Overview

Dates: October 18, 2025

Time: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM each day

Location: Community Forklift, 4671 Tanglewood Drive, Hyattsville, MD 20781

GPS Coordinates: 38.946018, -76.936190

Class Size Limit: 15 participants

Workshop Description

This hands-on, 8-hour Workshop in Traditional Finishes, taught by Natalie Henshaw, introduces participants to the principles and practices of refinishing historic architectural woodwork. Focusing on doors, trim, paneling, and other wood features commonly found in historic buildings, the session covers how to 

• assess wood conditions
• identify original finishes
• select appropriate methods to remove, restore, and reapply different finishes

Participants will learn safe and effective techniques for cleaning, stripping, color matching, and applying protective finishes to wood surfaces. Demonstrations and guided practice will allow attendees to work directly with tools and materials, 

This workshop is ideal for preservation professionals, carpenters, contractors, homeowners, and anyone interested in extending the life and beauty of historic wood features while maintaining their authenticity and character. Participants will leave with practical skills, a deeper understanding of historic finishes, and the ability to approach refinishing projects with care and confidence.

Tuition & Registration

Cost: $200 per participant

Your registration includes access to two full days of expert instruction, guided hands-on experience, and all required materials and tools.

Payment details and further information will be provided in your registration confirmation email.

Location and Travel for Training

Training Dates: October 18, 2025

Location: Community Forklift

Day 1 Meeting Address: 4671 Tanglewood Drive, Hyattsville, MD 20781

Participants are responsible for their own travel, housing, meals, and refreshments. 

Please plan to arrive on time for check-in on Day 1. Meet at 8:30 a.m. EDT. 

Sample Agenda

You’ll learn through a combination of classroom-style instruction and hands-on restoration work. The focus is on practical techniques and real-world conditions.

10/18/2025 (8:30 am – 4:30 pm)

Day 1

8:30 am: Welcome and introductions

9:00 am: Overview, history, and identification of traditional finishes

10:00 am: Safe removal processes and techniques

12:00 pm: Lunch Break

1:00 pm: Understanding wood as a material substrate

2:00 pm: Finishing lab, testing and making:

• Paints
• Stains
• Dyes
• Clearcoats

4:00 pm: Clean-up and close-out

What to Bring

To ensure safety and comfort during the workshop, all participants should bring:

• Closed-toe shoes (required)

• Water bottle, snacks, and lunch

• Sunscreen or sunblock

• Hat or sun protection

• Light jacket in case of rain

• Wear clothes that you can get dirty. 

Accessibility Considerations

If you have accessibility concerns or questions about physical requirements, please contact the course administrator before registering.

FAQs

1. When is the workshop scheduled?

The workshop will take place over one day: Saturday, October 18.

2. Where will the workshop be held?

On October 1, everyone will check-in at: 

Community Forklift, 4671 Tanglewood Drive, Hyattsville, MD 20781

GPS Coordinates: 38.946018, -76.936190

3. How much does the workshop cost?

The total cost of the workshop is $200. Other expenses such as travel and housing are NOT included in the cost. Registrants must arrange and pay for their own travel, housing, and food expenses. 

4. Who are the instructors?

The instructor for the workshop is Natalie Henshaw, the Director for The Campaign for Historic Trades. 

5. What topics will be covered in the workshop?

Participants in this one-day workshop will learn the fundamentals of historic architectural wood refinishing through both classroom-style instruction and hands-on practice. Key topics include principles and practices of refinishing historic architectural woodwork. Participants will learn safe and effective techniques for cleaning, stripping, color matching, and applying protective finishes to wood surfaces. 

6. What are the daily hours of the workshop?

The workshops will run for eight hours each day. General start / end times may vary each day. Day 1, please arrive by 8:30 a.m. for check-in. Learners will receive information about their daily activities once onsite. 

7. Who should attend this workshop?

This workshop is ideal for preservation professionals, carpenters, contractors, homeowners, and anyone interested in extending the life and beauty of historic wood features while maintaining their authenticity and character.

8. Do I need any prior experience?

No prior experience is necessary. All materials and tools will be provided.

9. What should I bring to the workshop?

All necessary materials, tools, and PPE will be provided. Participants should wear comfortable clothing suitable for hands-on work and bring any personal items they may need for a full day of activities. All participants must wear closed-toe shoes. Suggested items to bring include a water bottle, snacks, lunch, sunblock. Wear clothes that can get dirty or be damaged. Long pants and long sleeves are suggested. 

10. Are there any additional activities included in the workshop?

There are no planned activities. Learners may explore the local area on their own. 

11. How do I register for the workshop?

Register on this site. 

12. Is travel and accommodation included in the workshop fee?

No, participants are responsible for their own travel, food and accommodation arrangements. 

13. What is the maximum number of attendees for the workshop?

The maximum number of attendees is 16. 

14. What happens if registration is full?

Once registration reaches 16 participants, please email kpratt@historictrades.org to be added to a waitlist. 

15. What is your refund policy?

The Campaign can process refund requests UP TO fourteen days before the start date of the event. No refunds will be issued in the fourteen days before the start date of the event. This is measured at 12:01 am EST on the listed start date of the event. Please email learn@historictrades.org with the subject line REFUND REQUEST, with name, event details, and total amount in the email body. The Campaign will refund 75% on the total you paid for the event; our payment processer will deduct processing fees from your total refund amount. Funds will appear in your account within 30 days of the refund being processed.