Amazing RESTORATION of a HUGE Vintage Walnut Credenza | Mid-Century Modern Makeover

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Transforming a 1960s Mid-Century Modern Walnut Credenza from the iconic Dania Line by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville was no small task, but the results are stunning! In this video, I’ll take you through the entire furniture restoration process-from satisfying paint removal to intricate veneer repairs and a rich natural finish.
Using tools like #2 steel wool, carbide scrapers, and sanding blocks, I stripped back years of wear and uncovered the incredible walnut veneer hidden beneath. You’ll see me tackle damaged edges, deep dents with heat and moisture techniques, and polish the solid brass accents, restoring their original shine.
This vintage piece features high-quality solid walnut drawer fronts, dovetail joinery, and metal track sliders-details that reflect exceptional mid-century craftsmanship. Whether you’re restoring your own furniture or just love watching dramatic transformations, this video is for you!
Stay tuned for my favorite hard wax oil finish application, which highlights the unique wood grain and protects the piece for years to come.
For more restoration tips, subscribe and check the video description for links to tools and products I used. Thanks for watching!
#MCMfurniture #WalnutCredenza #PaintRemoval #FurnitureRestoration #MidCenturyModern #Woodworking #SandingTips #Refinishing #howto
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DISCLAIMER: Most Product Links are Affiliate Links, and I may receive a small portion of the sales at no extra cost to you. Always follow proper safety procedures when working on projects and read warning labels on any new products you're using.

[@MadCityModern]

Buy the DREO Solaris 718 Space Heater: bit.ly/47AF1Ly Enjoy a 21% exclusive discount on the DREO website with my code: madcity Or buy it on Amazon: amzn.to/47DkRRc Save up to $160 with DREO Christmas Bundle and win over $1500: bit.ly/3ORd0Xy I found this 1960s Mid-Century Modern Credenza on Facebook Marketplace several years ago and have been using it in my home since; however, it shows obvious signs of normal wear and tear, requiring satisfying paint removal, intricate veneer repairs, and a bold new finish. Join me as I turn this restoration project into a one-of-a-kind vintage piece to be cherished for many years. Thank you for joining me. Barry

[@hbouhl563]

I have two Dreo floor fans. Love them! They are so quiet. Watching your show from Lake Geneva.

[@spongebobsqueeze]

I think the the beauty of the wood stands for itself and the different grain patterns and color variations make this piece as interesting as it is beautiful. That is something painting it would not do. I was also very impressed with how well the wood decompressed.

[@jodidavis6595]

I sent a Christmas pkg today. I sent one a few months back I sure hope you got that one. I may have forgot the street address but the post master said that if I had the P.O. Box on it that you should’ve received it 🤞🏼🥴

[@lynnnadratowski5265]

Dude,I love it that companies want to sponsor you! It gives you the means to make more videos, and that is awesome. 🙂

[@MadCityModern]

I really appreciate this comment

[@audiomxr]

Twenty hours of work + untold hours videoing and editing the content for this project. What a gorgeous result for both! Thanks for sharing your craftsmanship. What a great piece for your home.

[@cynthiafisher9907]

I love that you have a wood burning fireplace. When we had our 1910 house remodeled/restored, we had a chimney and a Rumford fireplace installed. The builders tried and tried to get me to make it a gas fireplace, thinking I would regret the mess of wood, but I prevailed! I love our wood fireplace and I’m so glad I fought for it. On these freezing Idaho nights, with fog and hoarfrost all I can see out the windows, a crackling wood fire is so warm and comforting. That’s a beautiful credenza and you did a masterful job restoring it!

[@bellatr1xdh]

Your voice is so chill and relaxing ❤

[@dshey6802]

You've become such an accomplished furniture restorer, Barry. Your work is lovely.

