Modernizing an Outdated, Yellow Pine Amoire | How to Refinish Yellow Pine Furniture | Raw Wood Look

[@ChicAntiquebyHolly]

If you were my client, what would you have had me do with this piece? Would you prefer a dark stain, or paint, or do you like the raw wood look?

[@jademorgan999]

A light blue wash and bronze pulls 😊

[@daniellevalentino7723]

Dark stain!

[@joycewerner1041]

Painted!

[@davestelling]

Just as you've done. Very nice...

[@DavidGonzalez-us8js]

I love the raw wood look I'm currently doing 3 large pieces to raw wood from a dark mahogany stain and this clear coat im on day 2 of sanding it all by hand prefer it that way takes longer but looks nicer to me

[@gracieferguson1653]

Thank you for explaining all the details on sanding and the reason for the different grits.

[@ChicAntiquebyHolly]

absolutely! thanks for watching :)

[@libertygiveme1987]

I've always DESPISED PINE!!!! But looking at it stripped, it really is pretty!!!! "BANG UP JOB"!!!!

[@ChicAntiquebyHolly]

Thank you so much! Glad I could change your mind ☺

[@FooteHaus]

I’m so glad I found your video because it helped me know what to do with my dresser that’s become orangey with age. Thank you so much for creating such a detailed yet simple tutorial!

[@randywilder2855]

Love the natural finish and I have a greater appreciation for how much work it is to accomplish this. Great video.

[@ChicAntiquebyHolly]

Thank you so much. I really do appreciate that 🤗

[@ericaagnesse6523]

it turned out amazing! so bright and clean! you must have so much patience to sand for 10 billion years

[@ChicAntiquebyHolly]

Thank you so much! I really do not have patience, so this piece really challenged me 😂

[@holly5791]

I always love natural wood. That was a lot of work! Great job! 🙂👍

[@ChicAntiquebyHolly]

Thank you! It really was 😅

[@m249sawgunr]

I dabble with wood projects and ways to repurchase armoires... this really helps me know the possibilities of what can be done with the dated yellow-tinted finishes you so often find...good work...I love the option of the natural finish ...great job...beautiful

[@ChicAntiquebyHolly]

that's awesome! thank you :)

[@janettewilder544]

BRAVO!!! Holly you are so energetic! You went above and beyond for the care and repair of bringing this pine back to life!!🏆 Growing up in “The Black Hills” of South Dakota, where pine trees gave the area it’s famous name, I watched in awe as you transformed this piece to match its original identity. I love and respect and am grateful for trees. I couldn’t help wondering where the tree grew that gave up its life for this, the benefit of man, but maybe the tree is pleased as well!! Lol😃 Anyway, thank you for handling your client’s cargo so respectfully, Holly, I learn more than restorative information when I watch your videos!!🥇Also…the Bloopers!!!😆♥️

[@ChicAntiquebyHolly]

Thank you so much for your kind words. I do hope this piece honors the beauty and strength of the tree that it came from. I'm so glad you enjoyed it and were able to learn something. Thanks for watching all the way to the bloopers 😉

[@BeastofRock3]

You also have a really nice voice, it's so nice to listen to!

[@ChicAntiquebyHolly]

Thank you!

[@7adethelrou75]

You did an amazing job, nothing prettier than the look of bare wood . ♥️

[@ChicAntiquebyHolly]

Thank you so much! I agree 😊

[@yvonnerobertson1179]

Normally I'd be paint it because I'm so over wood finishes but this is stunning. Great job of staying with the tremendous amount of hand sanding. Thank you for sharing

[@ChicAntiquebyHolly]

Thank you for watching and appreciating my work!

[@debolsen3294]

You did a gorgeous job!!!! Your client must love it!

[@ChicAntiquebyHolly]

Thank you very much! I would say they do ☺

[@marycarper5634]

Absolutley gorgeous, with nothing but elbow grease and talent!!!

[@ChicAntiquebyHolly]

Thanks!

