Giving New Life to an OLD Cedar Chest with a Modern Splash of Paint

[@debr4613]

Once upon a time those chests were called a Hope Chest. Young women would put linens and other things they would need when they got married and moved out of the family home ❤ and if course you made it better! You sure are amazing at this!

[@denisemccarthy9377]

@deb4613, my dad used to call them Despair Barrels. 😂

[@lizh1988]

​@@denisemccarthy9377 😂

[@Kay-fv7cw]

I call it a hope chest, too.

[@judebrown7119]

My babysitter was stocking her hope chest in the 1950s Good thing, too because she got pregnant and married at 16 After marriage the hope chest could double as a blanket chest

[@karinapfel650]

Haha!​@@denisemccarthy9377

[@marilync9271]

Do I need a Surf Pro sander - not really. But I sure do want one!!! LOL!!! Plus a big workshop! Love your videos Katie!

[@KSprague2024]

Same here!!

[@shelly1224]

It came out beautiful. Sometimes there's just no saving an original piece. I agree someone will enjoy this piece. Great videa & transformation.

[@cantocant2346]

I love your background music so much. It is relaxing and doesn't distract from your voice overs.

[@salvagedbykscott]

Oh thank you!

[@jameselloko6365]

Stayed nice 👍 do u thin out the paint cause of hlvp gun from compressor are small nozzle

[@barbaramclean670]

the only positive of this video, so thank you

[@lundholmproduction]

Even if i prefer wood before paint you always make it look spot on. Thats a skill most of the restoration tubers dont have.

[@MrsSPaG]

You did a stunning transformation, as always, but it's a shame that you removed the beautiful dragonfly 😢

[@ltldxy71]

Thanks for sharing this. I have my grandmother’s cedar chest that’s quite similar (this style was very popular!) and another handmade chest to redo. The veneer is tricky and I want to be sure I respect my grandmother’s piece as she loved it dearly as it was a gift from my grandfather. No one was ever allowed to sit on it. ❤❤❤ I also do not allow that out of respect for her. She was a such a wonderful woman!

[@pattimercer9357]

I have a LANE cedar chest from the 50’s and the veneer looks to be in about the same shape as yours. You were such a big help in this one. Will watch again and take notes this time! It is gorgeous Katie!

[@danacaruso8740]

Omg. You techniques are phenomenal!!!!

[@NenerenaeLove]

Oh you did that Ms Katie!!! It turned out beautifully 😍

[@maryfields6649]

I was skeptical, but WOW. What a perfect makeover! It's sleek and charming and will look good with almost any design and decor. Good job, Katie, as usual 👏 👏👏

[@RadBadJodster]

Although I was saddened to see the dragon fly go away, the end result is gorgeous. Good job. ❤

[@debbyalder4089]

I just love it Katie! And your final staging of everything you do is amazing! Love everything about it …. It would look wonderful in anyone’s home! Consider yourself hung out with 😊 and it was time well spent!

[@SusieMonk-jh8tj]

Great choices on restoring this piece. It would grace any home now. A joy to watch thank you Katy❤❤

[@jenwylie4093]

These chests last forever! My mom has had the same one since before I can remember. Thanks for giving it new life! It looks great!

[@LauraSmith-js9bq]

Oh I love it. Beautiful

[@margarethughes4595]

You did a phenomenal job on this!! Definitely paint is the only option sometimes when the original finish and veneer is in such bad shape and it's much better to give it another life and save it to live for another 50+ years - the history is still there but it's modernised to be valued and cared for by another family. I LOVE your work - thanks from Australia xxx

[@catherinethorington3452]

The dragon fly was charming.As always I love your choice of paint and you syle! Beautiful makeover!

[@marilynpeters5332]

I love how this cedar chest turned out!

[@sibylleherbe8260]

You did a good job bringing it into the modern world. I own a Lane cedar chest from the 70’s and it just sits in our closet, pretty much in the way. I can’t bear to give it away but we don’t use it either. I think your chest has a great chance at actually being used by someone which is exactly what you wanted. It’s very pretty now.

[@rhondawillhite9418]

Love the finished look. Really like the color you picked and the contrast with the natural trim on the bottom.

[@rhondabliss4620]

Absolutely beautifully restored. I love watching you refinish furniture.

[@irenearbuckle4744]

I LOVED this transformation!! I have my Mom’s Hope Chest from the 40’s and I can’t decide what to do. I am actually a little nervous to do ANYTHING with it b/c I don’t want to mess it up. But you’ve given this a whole new look and a new life so I’m inspired!!! Great job (as usual!!) Thanks Katie!!❤️👍

[@shellydehart8217]

I kept telling myself, trust the process n I’m glad I did. I gridded my teeth when you took off the dragon fly but now I see the whole piece. Must say it turned out really fabulous. I love using Fusion paints n cast iron is one of my favorites. Leaving that bottom piece natural oak makes the whole piece pop. Great job as usual Katie. ♥️♥️😊👍👍🌟

[@elizabethlacky6068]

Looks refreshingly clean and a desirable piece of art! ❤

[@katherineharper-sj4ys]

Very nice. Loved the contrast between the cast iron and the natural wood. Interesting piece. Never have seen an interior like this one.