[@jodidavis6595]

I don’t even know what to say about this labor of love. What a handsome side table Barry. Love to listen to you talk and explain the stories in each video. The brass on this was whoa! ❤ Stay warm. Stay safe. 🇺🇸

[@SFlores1979]

AMEN! to your "natural beauty" comment!!! I do see the occasional need for paint, but you can still add new veneers to pieces that have a finish that is just too far gone and dignify and accentuate the original design. I learn quite a bit from your videos, so THANK YOU!

[@foos.998]

I love when you recommend books, Barry. I’ve purchased books based on what I see you have around the shop. They never disappoint.

[@monicalundy4400]

This credenza is gorgeous! I couldn’t even imagine painting these beautiful mid century “gems”.

[@susangriffin-byrne8393]

I love love love this finished piece. Beautiful!

[@Porkydogs13]

I think the imperfections give it character!

[@DigsRetro]

That turned out absolutely gorgeous, Barry. I've never seen a buffet quite like that one. How nice that all the original hardware was still attached. 💓

[@jimtongas821]

That is an extremely high-end looking piece. The Walnut is incredible. Stunning piece Barry. Congrats on a Great job of restoration! 👊

[@davidmatz3603]

20 hours was worth it! Gorgeous piece of art!

[@nelsongoucher476]

What an absolutely beautiful credenza. The finished product is gorgeous. Wow!! 🎉

[@CONSTELLATION_PEGASUS]

Another absolutely fantastic restoration, Barry! The wood grain on this piece is beautiful. When it cones to screw holes being stripped out, I use wood match sticks and wood glue in them, and put the screws in before the glue dries. It creates a really strong hold, and, since wood glue won't adhere to metal, the screws can be removed without issue. This one truly came out beautifully! The quality of the piece, along with the remarkable quality of your restoration prowess make a great combination, and the result speaks for itself.

[@nickimontie]

Beautiful! I love the look of wood and brass, which explains my love for mid-century modern 😊

[@ellenwitko3734]

So glad that you will enjoy this piece your home for years to come. Wonderful restoration and a pleasure to watch. Thank you!

[@kallymavromatis123]

Just beautiful. Thank you for another amazing restoration!

[@AngelJul]

19:10 so satisfying when the beauty of the original wood comes to life! Awesome my friend! Another wonderful work! Abraços from Brazil

[@woelfli93]

A stunning result! Thanks for sharing!

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you! 😊

[@davidreed1358]

I very much enjoyed that project. Nicely done!

[@lindamcwilliams9056]

This made my day. This is how pieces like that should be restored. I’ve seen so many people redoing pieces like or similar to that and I cringe at how they sand and scrape those pieces. You can tell it’s about profit and not about love. Another great job.

[@justjulee9135]

I would most definitely say your 20 hours of labor made this piece worth more! As always, your attention to detail, and the love you pour into each piece shows in the final product! Excellent quality work!

[@vickiel914]

That turned out beautiful 😍

[@kbreckan]

What a beautiful piece of furniture! I love the wood grain. You did a wonderful job!

[@peggynulsen1365]

What a beautiful result. I personally prefer natural wood finishes and this piece is a fine example of why. I hope any new owner appreciates it for many years to come.

[@Wally535]

It is a beautiful piece, practical design following the intended function. As always, a thoughtful and well planned restoration/refinish to a timeless piece.

[@chrisjones-ys5zg]

aww barry... there's something really soothing about the credenza now... it's lovely.. xxc

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you 😊

[@chrisjones-ys5zg]

​@@MadCityModern ❤

[@TheCraftyMagnolia]

It turned out so beautifully Barry. I, for one, appreciate the grain and the brass.

[@cheryl2103]

Beautiful, as always, Barry 👏👏👏

[@ima40schic]

I acquired a piece just like this one a few years ago to refinish. It is stunning-beautiful job!

[@jeanmariemclain2836]

Outstanding! I grew up with mid-century furniture. It’s beautiful. You’ve done a great job.

[@melaniearison1209]

Absolutely stunning Mr. Barry.

[@vickyayat2061]

Beautiful Barry👌

[@therewillbecatswithgwenhwyfar]

2:32 those paint scrapes are so satisfying!