[@traceyglass2692]

This was so helpful to me. Thanks for posting!

[@karenl.4241]

Simply gorgeous!! This was very helpful and thank you for the list of products you used. I need to do something with my Knotty Pine kitchen and I think this will satisfy my idea for a make over.

[@shaysupercrazy]

This is beautiful!! 🙌 I have an old pine desk I've been wanting to do something with, and I didn't know this was what I wanted until I watched your video😀 You've inspired me! Also -- you have one of the best recording voices I think ever. It's just lovely to listen to you explain the steps!

[@CatherineBrown-c3i]

Great job!! Looks perfect..

[@BeastofRock3]

I love this! So glad you're living your passion!

[@ChicAntiquebyHolly]

Appreciate it!

[@lorrainewhitlock5377]

You did such a lovely job Holly! I really love it

[@ChicAntiquebyHolly]

Thank you so much!!

[@noelenedutton4744]

So Holly….did you end up putting a finish of any kind on this? 🌸

[@kimhough7753]

It’s gorgeous Holly! Love the raw wood look!

[@ChicAntiquebyHolly]

Thank you so much! Glad you like it!

[@joanmacleod1362]

It turned out beautiful. This is the first time I have seen a paint wash done with full strength paint. Usually the paint is mixed with water so it is more subtle.

[@Ontheflipside2021]

Girl you got more patience than I have. The wood is beautiful great job. I hope you have them a price range rather than a fixed price since it took longer than you thought.

[@ChicAntiquebyHolly]

Thank you so much!

[@kathleenhernandez3772]

It's beautiful piece you did a fabulous job on this

[@ChicAntiquebyHolly]

Thank you so much 😊

[@michelerussell9044]

I love the outside The natural color is amazing. My only question is why did you not do the inside?

[@jlyout]

Beautiful!

[@ChicAntiquebyHolly]

Thanks!

[@lubblyjubblyfurniture]

Wow Holly, that wood grain is gorgeous, you did an amazing job, i want that armoire lol so pretty. love the natural finish, well done

[@ChicAntiquebyHolly]

Thank you so much, Meg. You are so kind ❤

[@luckytahlula6515]

Great job. I would have done one thing differently. The knobs, I would have put porcelain ones on. But you worked hard and you did a beautiful job. Well worth all the effort.

[@ChicAntiquebyHolly]

Thank you! This piece was a commission for a client, so all the design decisions were up to them, not me 😊

[@luckytahlula6515]

@@ChicAntiquebyHolly it was just a "If I were the client " comment. You did a great job. Would you have used different hardware?

[@ChicAntiquebyHolly]

@@luckytahlula6515 Oh! Understood! I actually really like the wood knobs. It creates a monochromatic look, which I really enjoy. My second choice would be some traditional matte black knobs.

[@kayeyeager8006]

Oddly satisfying over yellow, orange or brown.

[@vaderladyl]

I love those three classic finishes.

[@VintageAndPainted]

Oooo how I love this finish! Funny how yellow pine was popular at one time! 😬 Glad you're changing that and bringing it back to life, good on you Holly!

[@ChicAntiquebyHolly]

Thank you so much 😊

[@vaderladyl]

Was popular but still a classic.

[@janetslicer3637]

I think you did a great job too! I'm just not a fan of pine of any kind. But when you put it like drift wood I do!

[@ChicAntiquebyHolly]

Thank you! Appreciate you watching even though you're not a fan of pine. That means a lot.

[@daniellevalentino7723]

You did such an amazing job. I'd love to see you do something with yellow pine but also stained cool toned. My house is filled with moldings and doors with this gross honey colored yellow pine and we want a cool toned darker wood but having a hard time of it.

[@ChicAntiquebyHolly]

I think a white wash or a light gray wash would be so pretty! I'll make a video on that someday.

[@vaderladyl]

It is not gross, some like the color and can look good with warmer decor.

[@drabazarnia]

Great vidéo! Thank you! We had our oak cabinets in our kitchen sanded and I tried your natural finish. Looks great! Do you think one coat of Dixie clear is enough?

