Furniture Restoration: a Midcentury Modern Desk

Furniture Restoration: a Midcentury Modern Desk
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Supply List:
Lignocolor Water-Based Walnut Stain
Wise Owl One Hour Enamel- Top Coat (Satin)
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Cling-On Brushes
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Paint Scraper
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Wood Filler- Walnut
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Resin Paint-
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Surf Prep Sanding Kit (Use coupon code BELLARENOVARE10 )
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You can use this technique across all aspects of furniture or DIY projects. To get more furniture painting guides you can visit my website.
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Music by Epidemic music.

[@datachickatl4092]

Coaxing out a beautiful wood grain is an art of its own and lets Mother Nature shine! Beautiful job - and keep showing us this type of work; I love learning new things about working with wood (besides painting). Your vast creativity isn’t diminished a bit!

[@BellaRenovare]

Thank you so much :) I will try to find more pieces to restore :) I do enjoy doing it :)

[@pam-nyc]

Tips and tricks is an understatement! Who knew ironing furniture was a thing 😂😂I literally laughed out loud at the furniture name...definitely my sense of humor

[@thewoodenlegbyjoe]

Amazing! I am a sucker for walnut. Painting the grain in was the perfect way to mask the filler. The reveal was the best though. I pictured Crys'Dawna standing back pondering the staging. She rubs her chin and says, "This needs color." With a wave of her arm, a rainbow of books appear staged on the top. 😂😂😂

[@leighseymour235]

Do you hear that? 👏👏👏Yes, the applause. So beautifully restored. You should take a bow. It really is impressive what you did for this piece.

[@deborahmatatall]

This is beautiful, Crys’Dawna. You honored this piece with your careful restoration and attention to the details. I will probably never do anything like this and yet I really enjoyed watching you teach as you worked on the desk. Your choice of music was perfect, very complex and relaxing at the same time. Would you consider doing a video or PaintCast on the brushes you use, why you use them and how you care for them? The brushes I use are mostly different than what you use and I really want to try other things. Thanks🌸

[@finn4785]

I really appreciate that you do your own carpentry. Not that many women are adept at it and tend to get their husbands to do it! lol Beautiful results here.

[@glorianelson9538]

So glad your client chose to restore rather than paint over this beautiful piece. You did a wonderful restoration, and the desk looks marvelous. TFS

[@denisekelley138]

Wow! Beautiful work! I LOVE mid-century modern. I have a coffee table that needs to be refinished, and now I know what to do!! I even got my husband to watch this. He loved the towel and iron trick! Thank you for all you do. You're a beautiful girl. Keep up the good work!

[@TheCraftyMagnolia]

If you're going to restore a piece, you would most likely NEED to disassemble some or all of it. It's a beautiful piece of furniture. You did great!!

[@kathleenhernandez3772]

Crys'dawna you did a fabulous job on this

[@loisbolton1800]

This is a gorgeous desk with classic mid-century lines. You have given it new life! Bravo, excellent job.

[@michaelmeans9187]

As always, it looks amazing and your attention to detail shows in the finished piece. I like your technique for matching wood grain. Keep up the good work! A crockpot with water and baking soda is how I remove finish from old hardware I need to save. Doesn't hurt the base metal, and removes all types of finishes and decades of crud. I did this with door hardware in my house, because I wanted to keep the patina. After a hot bath in the crockpot (two to eight hours depending on how many layers of crud/finish), I used a nylon bristle brush to scrub everything clean, rinse with tap water (make sure you put a fine mesh strainer over the drain), hose everything down with WD-40 to displace the water and wipe clean and dry with a shop towel. Then they all went for a swim in a 13"x9" baking pan from the dollar store filled with boiled linseed oil. ZipLock Freezer bags work great too and use less boiled linseed oil to achieve the same result. After 20 minutes in the boiled linseed oil, pull them out, wipe them clean and dry, and set them aside on a towel to dry for a couple days. The ratio of water to baking soda is not critical. Add enough baking soda that it dissolves completely in the water, but don't make a paste. Parts go in the crock pot first, sprinkle some baking soda on top, add enough water to cover all the parts. No need to stir. Turn the crockpot on the low heat setting and check it every couple of hours. Parts are "done cooking" when a nylon bristle brush wipes everything clean down to bare metal.