[@Christin5554]

you did it again. The piece looks beautiful. Your work is always so great I would be honored to own one of your pieces.

[@Wildcreekranch]

Turned out amazing!

[@normneeb9809]

Gorgeous ! And I bought 2 Dreo heaters/fans. One for my office and one for the garage. They are excellent. Thank you for the recommendation.

[@MadCityModern]

Wow! That’s incredible. I truly am so grateful for the ones I have, and I use them every day

[@djbruce7288]

Beautiful!!

[@joyceclark8476]

Hi Barry, Simply stunning ❤ I wrote my comment first like always. Then I proceed to read other viewer’s comments. Apparently, we all seemed to use the word stunning.😊 Thank you sunshine for another wonderful Mad City Modern video. ❤️🙏🇺🇸

[@br6480]

That is an absolutely stunning piece. The final result of a labor of love.

[@dmfitzpatrick7694]

So beautiful again.

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you so much 😊

[@kristinjacobsen3417]

Great job doing the work in a way that makes a good video. Thank Barry!

[@pou618]

It's stunning

[@Becky-nn3pu]

Gorgeous!

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you! 😊

[@chandarussell]

Wow. You did a wonderful job with this piece. It looks just…, so very lovely. I’d love a piece like that in my home.

[@leslieblackshear802]

Stunning

[@MissLady-pq4hc]

As always👍🏼🎄🌲❤️ thank you for sharing.

[@suesmith9202]

That's turned out beautiful

[@pamsheets632]

What gorgeous restoration/transformation! The wood grain is absolutely amazing! Barry, your work is always impeccable! Love that you give information about the pieces and the steps you take to refinish! Love your videos! This turned out gorgeous! Merry Christmas Barry and Happy New Year, be blessed! 😊❤

[@pitsnipe5559]

Barry, as always, great job. Always look forward to your videos.

[@constance4105]

Thank you, Barry, I enjoyed every minute!

[@Whocares.........]

Well done!❤

[@karenboucher7507]

Beautifu! I always preferr natural wood over painted if possible but thats just me. I have seen some beautiful painted pieces also. I am inspired by all of the refinishers I watch on You Tube!!

[@lindakennedy1193]

What a beautiful piece of furniture, well worth the time you spent finishing it Barry.

[@mimialvarez6010]

absolutely beautiful ♥

[@marilynyarbrough7951]

Absolutely breathtaking. Labor of love well worth it. Thanks for sharing your passion.

[@adriennedull332]

Beautiful restoration of this MCM piece.

[@rachealsmith5138]

Gorgeous! You treat these pieces with such love!!💕. I very much enjoy your work and your soothing commentary!!❤😊❤

[@jflclc]

Absolutely stunning job!

[@smb-zf9bd]

Popped up - "Mad City Modern" has a new video! Made my day.

[@johncamp7679]

I just got the notification a few minutes ago, wild a 2 hour delay.

[@johncamp7679]

Actually a 4 hour delay

[@cherylholasek2193]

I’m not into this type of furniture but this turned out beautifully. Nice job. Thanks for wonderful video 😊

[@sophiachristo7546]

This credenza is a SHOW STOPPER! STUNNING!

[@bonnieyuse5876]

That's Beautiful!! ❤

[@angelazguric4944]

Absolutely stunning 😊

[@mollysheridan7134]

Excellent work Barry. That credenza will shine no matter where it ends up.

[@FloridaClay]

As is often the case with your work, the results are beautiful. I never tire of seeing the remarkable way that raw walnut springs dramatically to life when the finish is applied. It is such a beautiful wood.

[@DonnaH229]

The finish you chose was TOTALLY the right choice! Love the beautiful wood, and always your wonderful craftsmanship.

[@barbarapreddy616]

Great job, Barry! I'm a fan of natural wood finishes, never painted. I guess I get this from my dad. He was a carpenter all his life. Appreciation for natural wood furniture.