[@jeanettevega7560]

😮 WOWWWW...U DID A BEAUTIFUL JOB ON THIS CHEST...👍THXS FOR SHAREING 😊 LOOK FOWARD TO SEEING UR NEXT VIDEO 😊

[@bfranklin1052]

I love how the wax helped the gunmetal paint pop--what a great tip!

[@cindybunker4918]

Katie, this is gorgeous 😍 It's always a pleasure spending time watching your videos - i learn something new, I'm amazed, I'm inspired. Thank you for taking the time to share with us! 😊

[@kathyg1117]

Katie I admire your ability to visualize a whole new look for an unwanted piece, great job!!

[@lyndagreenwald3909]

Katie!! What a beautiful job you did on the cedar chest. You won’t have any trouble selling it!

[@therefurbishedlife]

Lovely transformation!! And good tip on the white bondo alternative 👌🏻

[@cookiepfeffer8196]

I love this video. Refurbishing cedars chest is a love of mine. I have not tried the type of paint you used. Going to give it a go the next time! I always love watching the younger generation new ideas!💖💖💖

[@michelesholar1756]

Stunningly beautiful. Great choice to paint and remove the dragonfly.

[@OUTOBRIGHTON1234]

My Daughter Lauren just introduced us and I subscribed right away!!! I am a wood re-finisher from the great state of Michigan. Looking forward to seeing all of your works of art.

[@nancydellinger303]

I would have painted the oak “accent” piece as well. As is, it just looks like it was forgotten. I loved the dragonfly. I would have bought the chest for that design alone.

[@nancymarx3512]

Agree. Love the black paint but the bottom just looks out of place. I would have kept the dragonfly as it did add some character to the old piece.

[@lorrem2539]

Girl, I watch you BECAUSE you paint! I like to find the cheap beat-up pieces of furniture so I can make them mine with paint. You inspire me with your paint color choices. I leave the wood refinishing to my husband, because that's his thing. Love how it turned out!

[@lynnavery3220]

Fantastic transformation

[@Katley-tf6dj]

Looks great Katie!! I love painted furniture!!❤️

[@nooncactus]

The color really brings that chest back to life. It’s lovely now! ❤

[@julieconk1443]

I absolutely love the chest! Thankyou for letting us in on the process☺️

[@valeriehowden471]

I like your redesign and it will find a new home quickly. Haven't seen the cardboard insert before. Something to think about when I get around to refinishing my cedar chest.

[@kathleennagwak1761]

You did a nice job. I wasn’t happy about getting rid of the dragon fly, but you were right. Looks good.

[@candacewalsh8726]

Love all your design choices! It looks great👍🏻😁

[@cynthiathurston7656]

Wow Katie! You are soooo talented!

[@gailbonin8034]

Absolutely beautiful! I love your work!

[@pamkelly7071]

Wow!! Love your transformation!!!

[@margaretroberts6258]

Wow!! You did an awesome job! It’s truly beautiful!

[@carla7600]

You truly have perfected your craft! You make everything look effortless and BEAUTIFUL!

[@salvagedbykscott]

Thanks so much 😊

[@emmavik-fredriksson640]

I love watching your videos! Your projects always turns out modern and beautiful. Well done!

[@salvagedbykscott]

Thank you so much!

[@doreenlynn4339]

Beautiful! I am so glad you kept the pretty trim just before the drawer. Someone WILL love it!

[@kimhough7753]

Your pieces are always so beautiful Katie!! 🥰🥰

[@tammiebrooks5457]

It’s beautiful. I have a vanity that has a waterfall edge and a lot of cracked veneer. This is a great tutorial. Thank you 😊

[@melodymulhall7860]

I think you are correct. It will go now for sure!

[@squirrelswithpearls]

You are so talented and you have such a great eye Katie!

[@lorimccaffery326]

You did an amazing job. I LOVE how it looks.

[@shawndelaney9311]

Came out beautiful!

[@janice5108]

I have an amwa Cedar chest and a bureau That are all waterfall. And I love them

[@cynhains]

Oh, NO, the dragonfly, sooooo unique, sorry to see it go 😮

[@nancymarx3512]

Love the black color you chose!

[@CopperElements]

Absolutely love it! I’m glad I could watch you use FMP. I have just started using it and I brushed it on but I’d rather use my sprayer. I used the color Chestler and fell in love! Thanks for the new video!

[@mcmredo]

Always nice to see one more piece saved!🤩

[@alexanderscarlat5081]

absolutely gorgeous! love the color combo!!

[@janashe8600]

Katie, turned out beautiful!!!

[@deighfrost3023]

I never knew that was supposed to be a dragonfly lol. I do what I want to my own furniture and I’m glad you do also. The piece generally tells me what it needs to continue on.