[@UniqueUpcycles]

Love that natural wood! That flat topcoat is one of my favorites to use as well!

[@ChicAntiquebyHolly]

Thank you! Yes---it's so good!!

[@TheCraftyMagnolia]

I have always thought knotty pine was hideous because I thought the "yellow" was the color of the wood with shellac on it. It is actually a beautiful color!!

[@ChicAntiquebyHolly]

It is usually stained that yellow color! And the stain will usually darken over time (shellac darkens too) making it more and more yellow. But sanded and sealed, I do think it is very nice.

[@tonin447]

I watched my mum seal and varinsh twice lovely light pine furniture when I was 9 and moved into a new house. It was oil based sealer and varnish. I had two older pine chests that had yellowed I didn't like them. In 18 years the varnish went dark and I hated it. Yes I still have the pine and it's darkened again. I'm considering fully re sanding and using acrylic varnish to not yellow. ( It was not available back when I was young). You've made a beautiful job doing this piece thanks for sharing this video

[@vaderladyl]

Some varnishes tend to yellow over time and pine also yellows overtime. That is not paint but varnish.

[@debraneria4242]

Came out so beautiful 🥰

[@ChicAntiquebyHolly]

Thank you! 😊

[@doddnejadfard3251]

Beautiful job,,,,I love wood grain

[@ChicAntiquebyHolly]

Thank you! Me too!

[@richewilson6394]

Nice job! I have 2 entertainment armoire and am on the fence on what to do with them on color. I'm most definitely thinking of flipping them into a coffee bar & 1 liquor bar.

[@ChicAntiquebyHolly]

Thanks! Sounds lovely!

[@nweraalkadah]

Great job 💕

[@ChicAntiquebyHolly]

Thank you! 🤗

[@michelebruggink6204]

This looks so nice!!! Great job!! One question/comment I do have is about pine in general. Typically as the wood ages doesn’t it get darker? Wondering if the finished you used will prevent that? Will you share the product you used? Thanks so much!

[@ChicAntiquebyHolly]

Thank you so much. Since I used a water-based top coat, I don't forsee it yellowing very much over time. If I had used an oil-based top coat or product, there would be no doubt that it would yellow as time goes on. If you are doing a similar makeover and want some extra insurance, I would suggest doing a white-wash or a white stain, then sealing with a water-based topcoat. I believe I listed all the products in the description for reference :)

[@rzpotts4]

Beautiful job. I would've been curious about the white wash.

[@ChicAntiquebyHolly]

Thanks! It would have been beautiful, for sure.

[@natsen04]

It looks beautiful! But why didn't they have you refinish the inside as well?

[@juliahelland6488]

Wow 👏 looks 💯 amazing ❣

[@ChicAntiquebyHolly]

Thanks so much 😊

[@ChantalHarris-Dingemans]

amazing transformation! I would have also changed the handles to make it look even more modern, something not-wood.

[@redribbonshoe]

Great job! I think if the owners decided to change the nobs, it could add an even more modern touch to the piece. But great result!

[@samsen201]

Nice restoration job. However wasn't it needed to have a clear polish coating at the end to keep it preserved for years to come and also nicer to touch?

[@gearoidmccann9966]

Great job

[@FIONA21ful]

ive done my pine buffet twice over the past 20 years , sanded & waxed it both times with a dark wax & it comes up beautiful but the yellowing oils still come back slowly.

[@MikaBerry]

Can you explain, why you cleaned the outside parts, when you are sanding the whole thing? Isnt that a step thats not needed because the sanding takes everything off? Im really curious, because im starting with a similiar shelf soon. Thank you so much:)

[@nathanmyles3785]

Makes me wanna go to Ikea and get those unfinished dressers and just clear it. Lol, but really you can have a lot of fun with unfinished wood. One thing I would've done is give it some dark bronze handles.

[@sharonaicken1585]

Beautiful

[@alfie-yy8im]

Amazing work! If you were to refinish a solid dark stained pine table deliberately stressed by the manufacturer, would you fill the dents before or after sanding the finish off?

