Back to Beautiful - Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration

Tom Johnson of Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration in Gorham, Maine restores these handsome green fancy chairs. Tom has been restoring furniture professionally since 1979. Visit our website at www.thomasjohnsonrestoration.com, or write us at [e-mail]. And for those on the west coast looking for custom framing, be sure to check out Tom's daughter's shop, www.emcollier.com (@emcollierframes on Instagram).

[@annedleman4222]

Loved the reference to Julian Baumgartner, as there are many so parallels between your work. Thank you for using this medium to share your immense knowledge.

[@paular6759]

I wonder what percentage of viewers were thinking of Julian before Tom gave him a shout out. I know I sure was!

[@TheLoxxxton]

I'm always amazed when I find out fellow viewers watch the exact same channels as myself. I bet no one else also watches forgotten weapons....

[@tomfarmer6883]

Me too! I love watching Julian also. I would say one of the best channels on KZbin , besides Tom of course.!

[@byronhadji3492]

Όπως τα μιλάς αδελφέ

[@notfeedynotlazy]

@@TheLoxxxton specifically, the FW video on gold damascene work?

[@gmaddocks]

I trusted Julian Baumgartner with the restoration of one of my paintings. Without question, I would definitely trust Thomas Johnson with my furniture. Both are extraordinary master craftsmen!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! It's quite a compliment to be mentioned in the same breath

[@terrayjos]

I also put those two names in at the top of my You Tube viewing.

[@dannysantos1266]

The reference to Julian was a treat. Fan of both channels.

[@johnsonrestoration]

That's great! Thanks!

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

To all those viewers who don't understand why Tom is spending his time restoring these chairs; first, there is a level of disconnect between what you are thinking is valuable and what the restoration business is all about, and two, its his job and he gets paid to bring peoples very loved treasured back into function. There are not a lot of craftsman/woman left out there willing to patiently resurrect these adored family treasures and further more there certainly are not a lot of talented restorers willing to make a youtube channel and share the years of knowledge as they go through the process. Tom is very humble with what he knows and what he doesn't know and he works hard to do the best with what he is working with; his work is always top notch. So cheers to the blood sweat and tears of the restoration Masters out there doing the work with love and precision. Cheers Tom

[@johnsonrestoration]

Wow! Trena! Well said! People get too hung up on this "value" thing. I wish the Road Show would leave out the whole "value" part of their show. You and I are of the same mind. I like making people happy!

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

@@johnsonrestoration exactly. cheers!

[@OnkelPeters]

Both you and Julian Baumgartner have that in common that you always make high quality content! You never disappoint your viewers 👌🏼

[@nashvillain171]

But Tom doesn't babble on unceasingly like a school girl. Just sayin'.

[@nashvillain171]

Now that Julian has begun posting ASMR versions of his work--perhaps as a result of feedback--I find his videos watchable.

[@OnkelPeters]

We got one, guys! Freshly caught and still wriggling.

[@nashvillain171]

@@OnkelPeters Struck a nerve, I see.

[@OnkelPeters]

Look! It's still moving! Flapping its fins.

[@dshey6802]

You painstakingly gave that chair some TLC. What a difference that made.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@26beegee]

This restoration is much like watching Julian of Baumgartner Fine Art Restoration. Well done!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@cogidubnus1953]

In a deliberately restrained fashion, think you've managed to bring out the inner age and beauty of the pieces...and Julian would be proud to have his name mentioned in their connection

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I hope so! I also might get served with a "ceases and desist" order

[@petemorgan1019]

All the satisfaction, without any of the graft. Thank you Mr Johnson.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@danielelse3914]

A reason for naming these "fancy chairs" isn't apparent until they are cleaned and seen close up. The labor-intensive striping and stenciling are gorgeous and well worth restoring.

[@lostonwallace1396]

The stenciling decoration is a bit fancy.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Yes, it's quite "fanciful"

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! But I like it when it's old and worn

[@FidesLTH]

"i'm not going to try to restore the paint job, just make them acceptable to be used again"... then proceed to meticulously touch up and fill every chip in in the paint. I love your attention to detail and your penchant for understatement!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Well, I meant I wasn't going to restore the paint itself

I’ve been going back and watching videos I missed. Every one is me … watching an Artist! Want to Comment on previous videos because they’re still amazing to see!💕

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you so much!

