Antique Oak Children's Desk Restoration - Part Two

In this second video, Simon demonstrates a number of techniques that a french polisher or furniture restorer may use to restore an old oak finish. Although this not a demonstration video, Simon shows clearly how a series of careful wood treatments can result in an amazing renovation.
Once all the repair and preparation work is completed (as seen in Part 1- • Antique Oak Children's... )
Simon goes on to show how to neutralise the wood after stripping with a chemical stripper and then use oxalic acid to bring out the natural colour of the aged oak timber. The next process Simon shows us how to use Plaster of Paris to create a traditional limed oak finish.
French polishing colouring techniques are also demonstrated, along with how to make a watertight container from a single piece of sandpaper.
In the final part of the video, Simon shows us how easy it is to apply Gilboys new hard wax oil for a natural, hard wearing finish which is further complimented by using Gilboys pure gold, clear beeswax premium polish to crown the restoration.
gilboys.co.uk
Video Chapter Index
00:16 Two reasons to use methylated spirits after stripping
02:15 Black spots on oak after stripping
03:12 Using Gilboys Oxalic Acid on oak
04:57 Spot bleaching oak
06:55 Applying hot oxalic acid solution to the oak top
07:31 Applying washing soda to the oxalic acid soaked surface
09:29 Wiping away the excess oxalic solution with a clean dry cloth
09:55 Applying oxalic to the the remaining parts of the oak desk
12:13 How to apply a limed oak finish to oak wood
13:05 Using a wire brush to open up the soft pores of the oak grain
14:40 Lightly sealing the wood, prior to liming, using a weak shellac mix
16:00 Charging the fad with french polish and meths
18:05 Results of using oxalic on black spotting
19:19 Mixing the Plaster of Paris liming paste
19:50 Applying the liming paste
23:02 Story time at Gilboys
27:38 Lightly sanding the limed oak prior to sealing
28:55 Applying Gilboys hard wax oil
32:43 Applying hardwax oil to the oak pedestal unit
34:56 How to make a French Polishers Boat
36:48 Using raw earth pigments to fake grain the oak
39:35 Sourcing wood for the new pen holder
41:22 Making the new pen holder
43:44 Cutting the plinth profile to match rest of the pedestal
44:38 Shaping a new facade for the pens
46:09 Applying Gilboy Pure gold premium beeswax polish
47:22 Reassembling the desk
47:40 Gluing in new drawer stops
47:50 Showing some of the materials used to restore the desk
48:43 Before shots of the desk prior to restoration
48:54 Revealing the newly restored desk to the customer

[@antonzemanek7770]

Such a lovely customer and the best dad in the world ♥

[@Cradley684]

Two great video's Simon Thank's for the share sure your daughter will like it, have a nice day and keep them coming !!!.😀😃👍👍.

[@GilboysRestoration]

Thank you, I will try. They take a huge amount of time to make. But I hope you like them. 🙂

[@pdmacguire]

There is nothing like a satisfied customer!

[@GilboysRestoration]

Thanks Patrick Yes, she was very happy 😃

[@jasonskinner9682]

Hey Simon - Loving these videos - Thank you for taking the time toput them together they are excellent.

[@Leroyy536]

Quite a few times I have bleached oak with caustic and peroxide and then limed, very nice uniform colour.

[@chandarussell]

It’s an adorable little desk. Loved watching you refinish it although I’m not a fan of liming. The finish was beautifully done.

[@GilboysRestoration]

Thank you Chanda. Very kind of you.

[@killy1958able]

Gorgeous 😊

[@GilboysRestoration]

Thank you. 😊

[@lionelgardiner4408]

a lovely job on the desk although Im not in love of lime washing.