[@ChicAntiquebyHolly]

Thanks! It depends on what finish you are looking to get. If you are staining, and using a stainable wood filler, I would use it after removing the factory finish. If you are painting, I would probably fill in the damage, and then only do a scuff sand over the entire piece to ensure the surface is uniform and will allow the paint to adhere.

[@alcervantes1333]

It looks allot better after your hard work...I have a knotted pine childrens bed set I'm working on...and I really do want the set to look like the dresser you dd on the video but I would like it to be a little lighter with some some shine...maybe a satin...any suggestions on the products I would use?

[@ChicAntiquebyHolly]

you could get some creamy white chalk paint or milk paint, water it down, then use it as a wash to lighten the wood tone to your liking. then sealing it with a satin top coat. that would be perfect. general finishes satin top coat is a good one.

[@saraschmertz4221]

The Before might be out of style, but it looked so much warmer and had so much character

[@katherine325]

I have two pine dressers just like this. I need to do this. Idk if i can handle it though 😅 It would probably take me twice as long or more.

[@leem200]

Beautful. I am fixing to strip and stand two night stands, a dresser, mirror, and a chest. Hop it comes out good like this. Peace1

[@jcordwell8728]

Question of anyobe can help answer please do!! I have a yellowy pine piece and will paint parts, then leave the natural wood color on the top.. Will using a 220 sandpaper and then polyurethane clear satin keep a somewhat natural wood color? I dont want the wood as light as this; i want it just slightly yellow pine and wondering if just a 220 sand will give me that look?

[@jadovesong]

Wow! Amazing job! Question: if I am doing a makeover on a pine entertainment hutch, but I am planning to paint instead of stain, is the same degree of sanding necessary?

[@ChicAntiquebyHolly]

Thanks! No, definitely not. You can simply do a scuff sand using 220 grit sandpaper. This will create some tooth in the wood for the paint to adhere to. You don't need to sand to bare wood. Good luck with your project :)

[@sdwk8401]

Question: we recently bought an older home that is full of tongue and groove pine planks for the ceiling, doors, and wood trim. I've been told to NOT use oil based if I try to change the color and pine will ALWAYS go back yellow if not sealed or stained properly. It's just what nature does with the sun. Will this go back yellow, even though you sealed it? Our beams and ceiling are raw and have yellowed over 20 years, I hate it....and bleaching the wood is too toxic and time-consuming so I am considering whitewashing or a grey wash. Thoughts? I am using water-based too. This project will probably take me months and months and create a hot mess....my husband wants me to leave it alone....I just hear, "challenge accepted"....lol.

[@ChicAntiquebyHolly]

yes, you are taking the right approach. i would do a water-based wash & sealer. i do not know if it will still yellow, but i think it will be worth your time to at least attempt to create a space that you like looking at.

[@sdwk8401]

I just completed our bathroom ceiling and beams. They turned out soo good! Was a hot mess at times and very time consuming and my arms, shoulders and neck definitely felt it all! I used minwax water base stain and poly acrylic to seal. Now onto more beams and wood thought out my house..🥴

[@ChicAntiquebyHolly]

@@sdwk8401 i’m so proud of you!

[@Sacgirl03]

I love the wood grain but I hate the knots in pine. I have a pike dresser that I don’t know what to do with other than paint it because of the knots.

[@CopperCactusDIY]

Sooo... do you have any fingerprints left? Lol Great job on this Holly! Truly a labor of love your client must be so psyched! Funny, I didn't even notice the feet in the before shots but they're like a feature now. Always love your blooper reel 😆

[@margotwilson539]

Love it!

[@ChicAntiquebyHolly]

Thank you!

[@athos0228]

How long it took you to get the sending done?

[@yaquelinmorales1261]

Hi question if you would of stained it the white color would that be your last step or would you go over it with the clear coat after done ?

[@ChicAntiquebyHolly]

i would have sealed it after!