[@carguy4658]

I love this piece. Clearly originally manufactured by true craftspeople. You did a great job bringing it back.

[@CrazyCatLady1968]

This just thrills my mid- century modern furniture-loving heart to bits ☺️ I cannot figure out why they painted those drawers - so much better with the wood. Your home is absolutely beautiful, Barry! Bright Blessings!

[@cathyfield4765]

I truly enjoy seeing the transformation of the furniture that you refinish. This is a beautiful result. The warm color of the wood is revealed.

[@susansouthern6704]

That is so pretty Barry!

[@katherineharper-sj4ys]

Barry, walnut is my favorite wood and you have certainly reinforced this love with this restoration. What a gorgeous result.

[@cherylcarnes4207]

MCM is my favorite. I had a beautiful dresser and loaned to someone close to me, but it didn't return. I'm still kicking myself. The credenza turned out, breathtaking. Barry, you are good. Thank you.

[@maryland8532]

Unique and beautiful piece of furniture. A good choice on the rich more natural finish. Like new again, but BETTER!

[@jennylawson1980]

Wonderful video Barry. This is absolutely beautiful furniture refinishing. Your histories are so amazing to listen to. I hope someday you do an audio book on all of them ❤

[@srhilton79]

It’s stunning and I would be honored to have this in my home. Fabulous work!

[@MadCityModern]

That means a lot. Thank you 😊

[@GeorgeWTush]

Beautiful work, Barry. You keep getting better and better. Some day I will be happy to get your autograph in YOUR book on furniture restoration.

[@ddawe31635]

Restor a Finish is MAGICAL!

[@nancyclark3049]

Beautiful, Barry! Let the wood speak for itself😊

[@gf8958-p7p]

Absolutely gorgeous! Thank you for all of your hard work retiring the credenza and preparing the video for us!

[@my_flippin_journey]

*Totally Smitten* .. *Nice blend of useful product placement, narration, & restoration* *Well Done Barry* ...

[@jonap5740]

So many things! Firstly, I do not mind at all when someone sponsors you or when you talk about products. Secondly, it would be interesting if you were to have a Q&A at some point, where you answer questions we send you. Thirdly, at every point when you were working on this piece I was again reminded of your ability to see potential in pieces, and of your patience. There is so much to learn from you at each point. Thank you for sharing your diligent and careful work. I am glad there was no need to paint this piece.

[@kathleennagwak1761]

Absolutely beautiful work. You truly respected the wood and the piece.

[@armelleaymonin8907]

This is a superbly restored chest of drawers! Thank you for giving us information on the history of the piece. Your videos are wonderful.

[@Ladybug-uf7uh]

A first class restoration, Barry. Thank You for sharing some of the things you've learned.

[@delhog6161]

You did a grand job of restoring the peace well done Sir 🇬🇧👍

[@estiefranks6468]

That is a beautiful credenza. You do wonderful work. 😊

[@brendavankomen182]

Beautiful piece of furniture. Nice job B. ❤

[@donnaferrara947]

I loved the design of this piece as soon as I saw it, but your talent made it absolutely perfect. Great work - again.

[@DanielBeyer]

I love the look and feel of rubio monocoat. Although on walnut I do think a second coat really bumps up the sheen and lustre. A slight scuff with a maroon pad after the first coat and apply a second coat. Excellent piece of MCM furniture, Great job. Thanks for all your hard work on these videos!

[@MadCityModern]

Well said! I already have plans to add a second coat tomorrow. That’s what I’ve done with the others, and you’re right. Thank you

[@LadyCin611]

You do such beautiful and fine work! So very lovely.

[@michellenutter1808]

I love your work. Truly beautiful piece. 😊

[@nibz7255]

Wow barry breath taking piece!!!! Amazing refurbishing

[@bettinadewoof3309]

Your work is sublime. So appreciated!

[@KSprague2024]

Always appreciate your attention to details ❤

[@bobmarrier4374]

Beautiful, I love the brass accents.