Kristin Lia Restoration

HERE ARE STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW I TRANSFORMED THIS MID CENTURY MODERN VICART 9-DRAWER DRESSER:

Sanding & Wood repairs

Here’s how I started on this chest of drawers:

1. started by removing the legs and vacuuming the cobwebs from underneath
2. removed what felt like 1,000,000 pieces of drawer liners from the inside of the 9 drawers
3. using my DeWalt impact driver, I removed the screws holding the handle so I could take it off the front
4. it was really a struggle to get this handle off and once it did come off, it was obvious it wasn’t meant to be removed. For this reason, I didn’t remove any more.
5. as I removed the liner from each drawer using my Mozart blade, I also did some necessary repairs using Titebond for the loose veneer, Scotch Painters Tape to secure it once it was glued, and Gorks Goodfilla wood filler in walnut to fill in the couple of missing pieces of veneer
6. after waiting for everything to dry, it was time to start removing the finish from the handles
7. I started with my Bahco 1” carbide tipper pocket scraper using the triangle shaped blade to remove the finish around the handle and in those tight corners of the frame
8. scraping helps because it reduces the amount of sanding that needs to be done- especially around those delicate handles; less sanding means less chance of damaging the veneer
9. used the cordless vacuum to remove the shavings as I went along
10. switched over to the pear (or oval) shaped blade to remove that finish in the groove of both sides of the handle
11. finished by cleaning up the entire area using my Tineco vacuum

This prep, especially for 9 drawers, took a while but it really sets up a much easier sanding experience.

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So. Much. Sanding.

Now it’s time to remove the finish by sanding! I just was SO excited to see what was under that finish.

Here’s how I removed that original finish:

1. for the flat surfaces, I used my DeWalt random orbit sander; I started with 100 grit on medium speed
2. this is connected to a DeWalt dust extractor so that all that sanding dust is contained; it allows me to properly sand inside my house
3. for all of those gorgeous curved handles, my SurfPrep 3×4 electric ray sander with its foam pads was perfect; I started with a 100 grit film on an interface pad and then switched to a 5mm ProFoam pad in Medium to smooth out; this was also hooked up to my SurfPrep dust extractor
4. when done with the curved areas, I switched back to my DeWalt to smooth out those flat surfaces using 150 grit
5. I always like to give all of the non-wood surfaces a really good clean using Rustoleum’s Krud Kutter
6. usually I just use a bar rag but because of the adhesive left by the drawer liner, I used a scrub brush as well on the drawers
7. the water turned pink! I think because the insides must be cherry- I’ll definitely be inserting new ones to protect their clothes
8. I changed the water, got a new rag and rinsed any remaining residue

With all of the surfaces prepped, it feels so good to know that the wood underneath was even better than I even imagined!

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How to apply paint accent

I was hoping to not have to do a paint accent. But with that little repair I did and the fact that I’m not super confident about my grain matching skills yet, I decided to modernize it just a little. I knew that Country Chic Paint’s Dark Roast would be a perfect complement to that walnut wood.

Here’s how I created the paint accent:

1. first lined up the drawers to see what drawers I wanted to apply the accent to
2. using Elite washi tape, I first applied to only the middle drawers but that didn’t look right to me
3. using a notch on a paint stir stick, I applied the tape to the rest of the surfaces making sure it was even across each one
4. for the frame, I marked out just the inside side edges to tie in the accents on the drawers
5. used a Country Chic Paint Artist Detail brush to apply the colour “Dark Roast” to the accent areas
6. let dry for a few hours
7. applied the second coat
8. this colour has amazing coverage and with it being such a small area, it was easy to make sure it was applied evenly

This colour is always such a good pairing with walnut wood. I’m really looking forward to applying the sealant to the wood and see that grain emerge!

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How to seal wood & paint with Osmo

The day for applying the wood sealant is finally here!!! I am always so excited for this part of the process. I knew that this wood will look spectacular with Osmo Polyx-Oil Tints in Amber applied. Country Chic Paint does have a built-in top coat but I like adding the extra durability.

Here’s how I applied the wood sealant to seal both the wood and the paint:

1. started by removing the Elite tape and applying more along the areas the edges I want to protect
2. gave the Polyx-Oil Tints a really good stir to incorporate any of the pigments that settled on the bottom; poured into the tray
3. to apply I used an Elite flat brush for the edges and a microfibre roller for the flat surfaces
4. it can be applied in all directions but it’s important to finish with long, even strokes with the grain
5. when done applying, I let dry for 24 hours
6. in between each coat, I lightly sanded with a 400 grit foam pad
7. removed the dust with a tack cloth
8. this ensures a super smooth surface free of dust- and in my case, dog hair
9. repeated the same process to apply the second coat using Osmo Polyx-Oil Clear in matte
10. let dry overnight but only 8-10 hours required
11. lightly sanded again
12. for the 3rd and final coat, I buffed in the oil using an Osmo Superpad
13. this means that I did gentle circles with the oil until it was all absorbed into the surface
14. finished with long, even strokes to make sure that no swirl marks remained

I am obsessed with this grain and the way this product has highlighted it, is absolutely incredible.

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Finishing Touches

This is it. Where it all comes together. The pairing of Osmo Polyx-Oil Tints in Amber and Country Chic Paint’s Dark Roast is truly incredible.

Here’s how I finished up this gorgeous VicArt MCM 9-drawer dresser:

1. fixed a broken drawer guide
2. 👴🏻 Used Grandpa Ernie’s sanding method for all the wood surfaces for a “smooth like butter 🧈” finish; let me know if you need a further explanation
3. reinstalled that one drawer handle
4. cut drawer liners from Amazon to size and installed
5. reinstalled the legs
6. removed the tape
7. put the drawers back in their proper locations

From a roadside find to a gorgeous piece of art! I am just thrilled with how I managed to transform this piece. Now it’s time to print pictures of what it looks like now and mail them to the original owners!

Have you ever found a roadside treasure??

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