[@darrenbrand1554]

The words “sympathetic restoration” come to mind. Excellent work as always!👍🏻

[@johnsonrestoration]

Yes! Thank you!

[@susiepattinson3031]

That was incredible, I had my doubts that anyone could improve the look of those chairs, but wow, why was I doubting, especially when Tom was on the case!!! What can I say. Thomas Johnson, you are a magician ❤❤

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! These type of repairs are difficult! Don't look too closely! But they are acceptable now

[@cockroachdoc]

Love the shout out to Julian, you both being two of my favorite youtubers. One of the loveliest and most restful of your productions.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@melodienaber4992]

Excellent and so meticulous with matching 😍 color. Nailed it (metaphorically)!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you so much!

[@maryingham3516]

Thank you, Tom for this. I have a deacon’s bench that needs just this Golden Acrylic and wood filler treatment. You continue to amaze me..

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! Good luck with the bench

[@lostonwallace1396]

I like this. You're right. It's not exactly restoring, but you certainly improved the chair. You found a nice sweet spot that allows these chairs to be presentable while not trying to hide their age and history. Well done, Tom!

[@speedracer2336]

He said it wasn't a restoration.

[@lostonwallace1396]

@@speedracer2336 Uhm, Yeah. That was clear. Tom said that at the beginning. I was only mentioning it to echo his thoughts, and agreeing that he managed to do just what he set out to do with this.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Yes! Thank you!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Correct. Thanks!

[@jbart5260]

Your care, skill, and precision of execution is just amazing. Although Ella looked very unimpressed, I so enjoy seeing your work.

[@danielelse3914]

Ella's sets a very high bar for Thomas to clear.

[@charlesross9260]

Another great job. Thank you.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! She's only impressed with treats!

[@johnsonrestoration]

She does! But the bar drops quickly if treats are involved!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@gregmarston9782]

Wonderful work Tom! Tom, your videos are addicting.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you Greg! Thanks for emailing

[@kittonsmitton]

What a mesmerizing master class, I'm sure Julian would approve.

[@johnsonrestoration]

We can only hope! Thanks!

[@joshs3301]

Shout out Julian!! I watch both your channels religiously. ❤️❤️

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! That's great!

[@barbaracatalano6299]

Beautiful and gentle work there!! Love watching both of you restore pieces. You are both artists.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! That's nice

[@donniel.5902]

Once again a masterful job done by a master who's patience, perseverance and attention to detail never cease to amaze me. I feel very fortunate to have come across your channel and to be able to learn such valuable skills. Thank you again Tom.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@ginalou5774]

Julian would be proud of your colour matching.

[@johnsonrestoration]

That would be nice! Thanks!

[@maryricketts7337]

Wonderful preservation of these chairs. They would certainly have continued to deteriorate without intervention.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@steliosstavrinides3502]

Master Tom, the way and methods you choose to approach this chair revival is so amazing, and i can't thank you enough for this video !!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're very welcome!

[@bethcrane5780]

Our family had similar painted "fancy" chairs around our kitchen table. Beautiful painted stencils. I have some similar bedroom furniture I've been wanting to clean and touch up so this gave me food for thought. As a Julian fan, I loved the shout out. I saw no evidence of staples, so I think you're on the right track.

[@donnaa3717]

staples would be inappropriate . :)

[@cblodg1]

@@donnaa3717 They would be problematic. :P

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Give it a try!

[@anitamorales1506]

This is my favorite kind of project to do, and it turns out, it's is my favorite kind of project to watch as well. It really shows the extent of your artistry. Thank you once again for sharing this with us.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@jesseburch7063]

Thomas Johnson is my patronus.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Jesse!

[@alpetterson9452]

You're a man of many talents Tom. (I was just watching, on another channel, a guy use a belt sander on a piece of victorian furniture. Oh Lord!)

