Taking refinishing lessons from Gary Wood, master- wood worker from New Hampshire, has been a two-edged sword. Stains, dyes, waxes and every conceivable type of finish are part of the tools of his trade. Blending age-old techniques and materials with modern knowledge and his own formulas, Wood brings unexpected life to every piece of furniture he touches. Learning from him has been both an invaluable experience and a reminder of how much more there is to learn.
One of my more recent finds was the dresser that was mentioned in a recent Redeux blog post. That piece has benefited from Woods’ instruction and has also taught me a few lessons.
One of my more recent finds was the dresser that was mentioned in a recent Redeux blog post. That piece has benefited from Woods’ instruction and has also taught me a few lessons.
Used and abused, this piece of furniture had so many issues that after it was really inspected it came close to being abandoned for scrap. Close, but not quite.
The top, as shown in the photos, was damaged with burns, had its finish damaged with various liquids and was stained. The frame had come loose as did also the drawers. An assortment of nails and screws had been inserted here and there over the decades and the original drawer hardware had been replaced with some type of appliance or auto door handles. Lovely. When it was picked up must have been a day I wanted a real challenge or thought it would be a better substitute than adopting a stray dog - which The Redhead has been hinting at. At least this dog had no fleas!
The first step at restoration was stripping the old finish then strengthening and re-setting the frame. Next was filling the various holes and then on to the burn mark and stain remediation. This was done by a combination of judicious sanding (only as a last resort) and applying several colors of oil-based wood stain. This took a surprising bit of time and effort. Next, came applying several coats of shellac. Using techniques taught by Wood, the dresser really started to look like something. The finish was completed by adding a hand-rubbed wax top-coat.
Still bearing some healed scars like a battle tested warrior, this dresser went from junk yard dog to a lovely piece of vintage furniture... ready again for many years of service!
Oh, and the biggest lesson this piece taught me? Never, ever, pick out pieces for Redeux the same day that The Redhead has been talking about rescuing an unwanted dog!
Other pieces about to be restored are a small drop-leaf side table, a wheeled serving cart and a chiffarobe. This last piece will be painted. If you have been looking for a piece like this and have a color choice let me know. Also just in is an interesting mahogany coffee table. This piece has a leather inlay top and very interesting carved legs. It appears to be at least 70 years old.
Spring seems just around the corner and with it comes the return to the garage shop. If you are thinking about picking up a nice piece of vintage furniture for the spring you may want to check out our current inventory now. It would be worthwhile to us both!
Remember – when the Rocking Chair sign is out in front…I’m hard at work inside. Stop by, say hello and see what’s being given the Redeux treatment!
Oh, and the biggest lesson this piece taught me? Never, ever, pick out pieces for Redeux the same day that The Redhead has been talking about rescuing an unwanted dog!
Other pieces about to be restored are a small drop-leaf side table, a wheeled serving cart and a chiffarobe. This last piece will be painted. If you have been looking for a piece like this and have a color choice let me know. Also just in is an interesting mahogany coffee table. This piece has a leather inlay top and very interesting carved legs. It appears to be at least 70 years old.
Spring seems just around the corner and with it comes the return to the garage shop. If you are thinking about picking up a nice piece of vintage furniture for the spring you may want to check out our current inventory now. It would be worthwhile to us both!
Remember – when the Rocking Chair sign is out in front…I’m hard at work inside. Stop by, say hello and see what’s being given the Redeux treatment!
Looking forward to seeing you soon,
Bill
