Surface Decoration, Techniques, Tools and Materials for SS 3

Class: SS 3
Term: First Term
Week: 7
Age: 17 years
Duration: 60 minutes
Subject: Wood Work
Curriculum Theme: Wood Work Techniques
Previous Lesson: Wood Carving and Sculpture
Topic: SURFACE DECORATION, TECHNIQUES, TOOLS AND MATERIALS
Subject Matter: Display surface decoration, patterns, tools, materials etc; Carry out surface decoration; Resources; tools, and materials for surface decoration

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils/students should be able to:

Cognitive Domain

• Define surface decoration in woodworking.
• Identify different types of surface decoration.
• List common tools and materials used for surface decoration.
• Explain the techniques involved in various surface decoration methods.

Affective Domain

• Appreciate the aesthetic value and importance of surface decoration in woodworking.
• Show interest in learning and applying surface decoration techniques.
• Value safety precautions when handling tools and materials for decoration.

Psychomotor Domain

• Demonstrate basic surface decoration techniques, such as inlay or simple carving.
• Properly handle and use tools and materials for surface decoration.
• Create simple patterns on a wooden surface.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• 2014 Senior Secondary Education Curriculum (SSEC)
• Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
• FCT ERC/NAPPS Scheme of work
• A suitable Wood Work textbook for Senior Secondary School

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• Samples of wood pieces with different surface decorations (e.g., carved, inlaid, veneered, painted).
• Various hand tools for carving (chisels, gouges), inlay (knives, routers), and veneering (veneer saw, hammer veneer).
• Different types of wood veneers, inlay materials (e.g., contrasting wood, shell, metal), paints, stains, and wood burning tools.
• Pictures or charts illustrating surface decoration patterns and techniques.

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson is important because surface decoration enhances the aesthetic appeal and value of wooden articles. It provides students with practical skills to transform plain wood into artistic pieces, preparing them for potential careers in craftsmanship or furniture making. Understanding these techniques also fosters creativity and attention to detail in woodworking.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils/students should have basic knowledge of woodworking tools, wood types, and fundamental finishing processes like sanding and polishing.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

SURFACE DECORATION, TECHNIQUES, TOOLS AND MATERIALS

Meaning of Surface Decoration

Surface decoration in woodworking refers to the application of various techniques and materials to enhance the aesthetic appeal, texture, and visual interest of a wooden surface. It transforms plain wood into an artistic or decorative piece, adding value and beauty to furniture, carvings, and other wooden articles.

Importance of Surface Decoration

Surface decoration is important for several reasons:

1. It enhances the beauty and aesthetic appeal of wooden products.
2. It adds value to wooden items, making them more marketable.
3. It allows for artistic expression and creativity in woodworking.
4. It can be used to conceal minor defects in the wood.
5. It provides protection to the wood surface from wear and tear, depending on the finish used.

Types of Surface Decoration

There are various types of surface decoration, each with unique techniques and applications:

Inlay (Laying)

Inlay is a technique where pieces of contrasting material (such as different coloured wood, shell, metal, or ivory) are set into the surface of another material (usually wood) so that the surface remains smooth and flush. The main material is routed or carved out to create recesses that perfectly fit the decorative pieces.

Marquetry

Marquetry is a form of inlay where small pieces of veneer (thin slices of wood) are arranged together to form decorative patterns, pictures, or designs. These assembled veneer pieces are then glued onto a larger wooden surface, often furniture, to create intricate scenes or geometric patterns.

Parquetry

Parquetry is similar to marquetry but typically involves geometric patterns made from small pieces of wood veneer, often arranged in repeating designs like squares, triangles, or diamonds. It is commonly used for flooring and decorative panels.

Carving

Wood carving involves using sharp tools (chisels, gouges) to cut away parts of the wood surface, creating three-dimensional designs, reliefs, or sculptures. It can range from simple decorative motifs to complex figures.

Veneering

Veneering is the process of gluing thin slices of wood (veneers) onto a cheaper or less attractive wood substrate. It is used to create decorative patterns, cover large surfaces with expensive wood, or achieve specific grain effects not possible with solid wood.

Pyrography (Wood Burning)

Pyrography is the art of decorating wood or other materials with burn marks resulting from the controlled application of a heated metal point or tool. It creates designs, textures, and shading on the wood surface.

Painting/Staining

Painting involves applying opaque colours to the wood surface, completely covering the wood grain. Staining involves applying translucent colours that penetrate the wood, enhancing its natural grain while changing its colour.

