoration!
Follow us on Instagram!
