GORGEOUS Wood Grain Hidden under Dull Finish | Thrift Store Vintage Dresser Makeover

[@jjbrenner67]

Wow, that beautiful veneer was hidden under all the Toxic Chocolate pudding! Great job on the little veneer repairs, too. And the poem :) Thank you for sharing!

[@ReconstructingEmily]

...Throws away chocolate pudding in the fridge 😋...Thank you JB 😀

[@pato6334]

Toxic chocolate pudding, my favorite!

[@samanthafreeman4315]

Forbidden chocolate pudding...

[@robertslater5706]

😂😂😂👍

[@Audion]

@@ReconstructingEmily yep, it was sanded at the factory, no reason to sand it again.

[@DashnerDesignRestoration]

Nice job! That's a beautiful dresser.

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you Dashner! I am going to need to frame this comment after I stop freaking out... 😀

[@Flippingdrawers]

@@ReconstructingEmily 😂

[@MrsJax304]

@@ReconstructingEmily I just fangirled for you too

[@canvea]

The crossover we needed but didn't deserve!❤️

[@danajz6575]

Emily, thank you for using the afterwash! I find the same thing as you did! I felt like I was using so much more mineral spirits but due to stores having supply issues I bought the after wash and love it! You are the first KZbinr that I've seen use it!

[@kklunker]

What a MASTERPIECE! It is always hard for me to imagine why anyone covers up such beauty with dark stain or paint. I love me a good painted piece of furniture. Don’t get me wrong. But this is sight to behold. I can see why the company was in business for 130 years. It is absolutely incredible! Well done Emily! So glad you were the one to save this piece.

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you 😊

[@coloredcaboosecreations]

It’s a good day when I get a new video notification for Reconstructing Emily. Loved the entire story you told from the thrift store to the makeover and especially the history. Your refinish is stunning! thank you for leaving the natural grain and color of the veneer.

[@ReconstructingEmily]

I'm all smiles over here reading this comment!! You're the best! Thank you 😊💜

[@paulcarlachapman628]

My husband and I agree -- this is really beautiful with your restoration. It was obviously nice before, but wow, what a gorgeous redo!

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you Carla and Paul! 🙂

[@katewirth7401]

Wow, what a stunner! They just don't make them like they used to. Beautiful job bringing it back to life. I'm currently working on my very first refinishing project - a dresser scored at an estate sale - and watch your videos to help me through the process. Thank you so much for sharing these!!

[@ReconstructingEmily]

I hope that the dresser comes out looking amazing Kate! Thank you for your supportive comment!

[@bluecurlygirl]

Watching this transformation was like watching a middle aged person who has never looked after their skin getting a peel, lots and lots of nourishing serums and a big thick layer of moisturiser to seal the whole lot in and their skin is just glowing with all that goodness. This dresser feels exactly like that middle aged person did after the facial! It just looks so healthy now. Gorgeous Emily. Such a fabulous job as always.

[@ReconstructingEmily]

I love this and totally agree! Furniture dermatology has to be a thing now!!! Thank you Emer! I hope you're have a lovely night!

[@bluecurlygirl]

@@ReconstructingEmily Absolutely has to. Having a nice relaxing night with my teenage daughter and we're just about to get doing all the above to our own faces in a minute. Saturday night is nacho night followed by pamper night. Hope you're having a good one too Emily. Always a pleasure to see what you've been getting up to.

[@ReconstructingEmily]

@@bluecurlygirl Nachos and facials. I am asking myself why I haven't done this yet!!! Sounds amazing!

[@bluecurlygirl]

@@ReconstructingEmily It really is. I love my Saturday nights. Fire on in the sitting room. Nice hot bath or shower and then pamper away while watching a movie. The pampering was an act of self love that we started doing during lock down. Helped immensely with mental health. We enjoy it so much we've decided to make it an ongoing weekly thing. Everyone should set aside one night a week to really love and treat themselves because we are all worth it.