[@carlyjehu8639]

good job!

[@kendaniel8601]

When stripping the original finish you should try cabinet scrapers you would find it a lot quicker and give a better finish.

[@ChicAntiquebyHolly]

I do want to try those! I wouldn't use them on pine though because it's such a soft wood.

[@kendaniel8601]

@@ChicAntiquebyHolly They work even on pine although you do have to be a little more cautious. I must admit that if the timber is a little soft i tend to use Stanley blades (box cutter blades?) held square to the surface and slightly bent convex just with hand pressure. my father taught me surface striping with a piece of glass but be very careful. Good luck though and keep up the great work.

[@judyalameno5727]

Did you not do the inside? Looks so good.

[@ChicAntiquebyHolly]

Thanks! Just the outside.

[@ladyrob4110]

Meanwhile, I'm on the hunt for knotty pine furniture.

[@user-oz7gc9bi7w]

Pine doesn't stay that lighter colour. Pine exposed to even ambient light/UV will cause the tannin to oxidise and yellow over time. White/grey washing is a better way to keep it looking bleached. Or use different wood.

[@vaderladyl]

Or use water based sealant with UV protection.

[@kasieharriet8498]

Does that clear coat not yellow overtime like others?

[@vaderladyl]

Not water based coat

[@cameronsavage7542]

Two questions: How long did this take in terms of hours? and why did you opt to only sand rather than first using a chemical finish remover?

[@ChicAntiquebyHolly]

I lost count of hours on this, so I can't give you an answer on that one. I chose to sand because I don't like using chemical strippers, for many reasons, but it's all personal preference. Using a stripper would have cut down on my sanding time for sure.

[@kathleenshort3441]

Nice job

[@ChicAntiquebyHolly]

thanks!

[@aprilmaypl]

Wondering why you didn’t do the inside? That would drive me nuts

[@kayhenry6293]

I’m not a fan of that style, nor the knots in the pine. But I’m in awe of the work that you put into the piece to satisfy your client. Very impressive!

[@ChicAntiquebyHolly]

I really appreciate that---thank you 😊

[@bevpaul1971]

Hi, i have sanded my pine table with the grades you have used and gave it 3 coats of water based clear gloss varnish, i is dry but my leather place mats and iPad case sticks to the table when i try and move them. Any idea what i can to to resolve my problem.

[@ChicAntiquebyHolly]

oh no, i'm sorry to hear that! i don't have much experience with varnish, but it's possible that it didn't dry fully between each coat. that could have prevented it from curing, so then it feels sticky. you may benefit from stripping or sanding the varnish off, and then sealing with a water-based top coat. i would recommend general finishes high performance top coat.

[@carolinec6595]

could you have used a soda blaster on the soft pine?

[@ChicAntiquebyHolly]

I actually don't know the answer to this! you might be able to search here on youtube and see if anyone else has used a soda blaster on pine.

[@sav.c23]

Could you just strip it and then sand?

[@NancynomalediSibande]

Where is pie furniture situated

[@miiintos]

What would happen if you didn’t put the seal on it at the end?

[@ChicAntiquebyHolly]

the wood would be open and porous, making is easy to stain! the top coat also makes the surface stronger and more durable.

[@topcatlowfat]

I wonder, does this finnish keep pinewood from yellowing over time? I'd like to keep my piece light for as long as possible. if anyone knows, please let me know! thank you\1

[@vaderladyl]

If it is water based it won't yellow.

[@decentwoodart3838]

zabardast beautiful

[@yvettemeyer3990]

So beautiful but so much sanding work!

[@ChicAntiquebyHolly]

Thanks! And yes it was!

[@murphyrp01]

What is TsP cleaner?

[@ChicAntiquebyHolly]

TriSodium Phosphate! It is a strong cleaner, degreaser, and deglosser. . It is a great cleaner to use in preparation for painting.

[@charleanastasia5557]

the only thing I would have done differently. I would have turned the beveled panels around to the flat side out. and change the hardware to give it a more modern updated look.

