The Brightwork Companion : Tried-and-True Methods and Strongly Held Opinions in Thirteen and One-Half Chapters Paperback – January 15, 2004

For me this book was a disappointment, although there were some great tips such as the use of a squeeze bottle for varnishing aloft. It concentrates almost completely on exterior varnish work. I own a Sabre sailboat and by long experience of owners, it is almost impossible to keep varnish on the toe rails due to the way they are bedded in a rubber strip. Therefore, I was disappointed that the only mention of Cetol, which is the preferred solution in my case, was how to strip it off.I am not a fan of the breezy conversational style, popularized by the Dummies books, which is used here. For instance, rather than spending half a page waxing rhapsodic about tools that are no longer on the market, she could expand the rather terse chapter on varnish to explain more of the technical details of the different varnishes, as well as oil/varnish and wiping varnish. Along the same line the use of the word "solvent" when she really means "thinner" is generally incorrect. Alcohol is a solvent for shellac because shellac is an evaporative finish. But varnish is a reactive finish. Mineral spirits will not dissolve cured varnish.The book would be much improved if the gorgeous pictures actually had some relation to the text. As it is, they are just eye candy. I would have liked to see more detail on cleaning the interior wood as part of the chapter on oil finish as well as some discussion of maintenance on interior oil finishes. In fact that chapter would benefit from pictures of what the surface looks like at each stage of the finish.On the plus side, the chapter on stripping is very good as are many of the tips on organizing and prepping your work. These clearly show her professional experience. For that alone, the book is worth having.

I just installed Teak cover boards on my 30'SISU Nor'easter which was costly and took a lot of my time so I needed an experienced Bright Work author and found it in this publication which is plain to read and understand for this newbe as well as practical. Even if you don't do your own Bright Work, this book is great reading and you can savor the author's love for this skill.

This beautifully illustrated book is an easily readable supplement to Rebecca Witmann's earlier work, "Brightwork, The Art of Finishing Wood." The easy to follow instructions are supported by inspirational photos of exceptional bright work finishes. Rebecca's artistic ability with varnish and her business-like approach to her art are reflected in the excellent quality of this book. It is a must-read for anyone who is thinking about applying varnish to wood.

WRITTEN BY SOMEONE WHO REALLY KNOWS HER JOB. I ALWAYS THINK WOMEN ARE BETTER PAINTERS AND VARNISHERS... THEY REALLY CAN PAY ATTENTION TO DETAIL AND TAKE THE TIME TO GET IT RIGHT. A FEW MEN ARE AS GOOD, BUT MOST OF US ARE IN A HURRY TO GET IT DONE... WHETHER IN THE BERTH OR BED.

The information is useful and we will try to do the repairs this summer. You need good weather to do this process.

Breaks down the process fabulously. I'm a beginner and really appreciate the book, but I'm sure an expert would appreciate having this book on their shelf. Beautifully done too with great pics.

I would like to read the preceding book as well

the book was complete, with easily understood instructions, recommendations.Once i fixed the boat, i've shared it with some like minded friends who have benefited from it's great reference and suggestions.

Absolutely indispensable resource that has resulted in a professional finish in an extensive bright work project I recently completed. Wish I had this years ago!

Perfect, small book well written and beautiful photography.

Very well written book and easy to read. Not dry reading and very helpful

nice summary of her earlier book in a handier format.