[@johnsonrestoration]

That makes me crazy! Thanks!

[@jeffsmith1858]

Love the old dog.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Me too! Thanks!

[@jeanine6492]

They look amazing now!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@janethelenrogers5138]

An extremely sympathetic restoration. You have just brightened them up and not interfered with their original paintwork. Extremely well done. I never tire of watching you work

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! That's nice

[@jimwiskus8862]

Hi, Tom, I think your work is magnificent! I assume you’re talking about Julian Baumgartner? Let’s face it, his work is second to none, and as a rule he deals with usually very old pairings. He doesn’t look very old, but I am assuming he started with his dad at an early age. He occasionally will say he has been doing this for years & years when it comes to the work of matching colors. I think with all of your training, years of experience and an obvious God given talent you are the Julian of furniture restorations. What you’ve done choosing wood for patches, stains, toners & finishes, you are the Julian of furniture restoration.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! That's the highest compliment ever!

[@aalexander928]

Thank you, Tom Johnson, for posting another fine video showing how to do an excellent job in restoration.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching

[@rickwoman]

Your were talking about Julian Baumgartner!!!🙂! That's great! I often thought he was talking about you when he mentioned furniture restoraters of high quality. He and you are my most beloved crafts men!!!!Hail to you!🥰☺️

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! It's always an honor to be mentioned in the same breath as Julian. He was probably talking about museum conservators

[@sylviekoenig9960]

Brilliant! I have seen a very bad botched job by another restorer who worked with very bad brushes. As soon as I saw yours, Tom, I knew you were going to do an excellent one. Congrats!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!Yes, they came out well. It's very difficult to know how far to go

[@maddieadams75]

Excellent attention to detail. ♥️

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@LegendSpecialist]

New color match 99% great job👌

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@feliciag5044]

Great job! I like that you kept the character of the chairs and didn't try to make them look brand new! Love watching your videos! You are a great teacher and master restorer 👏😊❤

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! 😊

[@lissataylor12345]

I think it looks fabulous. Your touch ups are very much in style WTH the original piece and its age. Thanks for sharing. Masterful.❤

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@jaycorwin1625]

I'd like your work even without Julian Baumgartner's approval. I like watching his restorations but I really enjoy your narrations much more. I have to think about similar things for work: how to convey information to other people, what they need most, whether the information is as clear as it can be, and then how well their processing of that information shows in their results. I've used some of the information you've given on your videos and I've gone back to them. It is always nice to see a painting restored, but learning useful skills may be what draws me more to your channel, which is still my all time favorite.

[@cajsheen2594]

Yes, there are many folk who have great knowledge but aren't able to impart it! XXX

[@sofiavalenzuela9782]

Very well said, that's why we like Mr. Thomas, as a technician in his field but ,above all as a person. He is like those teachers who leave an indelible mark because they preach by word and example. His soft skills (patience, simplicity, coherence and consistency) are evident and make him stand out.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Jay! I always appreciate your thoughtful comments. I try not to talk to much, I think that's the secret

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I appreciate that

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! That's very nice

[@kersi-sandiego6036]

Loved Mr.(?) Cat. Ah hah, caught Ella snoozing on the job. Amazing Tom how you colorized the putty and "plastered" it on.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, that's Orion!

[@ronmack1767]

Enjoyed the video Tom. That project was allot of art work. Mixing paint and applying it with an artist palette knife. Thanks for the video. I think they look good too. You differently can see a difference. Y'all take care and God bless.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Ron! Yes, I was very happy how it worked out

[@LucaMiolla]

Oh my, the video opened with a cat and there was no dog to be seen...I was scared for a moment but at 27 minutes I was so happy to see a beauty sleeping on the floor! Thanks for another memorable video!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Oh yeah! She's still kickin'

[@bobswerdlow]

I love the patience and calmness with which you approach this work. A sense of we-can-make-this-better without any sense of we-need-to-make-it-perfect. Inspiring.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! Yes, the "P" word is banned from the shop!