[@johnfithian-franks8276]

I noticed that you called the camera man by his first name, b ut he used "Mr Gilboy" that sounds a bit outdated now. I was in charge of over a thousand people when i was in the navy but as long as there was no-one around we used first names, unfortunately they had to refer to me as sir in gatherings but i hated that

[@GilboysRestoration]

Hi John. It was just Ian being a bit formal on camera, believe me, its very informal here in the workshop. 😄 It's not something that I have ever asked him to do. 😁 It's great to hear peoples stories. I bet you have a few 🙂 Kind regards Simon

[@ianbrodiesmith4085]

Fantastic sir. What a lucky girl. Would love to see more about your wax. Brush application please

[@cobberpete1]

It didn't stop me throwing... I just perfected my aim LOL. Please, Please. Simon. tell us before you start to sing, so we can stuff the cotton wool in out ears 🤪😬🤣. Love it. You have a very happy customer. I will have to try Hard wax on a few pieces in the future.

[@GilboysRestoration]

Hi Peter. It's true, if I stopped I would have been bombarded. 🤣 Sorry about the singing, I didn't want it left in, but others said it was lighthearted, sorry 😆. I hope you have success with the hard wax oil. As I have mentioned in the above comments, I've been a fan of the stuff for years. Obviously it doesn't go near period valued antiques, but elsewhere, why wouldn't you? I hope you are well Best wishes Simon

[@gr328]

The Soda Crystals (Sodium Carbonate) are alkaline and neutralise the oxalyic acid giving off carbon dioxide in the process (fiz) and some heat.

[@GilboysRestoration]

Thanks GR. I knew somebody would help out. Thank you. 👍 🙂

[@killy1958able]

🚶‍♂️ 😊

[@NewApologist]

This may not apply to this video but others in the past. Do know of any good books or resources on touch-up colors for furniture repair, etc. Your past videos have been great on this but sometimes lead me into further questions. Love the videos!

[@GilboysRestoration]

Thanks, I'm not sure there are any books that specifically cover the detail of using pigment colours. Virtually all the books I have have chapters on it, but not in any great detail. Sorry. Kind regards Simon

[@NewApologist]

Thanks Simon, plan to purchase some of your products soon.

[@Leroyy536]

@@NewApologist best practice would be to study art videos about mixing colours, you need to know colour theory, also so the techniques of painting in all mediums. I’m also a french polisher.

[@NewApologist]

@Blondie Thanks, I’ve been studying color theory, I think just playing with it would be the best idea. What do you think?

[@Leroyy536]

@@NewApologist yes, you are correct, it’s only by doing you gain experience, you have the will to learn is a big factor, carry on, I wish you well.

[@mrstandfast2212]

Really enjoyable and informative as always. You may just have changed my mind in favour of limed oak. For our American friends, methylated spirits is denatured alcohol.

[@GilboysRestoration]

Thanks Mr Standfast 🙂

[@TheFurnitureArtisan]

Another great job, you are getting quite good at it now😉 Isn’t hard wax oil is a fantastic product, it’s almost like cheating.🤫

[@GilboysRestoration]

Thanks Dan. I completely agree, I've been banging on about the stuff for years now 😆 hard wax oil that is 🙂 I really wish I has this product 30 years ago. It truly is great! I used to use two pack, carcinogenic lacquers with really strong solvents. I haven't done that for years, why would you? I still see on many furniture facebook groups, people using teak oil, tung oil or danish oil and polyurethane etc. Why? These hard wax oils are easier to apply and quicker to dry. The satin finish looks really professional, and is heat resistant and water resistant! Oh', did I mention that they are non toxic! I mean what else do you want from a wood finish. 🤔? 😁 Kind regards Simon

[@Argyll9846]

Great to see part 2 and the finished result that made for a happy young customer.

[@GilboysRestoration]

Thanks Nicholas. 🙂 She uses it every day ✅

[@patientorlando1306]

As the young Miss said: "I love it!" Such a wonderful reaction after all your hard work. I really appreciated this restoration tutorial - it had it all: lots of fun, having a laugh, a sing-a-long, and very helpful guidance on tools and techniques to use...10/10!👍