Friday, November 7, 2014

Eastlake Bookcase...NO, we don't paint everything!

We're sort of known for our painted pieces
but did you know we also do complete restorations?
(are you shocked we don't paint EVERYTHING?)

I shouldn't say "we" as I want no part of stripping,sanding, staining...
no thanks!

Ken, however, is THE MAN
when it comes to restoring furniture to it's former glory

This stunning Eastlake bookcase
had sentimental value for our clients...
it's always such a privilege to be entrusted with pieces 
that hold such meaning

I can't locate a "before" shot, 
but it had water damage,
the three piers no longer fit together,
the finish was rough,
the hardware was...actually, I have no words!
And to top it all off, it was no longer level

A challenge, to be sure

If you HATE stripping and sanding like I do
you will find these photos unsettling
(when I think of the HOURS of hand sanding all those nooks and crannies...YIKES)



It's amazing how, 
after removing all the gunky build-up from repeated cleanings and re-staining,
the details come to life!
It's really quite beautiful in this natural state

The necessary repairs were made, the hardware was cleaned, and the pieces were stained
then sealed with a hand rubbed poly finish
(looks and feels like a buffed and waxed finish but more durable)

Seriously, this thing is STUNNING




Ken's sad to part with it...
he says it's been a pleasure to have in the studio

It's ready now to steal the show for another 100 years!

Thanks for stopping by!

Michele

6 comments:

  1. Ken, your job on Grandpa's bookcase is truly amazing!!! The transition from dusty and decrepit to beautifully refinished is hard to believe. We can't wait to see it in it's new place in our home. This is now a newly reborn and wonderful family heirloom. Thank you for all your hard work, your knowledge and talents and your attention to detail.

    And, Michele, we love all the pieces you have painted for us. You have a wonderful color sense and skillful artistry. You are both rare finds and a pleasure to work with.

    We'll see you soon,
    Bard and Mary

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  2. That was worth every bit of refinishing--completely gorgeous result!

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  3. Nice to know I am not the only one who doesn't paint EVERYthing! Some pieces just show more beautifully stained and I try to let the piece and its placement speak to me.
    That bookcase was incredible in its raw stage--were it mine, I would have been tempting to just wax it! Great job on -I'm sure- a daunting task. Even re-stained it is absolutely beaUtiful!
    Catherine

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  4. I love how it turned out, you need real patience and love for furniture to do this, so, congrats to your husband!;)
    Ozana

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  5. That is extra ordinary! All I can say is wow! And I hate sanding! haha... well, for any other reasons then when distressing f.ex. milkpainted/chalkpainted furniture! But I kind of liked it better when it was "raw". I love that style. I have an old cupboard after my mother in law hanging in my kitchen, which she sanded down many years ago, I really have no idea what it looked like before. But for some reason I get my self to paint it. I want to, but then I won`t.... Am I waird? Haha.... I found youre post via Hometalk. Now I am going to take a better look at youre blog. Would love to have you stop by my blog sometime: http://frugalfurbishing.blogspot.no/

    Have a great day:)

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