[@Cradley684]

Nice job Thomas, they looked pretty good from the UK too, have a nice day !!!.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, the farther the better

[@garylawrence7547]

The 6 foot rule. Love it. We should apply this rule to everything.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I think we do most of the time without realizing it

[@jodirauth8847]

You did such a beautiful job.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! They came out great

[@mossmonaco9061]

Excellent video. The guard cat is hard at work protecting the workshop. Thank you Tom.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! yes, they are on the job 24/7!

[@maggiesue4825]

They are truly fancy!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Yes they are! Thanks!

[@fedupwithvulgarities7355]

I agree. It looks pretty good! I think Julian B. would also approve. 🌞

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I hope so!

[@saggioculo5386]

I love these chairs. The 6 foot rule...awesome. I have to remember that one. Love your content..thank you.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You are so welcome! Oh yeah - it's a real thing

[@monophoto1]

Old-school photographers who made high-quality black and white silver prints (in a real darkroom) had a similar philosophy. There were always flaws that had to be retouched (in a process called 'spotting'), but the key was to do enough work to disguise the flaws, but then know when to stop. But I will say that the process could become hypnotizing!

[@imager8763]

Thank you for another great great video!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@sandrawest2105]

This was fascinating to watch you fearlessly mix and match colors and textures. Those chairs will bring much joy to the owner, truly looking good! Hugs to Miss Ella🤗. Thank you. Peace 💫

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! Hugs delivered!

[@johngibson2244]

Masterful and patient as always. Well done Tom

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@larryk6330]

I think it looks pretty good, too! I like the before/after images. Really highlights your beautiful work. Just great!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@stevesmith6554]

Very meticulous work on your part. You are certainly an artist at heart. Thank you for the unique video here.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@maryimhof]

Mr. Johnson - A beautiful restoration !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're very welcome!

[@gloriaguzman729]

What amazing job,Mr. Johnson!!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you Gloria!

[@melodysimonson1510]

That was well done! Matching the paint and gold to the colors that were there was amazing work.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you very much!

[@cynthiaprichard7241]

I wish I could go back 50 years and be an apprentice in your shop.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Me too! Thanks! I would love to go back and pay more attention to my Dad and older brother

[@olgai.menendez9493]

Wow great job! I think the most hard thing for me is trying to match the color. But it came out great! Once again puppy approved!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! It is difficult, you can't get too close to it. Don't think about matching so much as just trying to make the defect disappear, from at least 6'!

[@shannon7608]

Another amazing video. Thanks for sharing it with us!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@cherylporter1056]

Tom, your artistry is amazing. Patience and attention to detail is incredible. I love watching you work.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you, that's nice!

[@167curly]

Most enjoyable watching your skillful cleaning and remaining those chairs' finishes, Tom. Thanks.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@nancyclark3049]

Excellent color match! Very unique and lovely little chairs. Love the times we get to see Ella. She reminds me of our senior dog, Shadow! Dear faithful, loyal friends til the very end...

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I don't want to think about the end!

[@richardcary978]

Nice work Tom! Just enough to bring the chair back to life while retaining its aged features. Well done.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@ChronoVersatur]

A lovely faithful restoration with some great close up shots, the chairs look spot on. Thanks for another video to enjoy.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@bobvogel9019]

Outstanding once again. Your patience and craftsmanship are inspiring sir.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you very much!

[@frankstoverpurebloodsaltya6441]

You have a great eye for color matching..another beautiful job Tom!!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you very much!

[@robertlassiter907]

I’m about 1300 miles away from the chair and and it looks really good. Well done, Tom!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Much better than the 6' rule!

[@joycecarter4597]

Stunning... as always! Great video. Can't wait for the next one! Much love. ❤️

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@boatmantheman]

Such an underrated restoration channel, I've found the genre to be limiting variety lately and love your unique and careful style. Your professionalism and passion really shine through.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@christinereed1837]

Wonderful. I’m sure you made Julienne proud!

[@johnsonrestoration]

I hope so! More likely he's just shaking his head...