[@ashleyosborne6239]

@@bluecurlygirl I love this and couldn’t agree more. Self care (physically, mentally and emotionally) is so important, especially after these last few years and love that your teenage daughter (we’ve raised 3 of them and 4 boys, ages 19-30 now) still wants this time with her mom on a Saturday night. I totally agree, Emily, furniture dermatology must become a thing! And Emer, your description of what Emily did was spot on! Enjoy your nachos and facials!

[@deborahmatatall]

What a beautiful piece was hiding under there! Now that it’s done, it doesn’t look MCM, I don’t think. It’s got a style similar to the old camp chests and almost the feel of bamboo with the brass bands wrapping the rounded edge pieces. I especially love those drawer pulls with their fake keyholes. A really striking highboy and you did a wonderful job on its restoration. Thank you for the poem!🌸

[@Tenebarum]

I think it looks older than mid century. The pulls are definitely a different era, or maybe it was transitioning to mid century. Sort of a hybrid.

[@ReconstructingEmily]

I can definitely see the shift before and after because the details really stand out. Its very interesting especially with the key holes on the handles and the little cuffs on the base. Thank you Deborah!

[@lauramyers7484]

Just gorgeous! Your patience repairing the veneer is inspiring.

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you Laura! 💜

[@CopperCactusDIY]

Another stunning makeover, Emily! Your restorations (and poetry) never disappoint. Hadn't heard of that manufacturer before. Cool history!

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank youuu! 😊💜

[@samuraisoul2971]

There's the poetry Jon was talking about!

[@ReconstructingEmily]

It is at the end on the latest video. 😊

[@carmencampbell6994]

A poem, a Lion King reference and a beautiful piece of furniture from my neck of the woods. I call this a perfect day!

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Hah! Thank you Carmen! I'm glad someone got my reference. 🙂

[@vbee3571]

What a beautiful piece of furniture. Thank goodness you rescued it before someone else got it and slapped some chalk paint on it! I enjoyed your poem-so true!

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you Vee! Definately no paint needed on this one 🙂

[@Flippingdrawers]

The front looks like a huge dovetail joint. Very cool. So relaxing I nearly fell asleep 😂

[@ReconstructingEmily]

No sleeping allowed! It definitely looks like a huge dovetail joint. Veneer details goals!

[@FurnitureWarriors]

What a beautiful piece! You do such great work on these restorations Emily. Looking forward to more!

[@ReconstructingEmily]

I have ..4 in the queue for restoration. One is like an upgraded restoration (this will make more sense when you see it.) So plenty more coming!!

[@patriciastrassner4883]

You did this dresser proud! Amazing.

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you Patricia!

[@kimzimmerman2492]

WOW Can’t believe that originally the manufacturer used tinted lacquer to finish the piece, hiding that beautiful wood grain and details! It doesn’t make sense to me but so happy you found this and restored it to better than new!

[@markphillips6154]

Unbelievable. What a beautiful piece of furniture. Nice job

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you Mark!

[@danielpolk9808]

Thank you for restoring this gem.

[@ReconstructingEmily]

It was my pleasure! It was a fun one!

[@Nonnie-417]

What a lovely job you’ve done with this dresser! Love your veneer repair that you made look easy, even if you don’t enjoy that part! Lol Such careful and thorough work! 😀

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you Kathy! I figure if I do it enough times it will get easier lol!

[@mals86]

That natural cherry is just gorgeous.

[@aliferefurbished]

That turned out amazing! I loved that you used tape and a pencil to trace the missing veneer and cut the new piece to size!!! Genius!

[@ReconstructingEmily]

I try not to over complicate it. Its like making an inverse stencil. Its also weirdly satisfying lol! Glad you enjoyed.

[@rebelrefurb8397]

Amazing job!! Lots of hard work and patience.. and it shows. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻😍😍😍

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you 😊 ❤️

[@lorrainewhitlock5377]

You did a great job in restoring this piece as it turned out beautifully. I hope the person that buys this piece from you will take very good care of it

[@RelaxingRestoration]

Good choice going with no stain. I like the contrast between the different veneers. Very nice!

