Woodworking II - Finishing for the Total Beginner PLEASE NOTE SCHEDULE CHANGE FROM BROCHURE. The application of colors to wood surfaces often wreaks havoc on the finished piece that the average woodworker has spent hours designing and building. Many woodworkers think the application of color to a wood surface is opening up a can of hardware store purchased brown liquid that smells bad and ends up showing off all the imperfections of the wood. Fortunately, it doesn't have to be that way. With a few simple techniques, you can be well on your way to an heirloom quality finish.