Whether it's renovating an old piece of furniture or giving fixtures and fittings a new lease of life, this book sets out to demonstrate all the tricks of the trade. A comprehensive techniques section offers directions and professional advice, providing easy to follow illustrations for preparing, stripping, filing, sanding and refinishing every surface, from cane to ceramic, through metal and plaster to all types of wood, however old and worn. In addition, it contains expert tips on reparing damage and hiding faults and scratches, and a wealth of information and fool proof techniques for a wide range of finishes and decorative effects using varnishes, waxes, paints and glazes.