[@MK-hz2bn]

You did a beautiful job with this one

[@donnashelley3939]

I'll be honest, I liked the dragonfly because it made the piece special. My course of treatment would have been more romantic, an homage to its original purpose. You are correct that it is more salable without the dragonfly and with the dark paint. I enjoy your channel very much, thank you.

[@AuntieBrennie]

Love the transformation! The black with the wood base gives it a dramatic look. It turned out so perfect. Thank you for mentioning the need to make the Hope Chest safer so that no child is locked inside. There have been deaths.

[@kimberlyciani570]

Oh Katie. I look forward to your videos so much. I start my days with a cup of coffee and K Scott. This morning, I almost turned it off when you took off the butterfly. I can see why you didn't like it. It was outdated for sure. BUT it was a signature of that era, and I was surprised that you didn't appreciate that. Painting the piece was the right way to go d/t all of the damage like you said. I could envision the butterfly painted along with the rest of the piece but embellished with a little bit of gold or copper wax. Nothing too flashy, just a hint. I did not like that you left the bottom apron unstained. To me it looks like it was an unfinished after thought. I thought it should have been a little bit darker. I am not a furniture refinisher, but I do love artwork and 99% of the time I love your work. But not this time.

[@frelnc]

I was rather skeptical when you said paint, but once done, it's lovely. Wow.

[@galebecker3487]

Hi Katie, looks luxurious. Love how perfectly smooth the chest looks and beautiful colour❤

[@salvagedbykscott]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@pamboone6921]

Hi Katie, Awww the chest turned out so pretty. Good job as always ❤

[@dannakinnaman7115]

Wow! The chest turned out nice! Love your Canadian accent.

[@brendahastings5191]

So Beautiful! Love the color and the change of style. It will sell fast! Where do you get your sweatshirts? I love a large warm sweatshirt!

[@mspenny]

It's a beautiful piece of furniture.

[@LAK1253]

What a beautiful piece

[@cantocant2346]

Looks so good!!

[@janicemcb2325]

I love the transformation Katie. Growing up in Toronto we had one pretty much identical to that minus the dragonfly design. It was used for the rotation of summer and winter clothes and smelled of moth balls. It was in our home a long time.

[@dorothypuntarich784]

Now! We know moth balls are very toxics

[@ElaineWood-f2t]

I liked the original dragonfly motif on the front of the chest, but your redesign is FABULOUS! ❤

[@megh1684]

I like everything about your work on this hope chest, especially because you used some supplies l can buy in the hardware store.

[@ejmcguinness6875]

I really like the satiny finish of that paint.

[@lindam4006]

You know your market & what's best for the piece is finding a good home, but I was sad to see the dragonfly & the beautiful veneer go. 😢 I have a more plain 60 s model that I purchased veneer from an eBay seller to replace an entire panel on the front. I also purchased some long 4 inch strips that would have been perfect for repairing those side bottoms. If you made a deal with the thrift store to borrow, repair, & donate back, kudos to you. Definitely a win/win situation. Hey, maybe you could leave or affix the little Dragon fly body inside, just in case the chest has a chance for a new incarnation. Maybe where the upper latch was removed.

[@lindaczerwinski3312]

My thoughts: it’s so gorgeous!

[@briemills9209]

Love it! It looks brand new.

[@salvagedbykscott]

It does!

[@raeanngodfrey6986]

The color is fabulous but i am on the fence about the white wash wood. Love watching you make magic 😊

[@Pam-56]

Looks great!

[@SarahStilesPhotos]

I loved the Dragonfly motif on the original, as well as the wood grain. It's a shame it was badly damaged! But you did a great job bringing it new life😊

[@salvagedbykscott]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@SuzanaBehmer]

It is beautiful!!!❤❤❤

[@patriciaromero5347]

I think it came out great! But i would have gone with a dark stain on the bottom, instead of the light one. Still a beautiful piece! And yes, i agree with you on the dragonfly, it had to go.😅

[@MsCheza24]

Looks great. Probably would have been a lot of work to get that carved strip on the front down to bare wood like the base. But I bet it would be special. Love the Cast Iron color! Nice work!

[@CrazyEightyEights]

Thank you ! Cast iron is the perfect color to refurbish a black lacquered bedroom set. Love the chest.

[@barbaramclean670]

each to its own!

[@brendalovelace1006]

Bravo! Looks wonderful!

[@janetcarroll8863]

Great job! 🎉

[@carolhunt1767]

Beautiful! ❤

[@nrivera4380]

Gorgeous! Although I would've loved a gold painted drawer front.

[@glendalab7567]

It looks great! I love the contrast between the dark grey on top and lighter wood on the bottom. I totally agree that the dragonfly, while no doubt cute in its day, wasn't really a good look for this modern update. I'm surprised at the comments about restoring this piece to its original state as that would not make financial sense... particularly since you intend to donate it.

[@pattitarniuk799]

Just gorgeous Katie 😍

[@yvettemena2024]

Well done!

[@phylliswatts7201]

Beautiful job

[@salvagedbykscott]

Thank you! 😊