[@holly5791]

You did a beautiful job! It may not be your norm, but we all need new challenges sometimes. I think even Dashner would be proud of what you did with this piece. Great job! 🙂👍

[@jennlizzy2019]

You did a lovely job. Anyone would have pride having this desk in their home.

[@MrsJax304]

Umm this is awesome... I could only think of Johnny Five screaming no disassemble... lol. I truly do enjoy your restoration videos. I watched your bench one again recently.

[@julielowerson9971]

It’s really wonderful to see your ability to work with natural finishes in the same knowledgeable way you do all your work. This finish was truely beautiful.

[@lindseyg9429]

What an amazing gorgeous restoration, my friend. You are crazy talented & an amazing teacher at heart. I love how you added your beautiful color with the books. It just made this piece shine. You did a fabulous job & truly did this piece proud. It’s absolutely stunning in all its glory 💖💙💜💚💛❤️🧡💖

[@ashleyosborne6239]

This is a gorgeous restoration, Crys’Dawna! As much as I love watching/learning from you paint and use color (I see what you did there with the books in a rainbow of bright colors😉), I loved watching/learning from you restore this piece just as much, as well as other woodworking pieces you’ve done. I’ve learned so much from you about different woods (how to open the grain for a ceruse finish, if restoring cedar that it’s toxic when sanded and not to top coat it, just to name a few). So once again, another beautiful piece by you and something special for your client that they’ll have for many years to come.💜

[@ChicAntiquebyHolly]

I learned so much from this video! Thank you for taking the time to film it. The result is beautiful.

[@nancyanneberg403]

Very lightly restored to the fine newness of the wooden. Thank you.

[@diysbydar]

Just an amazing job. Really a beautiful restore of that piece. Your client should be over the moon on this one. Well done, thank you so much for sharing.

[@melindastevens46]

I was so excited to see you doing a restoration video again! Excellent video! Thank you Pinkie!

[@christinedivecchio]

I thought I liked watching you paint and blend!! That top! Oh just WOW! I am coveting that cling on beast you used. Lol! That tip on raising the veneer!! I’ve left crappy spots in the past because I’ve damaged veneer with my heavy handed sanding. You can do all the restoring you want. I’m all for it you staged it with colorful books. You couldn’t resist. 😆

[@BellaRenovare]

Hahaha you know me too well I was like alright where can I put color!!! I really love restoration also it’s an art in itself really :) if you have the knowledge to do it, it helps your painting also :)

[@juliaclark4520]

I especially loved the tips about removing/fixing blemishes in the veneer. I had heard of the iron trick, but was skeptical, so it was reassuring to see you actually use it! And the use of sawdust to fill the nail holes. Thank you!

[@mrsducky3428]

First time here, and have to say I'm truly impressed with your workmanship!

[@sophiachristo7546]

This is an amazingly successful restoration! Beautiful piece! I don't understand why they market these pieces at such prices since they are not made of solid wood... Anyway, I love, besides your hair, your confidence and the that you always manage to include different techniques in your videos! The tips you share are precious! I also love the way you address your viewers at the beginning of each video. You are an extremely talented person. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@PaintWithWheat]

Another amazing transformation!! Praying for safety for you and your family! Thank you so much for your service!!

[@laurenceandre7460]

Wether it's paint or refurnishing, I am all in for it ! That desk looks amazing Crys Dauwna !

[@Lia2222]

Look at that beautiful stain!!!! Oh my, gorgeous

[@krickette5569]

Walnut is my favorite wood. This is stunning!

[@trudyeby464]

Thank you for sharing how much time and knowledge it takes to restore something. LOVE that wood grain! I didn't know about Wise Owl's 1 hour topcoat, that will move things along!

[@marychampion8716]

U R truly an artist! The way u managed that gorgeous wood, amazing! Thanks!

[@mybestdiylife2229]

This restoration is absolutely stunning! I think walnut is my favorite wood now. I have a dresser that has some dings on it that I was thinking about trying the iron trick on but didn't quite trust it until now. I see it's Crys'Dawna approved so I'm all in!!!

