Revive Mid-Century Icons: Veneer Repair & Timber Refinishing Workshop

A FOUNDATION IN CRAFTSMANSHIPMy path into restoration began long before furniture.In July 1993, I completed a four-year motor vehicle painting apprenticeship in Box Hill, specialising in the restoration of luxury vintage Italian sports cars. Many of these vehicles were prepared for national car restoration shows, where shortcuts simply weren’t an option.That foundation shaped how I approach restoration today — precision, patience, and respect for materials.FROM INSTRUMENTS TO FURNITUREAfter automotive restoration, I worked at Maton Guitars, refining acoustic guitars using traditional staining methods, high-gloss finishes, and nitrocellulose painting systems.Guitar finishing requires an exceptional level of sensitivity — too much material affects tone; too little compromises durability. This balance directly informs how I approach mid-century furniture restoration.A SUSTAINABLE APPROACH TO RESTORATIONToday, my focus is firmly on mid-century modern furniture and interiors. I work with original materials wherever possible, restoring rather than replacing, and avoiding finishes that seal timber unnaturally or erase its history.Sustainability is not a trend in my practice — it’s a responsibility.TEACHING, WORKSHOPS & MENTORSHIPAlongside restoration work, I run hands-on furniture restoration workshops in Northcote. Teaching is an important part of what I do.Quality materialsThoughtful designSustainable restoration practicesTimeless mid-century principlesRestoration knowledge should be shared, not guarded. Learn more about restoration workshops here .WHY I DO THIS WORKMid-century furniture and interiors were designed with intention. When restored thoughtfully, they remain relevant, functional, and beautiful decades later.My role is not to impose a style — but to protect what already exists.

Rich

Dive into hands-on skills restoring mid-century veneer with advanced refinishing tips in this fun workshop!

Wilkins & Kent Furniture & Design

Mid-Century Veneer Repair &amp; Timber Refinishing WorkshopDiscover how to restore iconic mid-century modern furniture in this practical 3-hour workshop.Most mid-century pieces (sideboards, dining tables, coffee tables and more) feature thin veneer glued over a substrate. Learn professional techniques to repair, patch, match, and seamlessly restore damaged or missing veneer while preserving the piece’s original character.You’ll then take a detailed dive into timber refinishing options — from traditional methods (oils, shellac, French polish, wax) to modern finishes (lacquer, polyurethane, water-based coatings and low VOC Hard Wax Oil's). Understand which finishes best protect different timbers, enhance grain, and deliver the exact look and durability you want.What you’ll gain:• Expert guidance on tools, materials &amp; common pitfalls• Confidence to tackle your own restoration projects• Practical knowledge of traditional-to-modern finishing techniquesIdeal for beginners, DIYers, furniture restorers, and mid-century enthusiasts.Duration: 3 hours (includes demonstrations, practical tips, and Q&amp;A)Bring photos of your furniture pieces for personalised advice!

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Revive Mid-Century Icons: Veneer Repair & Timber Refinishing Workshop

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Wilkins & Kent Furniture & Design

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