Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 2
MATERIALS AND ARTEFACT PRODUCTION IN WOODWORK IINDUSTRY IN GHANA
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MATERIALS AND ARTEFACT PRODUCTION IN WOODWORK IINDUSTRY IN GHANA
Download the Lessonotes Mobile Ghana app for faster lesson access on Android and iPhone.
Subject: Applied Technology
Class: SHS 2
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 11
Grade code: 2.4.2.LI.3
Strand code: 4
Sub-strand code: 2
Content standard code: 2.4.2.CS.2
Indicator code: 2.4.2.LI.3
Theme: WOOD TECHNOLOGY
Subtheme: MATERIALS AND ARTEFACT PRODUCTION IN WOODWORK IINDUSTRY IN GHANA
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This lesson introduces students to the crucial final step in woodwork: finishing. A wood finish is a protective and decorative coating applied to wooden artefacts. In Ghana, from the beautifully polished ceremonial stool in a chief's palace to the brightly painted fishing canoe at the shore, or the durable desk you sit at in class, wood finishes are everywhere. Understanding them is essential for any aspiring woodworker, designer, or technician as it affects an artefact's beauty, durability, and value. This lesson will explore the common types of finishes used in the Ghanaian woodwork industry, their specific uses, and how they are applied.
A. What is Wood Finishing?
Wood finishing is the process of applying a protective and/or decorative layer to the surface of a wooden object (artefact). Think of it as the "skin" that we put on the wood.
Why is Finishing Important? Protection: This is the most critical reason. A good finish protects the wood from: Moisture: Prevents the wood from swelling, warping, or rotting, which is very important in our humid Ghanaian climate. Insects and Fungi: Some finishes contain chemicals that deter termites and other wood-boring insects. Scratches and Abrasion: Creates a hard layer that resists daily wear and tear, especially for items like tables and floors. UV Light (Sunlight): Prevents the wood from fading or changing colour when exposed to the sun. Aesthetics (Beauty): Finishes enhance the natural beauty of the wood or add new decorative effects. Enhancing the Grain: Transparent finishes like varnish and lacquer make the beautiful patterns (grain) of woods like Odum, Mahogany, and Wawa stand out. Adding Colour: Opaque finishes like paint can be used to add any colour, matching a room's decor or for creating vibrant designs on items like canoes or signboards. Changing the Sheen: Finishes determine how shiny the surface is—from a flat matte look to a high-gloss, mirror-like shine. B. Types of Wood Finishes
Here we will discuss the five main types mentioned in our curriculum. Lacquers What it is: A fast-drying, solvent-based finish that forms a hard, durable surface. They are typically made from nitrocellulose or acrylic resins dissolved in a solvent. Key Characteristics: Very Fast Drying: Allows for multiple coats to be applied in a single day. Hard and Durable: Offers excellent protection against scratches and moisture. High Gloss: Can be polished to a very high, mirror-like shine. Strong Odour: The solvents have a strong smell, so good ventilation is required. Common Uses in Ghana: Modern furniture (TV stands, wardrobes, beds) made in workshops in places like Kokompe (Accra) or Anloga Junction (Kumasi). Musical instruments, like the wooden body of a guitar. High-end kitchen cabinets. Application Method: Almost exclusively applied with a spray gun. This provides a very smooth, even coat that is difficult to achieve with a brush. Varnishes What it is: A clear, transparent finish that consists of oils, resins, and solvents. It forms a hard, protective film on the wood. Key Characteristics: Excellent Durability: Very resistant to water, heat, and scratches. Highlights Wood Grain: Being transparent, it enhances the natural beauty of the wood. Slower Drying: Takes several hours to dry, which can attract dust. Types: Oil-based: More durable, gives the wood a warm, amber/yellowish tint. Great for outdoor use. Water-based (Polyurethane): Dries clear, has less odour, and is easier to clean up, but can be slightly less durable than oil-based. Common Uses in Ghana: Wooden floors and staircases. School desks and church pews. Outdoor furniture like garden benches. Doors and window frames. Wooden parts of fishing canoes to protect them from saltwater. Application Method: Primarily applied with a brush. Multiple thin coats are better than one thick coat. Paints What it is: An opaque finish containing pigments, which give it colour. It completely covers the wood grain. Key Characteristics: Opaque (Not Transparent): Hides the wood grain and any imperfections. Unlimited Colours: Can be mixed to create any colour imaginable. Excellent Protection: Provides a very strong barrier against moisture and sunlight. Types: Oil-based (Gloss/Eggshell): Very durable and water-resistant. Used for doors, windows, and areas with high traffic. Water-based (Emulsion): Dries quickly, less odour, easy to clean. Often used for interior walls but can also be used on wood if a primer is applied first. Common Uses in Ghana: Colourful wooden window frames and doors on houses. Children's toys and furniture. Kitchen cabinets for a modern, clean look. Signboards for shops and "tro-tros". Decorative patterns on artefacts and furniture. Application Method: Can be applied with a brush, roller, or spray gun. Laminated Plastics What it is: Not a liquid finish, but a thin sheet of durable plastic material that is glued onto a wooden substrate (usually particleboard or MDF). A popular brand name is Formica. Key Characteristics: Extremely Durable: Highly resistant to heat, scratches, stains, and impact. Easy to Clean: The non-porous surface is very hygienic. Variety of Designs: Comes in solid colours, patterns, or realistic wood grain and stone textures. Common Uses in Ghana: Kitchen countertops and work surfaces. Office desks and tables. Restaurant and school canteen tables. The surface of low-cost wardrobes and cabinets. Application Method: Applied using a strong adhesive called contact cement. Both the laminate sheet and the wood surface are coated, allowed to dry slightly, and then pressed together firmly. Polishes What it is: A substance used to produce a smooth, glossy surface through rubbing. They are often wax-based (like beeswax or carnauba wax) or oil-based (like linseed or tung oil). Key Characteristics: Enhances Sheen: Creates a soft, low-gloss, natural-looking lustre. Feels Natural: It doesn't form a thick film on the wood, so you can still feel the texture of the grain. Limited Protection: Offers minimal protection against scratches and moisture. Requires regular re-application. Often used over another finish (like varnish) to add shine and a protective wax layer. Common Uses in Ghana: Maintaining antique or traditional furniture like grandfather clocks. Finishing hand-carved artefacts like stools, masks, or "Akuaba" dolls to give them a traditional, rich look. As a final step to shine up a varnished or lacquered surface (e.g., using a product like Mansion Polish). Application Method: Applied by rubbing it onto the surface with a soft cloth.