Techniques for Surface Decoration

The techniques vary depending on the type of decoration:

1. For Inlay/Marquetry/Parquetry:
   1. Design transfer: Draw or transfer the desired pattern onto the wood surface.
   2. Cutting recesses: Use a router, chisel, or sharp knife to carefully cut out the negative space where the inlay material will sit.
   3. Cutting inlay pieces: Cut the contrasting material (veneer, shell, etc.) to precisely fit the recesses.
   4. Gluing: Apply appropriate wood glue to the recesses and carefully insert the inlay pieces.
   5. Clamping/Pressing: Apply pressure to ensure good adhesion and a flush surface.
   6. Sanding and finishing: Once dry, sand the entire surface smooth and apply a protective finish.
2. For Carving:
   1. Design transfer: Sketch the design onto the wood.
   2. Roughing out: Use larger gouges to remove significant amounts of wood and establish the basic shape.
   3. Detailing: Use smaller chisels and gouges to refine the details of the design.
   4. Finishing: Smooth the carved areas with fine tools or sandpaper and apply a finish.
3. For Veneering:
   1. Prepare substrate: Ensure the base wood is clean, flat, and smooth.
   2. Cut veneer: Cut veneer sheets to size and arrange them to form the desired pattern.
   3. Apply glue: Spread veneer glue evenly on the substrate and/or the back of the veneer.
   4. Lay veneer: Carefully position the veneer onto the substrate.
   5. Pressing: Use a veneer press, vacuum bag, or hammer veneer technique to apply even pressure and remove air bubbles until the glue sets.
   6. Trimming and finishing: Trim excess veneer and sand the surface before applying a finish.
4. For Pyrography:
   1. Prepare surface: Ensure the wood surface is smooth and clean.
   2. Transfer design: Lightly sketch or transfer the design onto the wood.
   3. Burn: Use a heated pyrography tool with various tips to burn the design onto the wood, controlling heat and pressure for different shades and lines.
   4. Finishing: Apply a clear protective finish if desired.

Tools for Surface Decoration

The tools used depend on the specific decoration technique:

1. For Inlay/Marquetry/Parquetry:
   1. Router (handheld or fixed) with various bits for cutting recesses.
   2. Chisels and gouges for hand-cutting recesses.
   3. Sharp craft knives or veneer saws for cutting inlay pieces.
   4. Clamps and presses for applying pressure.
   5. Sandpaper and sanding blocks for smoothing.
2. For Carving:
   1. Carving chisels (flat, skew, parting).
   2. Carving gouges (U-shaped, V-shaped, spoon-shaped).
   3. Mallets (for striking chisels).
   4. Wood rasps and files for shaping.
3. For Veneering:
   1. Veneer saw or sharp knife for cutting veneers.
   2. Veneer hammer for traditional hammer veneering.
   3. Veneer press or vacuum press for applying even pressure.
   4. Scrapers for removing excess glue.
4. For Pyrography:
   1. Pyrography pen/tool with various tips (shader, universal, writing).
   2. Heat control unit (for adjustable temperature).
5. General Tools:
   1. Pencils and rulers for marking.
   2. Measuring tapes.
   3. Safety goggles and gloves.

Materials for Surface Decoration

Materials vary widely based on the desired effect:

1. For Inlay/Marquetry/Parquetry:
   1. Contrasting wood veneers (e.g., ebony, maple, rosewood).
   2. Shell (mother-of-pearl, abalone).
   3. Metals (brass, copper).
   4. Ivory or bone (though often substituted with synthetic materials).
   5. Wood glue (PVA, hide glue).
2. For Carving:
   1. Suitable carving wood (e.g., lime, mahogany, walnut).
   2. Wood finishes (oils, waxes, varnishes).
3. For Veneering:
   1. Wood veneers (various species and cuts).
   2. Wood glue (PVA, urea-formaldehyde).
   3. Substrate wood (plywood, MDF, solid wood).
4. For Pyrography:
   1. Light-coloured, fine-grained wood (e.g., basswood, birch, maple).
5. For Painting/Staining:
   1. Wood paints (acrylic, oil-based).
   2. Wood stains (oil-based, water-based).
   3. Varnishes, lacquers, shellac for topcoats.
   4. Brushes, rollers, spray guns for application.

Creating and Using Patterns in Surface Decoration

Patterns are fundamental to surface decoration. They can be:

1. Geometric patterns: Repeating shapes like squares, triangles, diamonds, often seen in parquetry and some inlay work.
2. Figurative patterns: Depicting objects, animals, or human forms, common in marquetry and carving.
3. Abstract patterns: Non-representational designs that focus on lines, shapes, and colours.
4. Floral patterns: Depicting flowers, leaves, and other plant motifs.