[@kennethleslie9414]

Another lovely job Tom

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@Mudjie50]

Another enjoyable and educational video. I liked the saying Just take the curse off. Give your puppy, kitties and the rest of your critters head scrithes for me! Will see you again next time!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Will do! (except the chickens DO NOT like to be petted!)

[@juliewohlfarth9627]

Love how you kept the original imperfections

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, that's a given

[@graemetimoney7002]

A new set of skills on show here Tom and another excellent restoration , thanks for sharing.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@acraftman2823]

Very nice work Tom, maintaining the heritage and patina of the chair and eliminating the glaring defects. It looks like the builder had a change of design in mid-construction and a lot of other people had a hand at them as well. Chairs are definitely the whipping boys of the furniture trade.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I like that! True...

[@judebrown4103]

It truly is alchemy the way you manage colour. I watch you start to apply it and I'm thinking: "too blue, surely?" then a gentle swipe of a damp cloth and the patch has vanished like magic. Such a sensitive job, it would have been so tempting for others to "restore" the painting on that chair to look as it might have looked when first applied. That would have been so wrong and of course you wouldn't dream of doing such a thing. The skill you have in deciding exactly how far you need to go, to bring out the beauty that the piece has developed in all its years since it was new, that is sublime. Another masterful piece of work and wonderful to watch, thank you Tom. 👍 😊

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! And so nice - I appreciate it!

[@bbqlips]

great video! plus I love your calender, My dad owns a red 1968 Shelby❤

[@johnsonrestoration]

Wow! I hope he lets you borrow it! ha ha

[@bigsquatchsasfoot1964]

Nice work Thomas you certainly knocked the ugly out them and made them beautiful again .👌👍

[@johnsonrestoration]

I like that! Another click bait title! Thanks!

[@georgecunningham9175]

A remarkable transformation. BUT! Oh my, the amount of work and patience involved...............fully worth the effort of course, to see the original finish "aged" to show the long life these have had, and the pleasure they will give to coming generations. BUT! Oh my, the amount of work and patience involved..............

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Once I got going it wasn't bad at all

[@judithburke1539]

Thank you for showing us the initial workmanship in this set of chairs. The details were lovingly made. It makes me wonder what the original table would have looked like. Take care.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Good question! Thanks!

[@twobluestripes]

Loved the comment about Julian. Of COURSE you watch Baumgartner! I love both your channels! I have learned so much watching from both (also learned a lot from Dashner Design and Restoration)

[@johnsonrestoration]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@loydclayton5783]

It looks very nice! A lot of painstaking work for sure. Great job!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you very much!

[@SamiKatzen]

Well, the patience of Job paid off with your tireless detailing and the result is impressive. You are quite the master.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@lindag.barclay2109]

You have an incredible amount of patience!!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I do, I don't know why

[@TheFiown]

So funny the Julian reference, you are one funny guy Tom !

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Stephanie!

[@woodybeck8966]

Superb work, Tom.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@timothyhill4630]

Thomas and Julian, 2 incredible artists.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Although, he really is an artist!

[@erwinwinkelmann]

What kind of work! The dedication and patience with which you approach this is indescribable. The owner of these chairs will be delighted with the result of your work. I am always happy about the videos in which you let us watch your work. All the best to you and best regards.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you very much!

[@HBSuccess]

I was going to give up on this one but am glad I didn't. Another remarkable save Tom - the owner should be thrilled.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! they're very happy!

[@joewiningham8752]

Well done. Great job.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@patientorlando1306]

Such a sensitive approach to this restoration Tom; once again you proved to be a master of colour matching and technique! Your idea to use wood putty as a base for the colour was very clever and practical...paint alone was not going to fill up the space from those chipped paint areas and give the surrounding area some stability. Another fantastic master class!!!!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! yes, I thought that was pretty clever too. Especially because it actually worked

[@VeretenoVids]

Watching you mix the paints for this one was fun--reminded me of some of my forays into forensic art history.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Wow! Thanks! Forensic Art History sounds interesting

[@gailgrisham7643]

Exquisite as always

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@yeagerxp]

Excellent work 👍👍👍 . Thank you for sharing. Be safe 🇨🇦

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!