[@ChicAntiquebyHolly]

thanks for your feedback! this was my client's piece so the design choices were made by them :)

[@charleanastasia5557]

@@ChicAntiquebyHolly sure is a beautiful blonde color. I understand, you can't control a client's preference. I was just giving my own lol. You did a beautiful job

[@SpendingAddict]

Your voice reminds me of Pam from the Office.

[@ChicAntiquebyHolly]

Thank you :)

[@ericaagnesse6523]

"oh you're a youtuber? name every youtube" 😂😂😂😂

[@ChicAntiquebyHolly]

Hahahahahahh glad you got a laugh out of that too 😂

[@SimpleCookingC]

Very Nice 👍🔥❣️🎵🎼🎶🎧🌸 Friend🎧🎶🎼🎵❣️🔥

[@ChicAntiquebyHolly]

Thank you!

[@jasonsaucier2376]

Are you for hire?! Please come do the same thing to my knotty pine walls in my game room. I’m in Montgomery County, PA.

[@ChicAntiquebyHolly]

That sounds like a big job! I only do work locally in Oregon, unfortunately!

[@Angie-ln6wm]

Being pine it will yellow again won't it?

[@ChicAntiquebyHolly]

I would say no. The reason it was so yellow was because it was intentionally stained that way. And they most likely used a varnish that also yellowed it further over time. The top coat I used is non-yellowing so there's no reason for it to be yellow again.

[@swagon4545]

👍

[@paulhayes1888]

Very nice , love your work, I would of tried to talk the customer to of had it painted 😊

[@ChicAntiquebyHolly]

thank you!

[@fonstersnickare_johansson8375]

This is not an easy task considering just how much you have to sand before you get rid of EVERYTHING from that old coating. 😑Well done! Since there are billions of furniture like those out there and they are cheap, I love to see what one can do with them to make them modern again. Thanks for sharing 🙂

[@michaelwas8549]

Wouldn't it would have been better to use a sprayer for a more even finish.

[@ChicAntiquebyHolly]

nope!

[@reneerandall2572]

Stain or half stain half paint

[@ChicAntiquebyHolly]

That would be lovely.

[@vaderladyl]

Don't say outdated, say classic This original color is still nice and liked by some. Outdated has negative connotations

[@ivanmeouch95]

by now it's probably yellow again, pine yellows over time

[@ChicAntiquebyHolly]

haha okay

[@vaderladyl]

No, if it is sealed with water based sealant and the yellowing occurs over many, many years, it is not that quick, if left unsealed.

[@astewart7578]

It's hard to watch someone completely destroy the value of something it's like watching someone takeing paint thinner to a painting. What everyone is calling a stain is the woolds natural patina after years if not a decade or decades of ageing, and is very sought after in things made of pine wood. The color of aged pine is so sought after that they made stains to poorly imitate it, and when people that know it's value work with it they do there best to not destroy it's natural patina. If people don't like aged pine please quit buying it to simply destroy it by doing things like this or having other people do it for you, as people will happily buy it off of you for a good price, as ages pine really does look nice if used in right settings. Truly it's sad that most people dislike aged pine due to how much people have missedused itin ways that it should have never be used, because it was either cheap and or they just didn't know better.

[@vaderladyl]

I agree. It is pretty ignorant calling anything they don't like outdated, when in reality is just a classic piece, that others appreciate as well, especially by people in the know that don't care for mainstream tastes.

[@mariettakristoffersen701]

A scraper would do the job a lot faster.

[@ChicAntiquebyHolly]

i'm sure you're right

[@sunshinechild-sv9kc]

it wont stay like that it will yellow

[@lyndamiller6542]

As much as I like the after much more than then before, I wouldn’t call it modern. It’s more naked wood than anything.

[@ChicAntiquebyHolly]

Raw wood is very modern and on trend! Feel free to look on Anthropologie, Crate & Barrel, Wayfair, Overstock, Pottery Barn, CB2 West Elm...You will see wood tones just like this.