The best book on finishing?

[Bill Brehme]

I'm trying to find the most 'complete as possible' book on the subject of finishing. Finishing is new to me and I'm trying to avoid the whole 'mucky muck' of spending 100's of dollars on book after book (I know how I am...).
I'm looking for just ONE book w/ extensive info, pretty pictures (color) and covers skill levels from newb (me) to advanced...

What is YOUR desert island book? :confused:

Thanks, Bill

[Larry Fox]

There is no ONE book. However, if you told me I could take two, the choice would be easier - not easy mind you, just easier.

http://www.amazon.com/Tauntons-Complete-Illustrated-Guide-Finishing/dp/1561585920/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/102-0312900-1772970?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1189437614&sr=8-1

http://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Wood-Finishing-Select-Finish/dp/0762106212/ref=pd_bbs_sr_3/102-0312900-1772970?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1189437691&sr=1-3

However, best thing you can take away from any book is a familiarity with the nomenclature and a couple of starting points. None are proxies for experience so ready up and start trying some stuff that looks interesting - on scrap.

[John Schreiber]

I had the Bob Flexner book "Understanding Wood Finishing: How to Select and Apply the Right Finish" checked out from the library for three months, then I went and bought my own. Finishing is complex and confusing if you go beyond the basics, but I'm starting to feel more confident.

Do make sure you get the 2005 edition. It has nice improvements and helpful color.

[Bill Brehme]

Thanks a lot guys. I went ahead and researched both books (online reviews). I believe you've hit the nail on the head! One reviewer has both books and said "what you cant find in one, you can find in the other". I'm going to start w/ Flexner's book and grab Jewitt's if I find I need more...

I love this site. If there were more 'pretty pictures' I wouldn't need to buy the books?!!! Thanks again, Bill.

[Pat Keefe]

You could also have a look for Neil Ellis' A Polishers Handbook (ISBN 0 646 25424 3) available from Ubeaut in Australia.

[Steve Milito]

There is no ONE book. However, if you told me I could take two, the choice would be easier - not easy mind you, just easier.

http://www.amazon.com/Tauntons-Complete-Illustrated-Guide-Finishing/dp/1561585920/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/102-0312900-1772970?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1189437614&sr=8-1

http://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Wood-Finishing-Select-Finish/dp/0762106212/ref=pd_bbs_sr_3/102-0312900-1772970?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1189437691&sr=1-3

However, best thing you can take away from any book is a familiarity with the nomenclature and a couple of starting points. None are proxies for experience so ready up and start trying some stuff that looks interesting - on scrap.
I'm a novice, and I bought both of these books. They are both great, and tell you how to do most anything, and explain the various finishes. The bad news is: they don't tell you when to things.
For example, they go through shellac, pore filling, glazing, top coats, etc. They don't tell you what to do with the cherry coffee table you just built.
;)