A simple guide to understanding topcoats
Category Archives: Furniture Restoration
MCM Boho Vintage Dresser
A step by step guide to refinishing a dated, mid century modern dresser into a bright, boho beauty!
Tell me about wood stain
A simple guide to understanding wood stain
Mid Century Modern Credenza
A step by step guide to refinishing a vintage credenza – from cleaning and sanding to wood bleaching and sealing!
Tell me about wood grain
Definition: texture and appearance of the wood fibres; longitudinal arrangement of wood fibers or the pattern resulting from such an arrangement Pith: the very center; in some trees, this is much softer and possibly a different color than the surrounding heartwood Heartwood: made up of dead cells that no longer serve any purpose except toContinue reading “Tell me about wood grain”
Tell me about wood veneer
Definition: thin slices of wood (usually thinner than 3 mm), that typically are glued onto core panels to produce flat panels such as doors, tops and panels for cabinets, parquet floors and parts of furniture
Tell me about using a tan paint wash
Use: maintain a raw/ bare wood finish after topcoat is applied; helps to minimize yellow/ orange/ red undertones in wood and even out blemishes
HPL Mobilier Tall Mid Century Modern Dresser
This gorgeous HPL Mobilier dresser sat in my basement for over 6 months because I didn’t have a clear vision of my refinishing path. A friend reached out looking for a tall piece and knew immediately when she saw this that it was the one. Click here for a list of basic supplies you’ll needContinue reading “HPL Mobilier Tall Mid Century Modern Dresser”
Mid Century Modern Kaufman Lingerie Chest
When I saw this piece on Facebook marketplace, I could tell it was vintage. I asked the seller to take a picture of the inside of the top drawer and saw the Kaufman brand. I was so excited despite it being covered in black paint. Materials: Circa 1850 heavy paint & varnish remover Circa 1850Continue reading “Mid Century Modern Kaufman Lingerie Chest”
Mid Century Modern Craddock Buffet
When I came across this set, I hadn’t heard of Craddock Furniture from Evansville, Indiana. Thanks to some helpful refinishers (that could also double as amateur sleuths!), I was able to learn more about the company. Materials: Annie Sloan’s Athenian Black chalk paint Annie Sloan’s clear wax Walrus Oil’s Furniture Butter Howard Products Feed-N-Wax HowContinue reading “Mid Century Modern Craddock Buffet”
Kristin Lia Restoration 