Finer Side Woodworking

Swipe through to see some before-and-after shots from last year's project in Nashville (introduced in our last post). This project was intense, requiring repairs to high gloss paint, hardware modifications, faux graining, and custom tinted glazes for color toning. The goal of our work is not merely technical repair, but emotional resolution as well. At the end of this project, the homeowner's peace of mind was restored and the cabinet shop and designer were relieved that all issues had been resolved in the field and that no remakes were required. Mission accomplished.

What sets us apart from other touch-up companies? Three main things: variety in our technical capabilities, the types of finishes we work with, and the fact that we travel. One project from last year was a great example of these, featuring upside down doors, stained oak, and high-gloss paint, all at a jobsite in Tennessee. Check out the video to find out more.

Crazy finishes? Check. Tough lighting? Check. We had a blast touching up this cabinetry on the outskirts of Philadelphia back in November. Each project presents its own unique challenges; adapting to and overcoming these challenges in real time is a big part of my love for this work. This specific project stretched us with the brushstroke painted finish and the stained alder, which liked to change colors from greenish blue to muted brown depending on the lighting.

Answering the #1 question I receive: "What does Finer Side do?" . . . . . . #finersidewoodworking #thefinersideofwood #touchup #repair #finewoodworking #woodworking #cabinets #furniture #builder #interiordesign #architect #realtor #experience #damage #peaceofmind #fieldservice #mobileservice #delivery #installation #about #services #trade #professional #luxury #residential #commercial #realestate #smallbiz?

Out here doing my part! (see mural) [TLDR: Touch-ups in Texas.] "Analyze which branches of your company are doing well and which are not. Pour gasoline on the fire that is already burning." - Donald Miller, "Marketing Made Simple" In August of last year, I took a hard look at what was working for Finer Side and what wasn't. Custom manufacturing? Not so much. Cabinet and trim installs? Few and far between. Touch-ups and repairs? Bingo, we have a winner. That line of work has proven to be a fantastic fit for both me as an individual and us as a company, so we shifted our focus solely in that direction. ? Specializing in that niche led to the bulk of our work coming from travel jobs: places in Texas, Tennessee, and Louisiana (to be featured in upcoming posts). This travel element fits us as well; although, for a more consistent flow of jobs, it seemed wise to also consider relocating to a larger city with a growing market. Much prayer, research, and networking all seemed to point to Texas. So, I'm back in Austin for a few months, testing the market here by offering wood touch-up, repair, and punch services in high-end residential and commercial settings. I've been building a network of subcontractors along the way (adding some reality to the royal "we") and am incredibly grateful to all who've had a hand in getting us this far. I can't see the future, but my faith is in the God who holds the future. Off we go into the wild blue yonder. Stay tuned.

Following in the footsteps. Spent some time in North Carolina recently at a furniture conservation event hosted by Martin O’Brien.?About 25 of us from around the country enjoyed a full day of talking shop, comparing technical notes on touch-ups and repairs, and analyzing antique furniture.?It was a fantastic opportunity to learn from others with decades of experience in the trade. Immediately following was the biennial MESDA (Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts) conference.?This included presentations and demonstrations by many experts in the field and was an incredible time of connecting with conservators, curators, antiques dealers, and furniture makers.

Recently repaired and touched up a cherry kitchen that had a number of nicks, dings, and worn outside corners after 30 years of service. The goal was to rebuild the outside corners in such a way that they blended in with the overall condition of the surrounding cabinetry.

A few more coats of finish, and the marquetry panel project will be complete. The "before" photo gives context for how much the finish makes the colors pop.

Wrapping up these marquetry rose panels by adding a darker wood border. A flush trim bit in the router table made short work of trimming the borders flat to the face of the panels.

Had an heirloom cedar chest in for repair this week.?One of the rear feet was hanging on by a thread, and a good chunk of moulding was missing.?Made these repairs while maintaining the natural wear-and-tear on the piece, per the client’s request. . . . . . . #finersidewoodworking #thefinersideofwood #finewoodworking #touchup #repair #furniture