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you!

[@Original_Auburn]

I. LOVE. This. Dresser!!!!

[@lizy4898]

Great job! A tribute to the original crafts-person, and helps me learn, too. Thank you!

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you Liz!

[@libbyholt3863]

Gorgeous! I've been watching your evolution. You've become quite the master artisan!

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you Libby! Gotta keep growing and learning! 🙂

[@sarahhansen762]

This is one of the most beautiful pieces I’ve seen on KZbin. Great job. And please don’t ever stop doing your poems. I love them 😍

[@ReconstructingEmily]

This is a huge compliment - Thank you Sarah 💜💜 I will do my best to keep the poems coming!

[@christinedivecchio]

Stunning! Just stunning! You did Lammerts proud. Hurts when these old businesses are gone. Great tips!

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you Christine!

[@robindelude3787]

Such a beautiful piece! So nice to see someone take the time and effort to restore a great piece, rather than slapping a coat of paint on it. Great job!

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you Robin! 😊

[@tammyc1276]

Oh my! It's beautiful!!

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you Tammy!

[@ginnyburley9552]

Although you clearly work hard on your pieces to restore their beauty, I must say how incredibly relaxing and entertaining it is to watch the process. Thank you for sharing your work!

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you so much Ginny!!

[@mirandamom1346]

That is a pretty picture- very pretty. Well done!

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you ❤️

[@patriciamoody3137]

Such a beautiful piece of furniture deserved to have someone restore it with care and expertise. So glad that someone was you.

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Aww Thank you so much Patricia!

[@janiceperla5506]

That is beautiful and I'm so glad you kept the Integrity of the wood

[@annw1395]

Words fail me. Gorgeous! The wood grain is so striking. I missed what type of wood it is. What a stunning piece!

[@ReconstructingEmily]

I believe its Cherry and Mahogany. I could be entirely wrong, but some wood species are chameleons. Thank you Ann!

[@emmavik-fredriksson640]

Wow! Great job! That woodgrain looks amazing without that horrible brown lacquer. 😍

[@ReconstructingEmily]

It is actually visible which is always awesome! Thank you Emma! 😊

[@helenpowell1394]

Great project. Love the two tone wood. 👍💐

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you Helen!!

[@slfaina]

Simply beautiful piece of furniture, and you brought it back to what I’m sure the artisans intended. Thanks for sharing.

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thankk you Shari!

[@LoriM222]

Well worth all the work on this piece!! Simply gorgeous, Emily!

[@kathysheridan9234]

Thanks so much for restoring and not painting. I especially appreciate those restorers who work diligently on the inside of the piece of furniture also. Great job

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you Kathy! 😊

[@cathietaggart4307]

I like that you just restored it. Keeping it without painting it and returning it to like new

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you Catherine!

[@Noctessa]

Spectacular job!!! The attention to preserving delicate veneer.... impressive

[@patriciacrozier7624]

That is a beautiful piece, so glad you found it and loved it back to awesomeness! Think I would have spent extra time on the hardware.❤

[@lazygardens]

Great restoration. Dust shields between all the drawers! That was definitely a high end piece. Oriental influences were common in the late 50s and into the 1960s.

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you 😊

[@diywithtarnya]

Absolutely gorgeous, Emily. Your attention to detail amazes me. 😍

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you Taryna! 😊💜

[@diywithtarnya]

@@ReconstructingEmily ❤️

[@kathleenhernandez3772]

You did a wonderful job on this piece keep up the good work

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you so much Kathleen! ❤️

[@24k_puregold47]

Wow! It just goes to show that some pieces are best in their most natural state. Beautiful 😻

[@ReconstructingEmily]

For sure! Thank you!

[@pebblesthecat3625]

I really love how the grain has been used on this piece of furniture, and how you have sympathetically restored it to make the pattern stand out. Excellent job, great video, perfect restoration - well done 👏

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you so much 💜

[@cantocant2346]

What a beautiful piece of furniture! You did it justice.