Patterns are typically created by:

1. Sketching directly onto the wood.
2. Using stencils or templates.
3. Transferring designs using carbon paper or digital prints.
4. Assembling pre-cut pieces (as in marquetry) to form a larger design.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Demonstration, Guided Practice, Question and Answer, Explanation, Observation, Practical Activity

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Engaging/Linking

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the students and asks them to recall previous lessons on wood finishing. The teacher then displays various samples of surface-decorated wood pieces and asks students to observe and comment on their appearance.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to questions and observe the displayed samples, sharing their initial thoughts on the beauty and craftsmanship.

Learning Point: Introduction to surface decoration

Step 2: Meaning and Importance of Surface Decoration

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines surface decoration in woodworking, explaining its purpose and importance in enhancing aesthetic appeal and value. The teacher uses the displayed samples to illustrate the points.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively, ask questions for clarification, and take initial notes on the definition and importance.

Learning Point: Definition and importance

Step 3: Types of Surface Decoration

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Classification/Illustration

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces various types of surface decoration, such as inlay, marquetry, parquetry, carving, veneering, and pyrography, showing examples for each. Special attention is given to “laying” as an example of inlay.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the different samples, identify the types of decoration, and ask questions about the distinctions between them.

Learning Point: Various decoration types

Step 4: Techniques for Surface Decoration (Focus on Inlay/Laying)

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Explanation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains and demonstrates the basic techniques involved in surface decoration, particularly focusing on inlay (laying). The teacher shows how to transfer a pattern, cut recesses, and fit inlay pieces using appropriate tools.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration closely, ask questions about the steps, and discuss the precision required.

Learning Point: Inlay technique demonstration

Step 5: Tools and Materials for Surface Decoration

Time: 8 minutes

Teaching Skill: Identification/Description

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher displays and names the specific tools and materials used for different surface decoration techniques. The teacher explains the function of each tool and the characteristics of the materials.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils identify the tools and materials, ask about their uses, and note down key items.

Learning Point: Tools and materials

Step 6: Patterns in Surface Decoration

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Visualisation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher discusses how patterns are created and used in surface decoration, showing examples of geometric, figurative, and abstract patterns. The teacher explains how patterns guide the decoration process.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the patterns, discuss their aesthetic appeal, and understand their role in design.

Learning Point: Role of patterns

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

1. What is surface decoration in woodworking?
2. Mention three types of surface decoration.
3. List two tools and two materials used for inlay.
4. Briefly explain one technique for surface decoration.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Assessment of understanding

Step 8: Note-Taking

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Writing

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils/students to copy the essential Board Summary notes on surface decoration, techniques, tools, and materials into their notebooks.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils/students copy the notes carefully into their notebooks.

Learning Point: Recording lesson content

Step 9: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes

Teaching Skill: Summarising

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarises the key points of the lesson, reiterating the importance of surface decoration in woodworking and encouraging students to practice the techniques learned. The teacher reminds them about safety.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and prepare for the next lesson.

Learning Point: Lesson consolidation

Continuous Assessment/Further Study

Type: Homework/Project

Instruction: Research and prepare a short report or sketch on a specific Nigerian traditional surface decoration technique found on wooden artifacts (e.g., Yoruba carvings, Igbo masks, Hausa calabash decorations). Include the tools and materials typically used.

1. Define surface decoration in your own words.
2. Identify and describe two different types of surface decoration techniques.
3. List three tools and three materials commonly used for surface decoration.
4. Sketch a simple pattern suitable for inlay on a small wooden box.
5. Research and write a short paragraph on the safety precautions to observe when carrying out surface decoration.

Lesson Keywords

• Surface Decoration – Enhancing wood aesthetics.
• Inlay – Setting contrasting materials into a surface.
• Marquetry – Veneer pictures glued onto wood.
• Parquetry – Geometric veneer patterns.
• Carving – Cutting wood to create designs.
• Veneering – Gluing thin wood slices.
• Pyrography – Decorating wood with heat.
• Patterns – Designs for decoration.

Differentiation

For students who grasp concepts quickly, encourage them to research more complex surface decoration techniques or design their own intricate patterns. For students needing additional support, provide simplified patterns for practice and offer one-on-one guidance during practical demonstrations, focusing on one technique at a time.

Suggested Lesson Videos

YouTube search for “wood surface decoration techniques SS3”
YouTube search for “wood inlay techniques for beginners”