About The Finishing Touch

The Finishing Touch began over 45 years ago in the basement of Don Blanchard’s Scotts Valley home. Combining a natural talent for woodworking with a passion for restoring cherished pieces, Don built the business into a lifelong craft focused primarily on residential restoration and family heirlooms.

Early in his career, Don worked with prominent antique dealers throughout the greater San Francisco area, restoring intricate furniture such as Boule pieces with tortoise shell and engraved brass inlays. His expertise also led to historic restoration projects for the San Juan Bautista Mission, the Castro House, and Wilder Ranch State Park.

Following major floods and mudslides in Santa Cruz County in the early 1980s, The Finishing Touch helped restore damaged furniture, wood trim, and cabinetry, playing an important role in the community’s recovery.

As the business grew, Don expanded into commercial work, including large-scale refinishing projects for Stanford University, the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium, the Santa Cruz County Courthouse, and the Santa Cruz Police Department, along with offices throughout the area.