Fun with Finishes

 Every old cottage at some point had dressers like these in the bedrooms. Chances are they were inexpensive, painted pieces ordered from the Eaton`s or Simpson-Sears catalogues. They were designed for function and durability but not for their fine lines or esthetics. Many lasted years and went through multiple generations and owners as most cottagers left them for the new owners when they sold their properties rather than move them to another location.
 These 3 were virtually identical pieces, one needed a new mirror frame, all needed re-gluing and re-finishing. The owner and I decided to jazz them up with some new colours and textures.
 Black lacquer, crackling, and a combination of stain and colour give each a new look and a new life.

 

 

These were stored in an old shed for years and had to have their "lodgers" evicted in order for me to begin the repair and re-finish process. They were cleaned up, panels re-glued,sanded, and sealed inside and out, and then coloured.

 These are fun projects to work on as they don`t take too much time or materials. The look is fabulous and revives a tired old piece, turning them  into something new and colourful. Next up, 2 old oak dressers that will be given a deep mahogany/cherry/walnut stain and clear top coat