[@lisastewart6373]

What a fabulous restoration!!! Such a beauty.

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you Lisa!

[@poppacore6433]

Using painters tape to make a jig to cut the veneer is very very crafty. You're incredible at your craft.

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you! I appreciate this! 😊

[@utube1818]

Finally a furniture restorer that not only appreciates the significance of chemical stripper but knows how to use it correctly. I have seen so many restoration videos of people sanding, scrapping and even wire brushing when what should be used is a chemical stripper. We don't have After Wash here in the Uk but looking at the label on line it's a mix of chemicals including Acetone, if you can get neat Acetone in the US then for Nitro Cellulose (which is what is been stripped here) Acetone will be fine. For French Polish always use Methylated Sprits as cleaner / neutraliser.

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Ooo This is good to know! Thank you for sharing!

[@josieschwalm3226]

The details and the love you gave it make it gorgeous and one of a kind. Whomever gets it is SO lucky!!!

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you Josie! 😊

[@claudianmn4681]

I have the long version of this dresser!! Now I want this one too!

[@seanpatterson1609]

You did a wonderful job bringing life back into this furniture piece. I appreciate your detail and sense of humor in your presentation. Thank you.

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching Sean!

[@jenniferhooks2454]

Yes, very pretty pictures!

[@helenaneumann1872]

A very beautiful piece of furniture that you have restored to its former glory thanks to your professional restoration. I like cherry and mahogany wood. The restored chest of drawers has what it takes to become an heirloom.

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you Helena 😊

[@vickiel914]

Very nice! Beautiful restore! Glad you found the maker. 135 yrs is a long time to be in business. 🙂🙂

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you Vickie!

[@gailbutler3310]

You did a fabulous job restoring this piece! Lovely.

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you so much Gail!

[@ashleyosborne6239]

This is STUNNING, Emily!!😍 What gorgeous veneers hidden under that dark varnish. Your veneer repair work (while it’s your least favorite thing to do) is spectacular and the color matching, between the wood filler and stain markers, is as well. Just a beautiful transformation, Emily.💜

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you Ashley! I really appreciate this 💜💜

[@moneymakingmikeg.9555]

Fantastically done Emily. You gave this piece a second chance at life. Poem was great. LOL!! Hoping all is well, Dirty Jersey out!!

[@ReconstructingEmily]

This one is probably one of my favorite hidden gem pieces. 💎 Glad you like the poem 😀

[@sissysgifts7069]

Emily. This one was an awesome flip. Loved it!

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you!!

[@jeanroyster-hills7387]

great piece of art. you have a very gentle hand.

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you Jean! Loved reading all your comments ❤️

[@deborahwhite2339]

That is just beautiful! I agree that just applying a satin top coat was the best. I love the contrasting Wood.🙂👍👍👍

[@ReconstructingEmily]

The colors just pop with one another with just the finish! Love it! Thank you Deborah!

[@musicfind4020]

Wow you have a good eye finding hidden gold, impressive finished work bringing freshness to old discarded furniture.

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you so much!

[@lauradiaz-autin3178]

Simply Gorgeous and your craft is unbelievable

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you Laura 😊

[@isabelledoumeng6144]

I wouldn't have expected this piece to end up being so beautiful if I'd bought it. You certainly have the eye and the talent 😊

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you Isabelle! 😊

[@joanndavies1356]

Beautiful veneer pattern! Great job!

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you! 😊

[@dawnliphard9591]

I love this piece

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you Dawn!

[@lisajllewellyn3131]

Wow, you nailed that ...that wood is gorgeous ❤

[@joslynward2741]

Your choice of finish really brought out the detail & dimension of the wood grain! Very nice job!

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Glad you like it! Thank you Joslyn!

[@kathleenchalmers8234]

Well saved! It was most definitely worth all your time and effort. I shudder to think of the waste if this dresser had ended up painted pink and purple or some other crazy color combination. You saved another classic piece to live again.

