Tag: Veneer

#34 Antique Victorian Empire-Style sofa

Transformation expenses: $24.82 plus upholstering costs

This beautiful turn-of the twentieth century sofa was a family heirloom that got crowded out and was languishing in a basement. Thankfully its owners contacted me before sending it to the thrift store. And thankfully I found a family that saw its potential and was willing to pay for professional upholstering. I think the result is a spectacular, happy ending.

This sofa’s upholstery was outdated, torn, and still had hay and horsehair stuffing. It seriously needed an update! Apart from some previous repairs and some damage to the veneer, the frame (with its original casters) was in reasonable shape and really just needed cleaning and restoring. The first step was to take it to the upholsterer and get the old upholstery removed.

Once the frame was stripped bare I vacuumed and cleaned away the dust, dirt, and cobwebs. Then I pulled out my trusty refinishing tools: Howard’s Restor-A-Finish (mahogany), Howard’s Feed ‘n’ Wax, fine steel wool, clean rags, a toothbrush, and a wood finish repair kit.

Restor-A-Finish blended out the smallest scratches and (with the careful use of some fine steel wool) removed the scuff and paint marks. I went back to the bigger cracks and scratches with a black Blend Stick and a dark furniture marker.

When the scratches, cracks, and dings had all been treated I finished with a coat of Feed ‘n’ Wax to restore a beautiful glow.

Meanwhile the new owner went fabric shopping. Amongst these and other options her eye kept going back to the one top left, which we decided to call “Modern Rose”. The pattern compliments the rose carvings on the frame perfectly, and the grey/yellow color scheme is a personal favorite of hers. We chose black velvet for the outside back and sides and included matching pillows trimmed with black velvet cording.

The final leg of the journey was back to the upholsterer to put it all together.

The end result is a beautiful blend of the rich wood tones and the new fabric, which is the perfect balance of neutral/vibrant and modern/traditional.

#14 Heritage “Cameo II” end table

Transformation cost: $17.82

When my friend Renate saw this piece roadside she instantly contacted me and I rushed to pick it up. At first glance I knew it was a beautiful, quality piece and, on further investigation I was validated. Made in May 1976 by Heritage furniture in Drexel, NC it was part of the Cameo II collection. The catalog boasts: “Superb fruit-wood finishes complement rich grafted and pin knotty walnut veneers and pecan solids”. The pieces in the collection were originally sold in either a wood or a custom (painted) finish. Knowing that made me less reluctant to apply some paint to the piece.

The table top had some nasty water/paint/crayon marks so I began by removing the finish on the top.

Next I gently sanded the top and wiped it with a damp cloth.
The rest of the table got a light sanding and a cleaning with a mild soap solution.

After meticulously masking certain areas, the piece was ready to paint.

Starting with the underside I applied 3-4 coats of Rust-Oleum 2X Ultra Cover in Heirloom White, satin finish.
Once upright the rest of the piece got the same treatment.

I then gently distressed the Heirloom White finish and sealed it with Rust Oleum Satin Clear Enamel

To finish the top I applied 3 coats of a clear gloss oil-based polyurethane. The grain of the walnut veneer came up beautifully!