[@marlieblanton198]

Absolutely gorgeous! I love that with your knowledge and talent, you share many different looks. You aren't just showing us the same thing every week. I learn something from you with every video I watch. Thank you for sharing. 😁

[@themotherocean]

Your work is always beautiful, but I really enjoyed this restoration project. Love learning from you.

[@JennieZ42]

I have a dresser from the same company! I have had it for about 8 months and wasn't sure what to do with it. Thank you for the inspiration as always!!

[@micheleharvey8723]

WOW, so gorgeous. Love learning your techniques. You are an amazing artist!

[@sandyprather9133]

LOVED this restoration process! I learned so much! Thank you for sharing your skills with us!

[@sevaldil5527]

Stunning and beautiful piece 👍🏼😍👏🏼

[@gillianpeddie2410]

You’re videos are always full of helpful tips, tricks and guidelines. This one is no exception. I’ve watched it twice now.

[@rabekayoungberg3627]

Yes, girl! I just love everything you do! Also I love the use of color in the staging… gotta get it in there somehow lol

[@doudou53d44]

Beautiful as always. Nice musicchoise 😎❤️

[@robincivis9501]

Very informative vid! I love the trick with the wood glue and sawdust.🤔👍

[@lorrainetorres6847]

Gosh dang that’s amazing! I needed to see this, was feeling down but seeing this lifted my spirits

[@barbnitecki4407]

Love the books....you got your shading in! Great piece.

[@kaiblack3334]

Such a beautiful piece. You always do great work. 🥰👏👏👏

[@MzGamerGurl]

Very nice resto job! I absolutely love mid-century mod & enjoyed the instructions!

[@glendacox6540]

Truly stunning….and I’m not even a mid century furniture fan,(probably cause I’m a mid centurion) lol anyway brilliant finish!💖💖💖

[@stephanielee6929]

Gorgeous. ❤ love the piece.

[@lindacollier3321]

Amazing restoration, Crys’Dawna! I, personal, like your use of colors better but I do understand that others like just a well-done restoration. You do fabulous work and are a joy to watch! FYI: I used to color my hair too, and I’m thinking of redoing it since it’s been mainly different shades of blues, I’m thinking of pinks and lavenders…🥰

[@melodienaber3238]

When you were scraping the top and the blade stuttered I panicked! ❤

[@coloredcaboosecreations]

Phenomenal work!!

[@diamondzfromtheroughDIY]

Holy crap, what sorcery is this ironing trick?? That's crazy!

[@lincadmus4767]

You are amazing as always!,,,Beautiful job. 😍😍😍

[@BellaRenovare]

Thank you so much 😊

[@jenniferrumsey9887]

This was very well done! I have used the iron and cloth technique to raise dents quite a few times (daughter used to damage furniture) and it worked great.

[@sherryknuteson6228]

Very nice! I love to refinish as well! Always enjoy your videos.

[@BellaRenovare]

Thank you Sherry!! I loveeeeee refinishing furniture!! Almost as much as I like painting and building :)

[@loridibisceglie5421]

Absolutely gorgeous piece!

[@Lia2222]

Look how PRETTY it is under all that nasty goo!!!!!!

[@marieb9926]

Beautiful restoration!

[@AnnElizabethO]

Beautiful

[@leysaroughtranchingrealtor]

Love these videos

[@brendaprice4664]

It looks BRAND NEW! Such wonderful tips! Thank you! B~}

[@nadaalabduljalil9608]

A very helpful and beautiful video, thank you .

[@grndmaw]

Looks better than new and a lot of good tips

[@BellaRenovare]

Thank you so much Peggy!!!! This was an honor too because it was my clients fathers :)

[@lfuentes4098]

Beautiful work. Looks great.

[@nancypisar8854]

Awesome

[@jt.s.7418]

She looks great 👍

[@cleobanks1952]

You truly never cease to amaze me. This is beautiful!

[@diywithtarnya]

Just started watching! Want your tee shirt! 😆👽

[@BellaRenovare]

Hahaha elliotttttt

[@diywithtarnya]

@@BellaRenovare wait! That’s a code word! Are you drinking again? Do you need help? 🤣

[@angelabstractart6168]

Beautiful! Thanks for the tips!

[@toni5810]

Beautiful restoration! The wood grain is gorgeous. I appreciate the information you provide in your videos.