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Way too many awesome details to hide if it were ever painted. Thank you Kathleen!

[@holly5791]

Beautiful piece. I so appreciate your attention to detail. The design on the drawers reminds me of overgrown dovetail joints. I just love all the contrast in the wood. Great find, and now it's even better. You even got Dashner's attention! 🙂👍

[@ReconstructingEmily]

They really do. I'm still a bit star struck over here! The Lane Acclaim tallboy has two small dove tail joints on the left and right side of the drawer faces, which is cool but these are something else! Thank you Holly!💜

[@noraleestone2859]

The finished products are always stunning, Emily. I keep coming back because of your dedication, patience, creativity, and attention to detail. If all those pieces of furniture could speak, they'd shout praises about how much they feel respected. :) See you next time.

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Aww this is super sweet Noralee! Thank you - this comment means a lot!💚😊

[@vm5610]

That is stunning!😲

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you Virginia!

[@monkyspnk777]

Mother Nature just called me to say thank you for restoring her natural wood beauty.

[@Fruity_lexia]

What a gorgeous piece of furniture! The brass banding on the bottom edge is a really nice touch. With the clear coat, the timber really sings - great work!

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you! I love the bands on this piece!!

[@toni5810]

A classic piece! Thanks for including the make and some history about the company. Well done!

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you Toni!

[@robertwalker2052]

You had a good see ye to see the good bones of this piece from the beginning. How gratifying to have it's potential realized.

[@ReconstructingEmily]

This was most definately an enjoyable piece to work on!

[@ZafroSoundz]

Much nicer contrast now, beautifully restored. 👍

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you!

[@patwhitney1950]

What a beautiful piece of furniture! Great job bringing it back to life?

[@susans7091]

Gorgeous!

[@trishwilson7517]

What a cool piece! It's incredible what amazing treasures can be found under shading lacquer.

[@ReconstructingEmily]

This one was pretty unexpected. I did not expect the colors and contrast to pop so much. Thank you Trish!

[@annroush5424]

Gorgeous. Respect the wood. It shows. Thanks!

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you Ann!

[@nancygeissler2057]

Wow! That is truly beautiful!!!!👍

[@ebmarson]

Very nice result. I am so glad you didn't just paint it and called it done. Good Job.

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you! Definately an awesome piece!

[@nevisscot7697]

Along with Mad City Modern i love your work .you both are similar.perfectionist.

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you Nevis! Barry does wonderful work. 😊

[@cathyg1955]

Really enjoyed this! So glad for the info about the company that created this gem and for the beautiful, caring work you put in to make it shine again!! Good job!!!!💝🙏

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you Cathy! 😊

[@dennishinkle5010]

This is one of very few channels I have found that I like. New subscriber here.

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you Dennis! Welcome!

[@Califdml45]

Stunning restoration! From the labor of love of sanding by hand, to the brass hardware. Just beautiful! Well done!

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you!

[@ChicAntiquebyHolly]

This was so lovely to watch. You did a beautiful job on this.

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you Holly 💜😊

[@leslieblackshear802]

You brought that back to life. What an amazing find. Love it

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you Leslie!

[@TuckerSP2011]

Stunning restoration! You give excellent explanations and the piece is so much happier now.

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you! Love the dog pic ❤️

[@jamestongas3554]

Excellent job at vernier really shows up nice now that it's not covered plus that hardware is awesome. Appears to be solid brass. Excellent job!

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Yes! It is indeed brass. Keller or Keeler brass co in Grand Rapids label on the back. Very cool style!

[@kellihull7600]

Oh my! This is gorgeous! I sure wish you could buy new with this quality!!!! ❤️

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you Kelli!

[@bellanina1271]

Wow, simply beautiful work. ❤️

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Many many thanks

[@laurelarmstrong4535]

Love the two toned look. Your expertise really shows on this piece. I heard about you from other refinishing KZbin channels. So glad you are all supportive.

[@ReconstructingEmily]

We can only help one another get better! I'm happy to be apart of the community. Thank you Laurel!!