[@retadearing4602]

Absolutely beautiful 💜🕉

[@nikkorain680]

Love the T-shirt !

[@BellaRenovare]

Hahah ELLIOTTTTTTTT 💚💚💚

[@joriefifield1349]

So informative & entertaining! Love love,

[@meaquindinho541]

Sooooo Gooooood!!!!!!!

[@cesuich]

Wow! Awesome sauce! Loved seeing how you do the repair work. The color of the wood is so rich. It's nice to see how you refurbished old pieces without paint. I like the top coat how itself leveled.

[@BellaRenovare]

Thank you so much Carol!! I really do enjoy restoring furniture :)

[@selenap7339]

Awesome piece 👏🏼

[@carolinemoore2489]

Great job beautiful veneer love it very useful

[@nancyraines5930]

Wow you are so phenomenal. Beautiful as usual. Sure wished I lived near you. I'd hire you to do some of my furniture.

[@BellaRenovare]

Awww thank you Nancy :)

[@jeannetteroldan2355]

Gorgeous!!!!

[@kyshawest5514]

Fantastic Job.

[@solarhellas6687]

Great job!!!!

[@hephzibah1966]

You are so talented

[@vickyewilliams5764]

Perfect!

[@angiefischbach5867]

I almost had to turn the video off because of your shirt. 🤣🤣🤣 everyone gives me crap because of my fear of ET. Haha That wood grain. 😍😍

[@BellaRenovare]

Hahahaa stoppppp it lol 😂 I shouldn’t laugh because he is kind of creepy

[@angiefischbach5867]

@@BellaRenovare I had co-workers that would change the wallpaper on computer screens to him. Among other mean things. 🤣 I've never seen the iron with damp towel to bring out small dents. Good tip! 👌

[@BellaRenovare]

@@angiefischbach5867 ooh well that’s just not right :(

[@angiefischbach5867]

@@BellaRenovare oh it was all in good fun. I would throw it right back at them. Haha

[@BellaRenovare]

@@angiefischbach5867 Hahahhaa you’re a good sport :)

[@rachelwhissell6982]

I love restored pieces that are worthy of restoring of course. This is different for you but it shows off your other talents. OMG I laughed when I heard the "Klingon" brush...I'm sure it's not spelled that way...and of course this video would not be be you if you didn't add a splash of colour....very good hints in this video too. Thank you.

[@kendrasorum391]

Beautiful ❤️

[@DecFirefly1210]

Beautiful piece Crys'Dawna...

[@BellaRenovare]

It’s super cool isn’t it?!?! Thanks friend 💚💚💚

[@DecFirefly1210]

@@BellaRenovare yes mam it is...

[@phyllishume5854]

Awesome job.

[@BellaRenovare]

Thank you Phyllis :)

[@chalmadanes4291]

Fantastic

[@janiehanna914]

Good job

[@Lynsey17]

I watch a lot of Dashner Design & Restoration's channels and I love watching the attention to detail required to make repairs like the wood filler look natural and blend back in with the rest of the piece :) I'm curious why you can't boil the hardware - is it just a material that won't work for?

[@BellaRenovare]

Yes it’s a stainless steel type metal so it’s not sort on there it’s actually corrosion that I cleaned and sanded and then fixed :)

[@shelleyp8967]

Very nice 🧡

[@paulag1109]

I thought this was a teak desk. The wood looks so similar to a few mid-century pieces we have. How can you tell the difference between teak & walnut?

[@cesuich]

Can you elaborate on why you used wise owl enamel satin finish vs wax finish.

[@BellaRenovare]

So to be era correct I used the enamel so it has a sheen, also it is more durable and because this is her work desk I wanted to make sure it would be sealed properly :)

[@cesuich]

@@BellaRenovare thanks. I am still learning why certain sealers and waxes are used. There doesn't seem to be a genera l rule to go by

[@caramelsunday77]

Love it! Is that dark or light walnut?

[@kendrasorum391]

Hi lovely lady!!

[@BellaRenovare]

Hi friend!!!’

[@justanotheryummymumm]

I literally spit out my coffee at hooker furniture 🤣 and the look on your face! Priceless😁

[@BellaRenovare]

Hahahahahaha you’re welcome lol 😂

[@brittnyblain9762]

What stripper did you use?

[@designabeej]

👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