PART 2! Restoring an ANTIQUE Desk - Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration

Tom Johnson of Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration in Gorham, Maine completes his restoration of this handsome antique spinet desk. Tom has been restoring furniture professionally since 1979. Visit our website at www.thomasjohns..., or write us at [e-mail]. And for those on the west coast looking for custom framing, be sure to check out Tom's daughter's shop, www.emcollier.com (@emcollierframes on Instagram).

[@MaxKuykendall-u1l]

As always, you are an inspiration! Many years ago, my wife and I rescued a cedar chest from my aunt and uncles attic. The chest was made by my father when he had attended the same high school my wife and I attended nearly 50 years later. In recent times, it has been stored in our garage. I lost my wife in 2022. You have taught me so much and inspired me to restore the finish of this family treasure that is well over 95 years old. I have no heirs to leave it to, but it will be a labor of love, and in some way, it will feel as though Dad and I will have worked on it together.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! I'm sorry that you've lost your wife, but I love your story, and I wish you the best luck restoring the cedar chest

[@troystaten5633]

Turned out great, thanks for showing us. Glad to see the dog is keeping a sharp eye out on your work.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! She wants to clean up any hide glue dripped on the floor!

[@troystaten5633]

That's a Labrador for you. @@johnsonrestoration

[@l.5832]

Lovely job! That student can enjoy that desk for many decades and I'm glad she was willing to make the investment in properly restoring it.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes! A young person who likes antiques! I was so happy to do the desk for her

[@marekpaul6110]

A masterclass in finishing wood the right way. Thank you for sharing your expertise with us.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@josephpavelich4327]

I hope the younger generation is watching your restoration. So they can appreciate what real talent, knowledge and skill it takes to create an heirloom. Instead of the IKEA way of throw away furniture. Craftsman like you are an important part of our society.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! That's very nice. And these days videos are the way to reach that younger audience. I recommend this book: Shop Class as Soulcraft by Matthew Crawford

[@josephpavelich4327]

@@johnsonrestoration I attended University of Michigan and had a hard time with straight book education. I am a hands on person and this hands on experience exceeded my book learning. I read a lot of periodicals, engineering and technical papers . I like something that is straight to the point without all the superfluous rhetoric.

[@helenaneumann1872]

💯 %

[@mikewallace8087]

The lady student will have tears in her eyes when she sits down to use the desk again . Fantastic knowledge and skill brought this project to this conclusion.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Mike! Yes, I need to call them and see how she likes it - she wasn't home when I delivered it

[@WilliamNast-v1g]

SO MUCH WORK AND SO WORTH IT, TOM!!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@dianelee1299]

I think this has been my favorite restoration of all. So far anyway.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I like it too!

[@kendallclevenger6924]

You are a master at matching the finishes on these old pieces.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! It must just come from experience

[@davidmontgomery1016]

I'm surprised you only put 20 hours into that. It turned out beautifully. I'll bet this student's great grandchildren will studying at this desk in the future. I really like the style of this desk.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I do too!

[@rogerdudra178]

I've always admired a good finish on a wood project. Learning from you is fun.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@Mark-EFMB-Combat-Medic]

The quality of your work and calm demeanor leaves me speechless.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I don't know what to say!

[@yvonboudreau3932]

I love how your side kick checks out the pieces as you are checking them out. As per usual, the piece of furniture looks amazing.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, she's looking for hide glue!

[@traceyspad01]

They must have cried when they saw what a fantastic job you did. Outstanding.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! It was very well received!

[@LadyGecko]

I am in awe of your work and attention to detail. I can’t help but compare other furniture restorers to you.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! That's nice

[@paulstanding7267]

Thomas that is a very sympathetic repair end result looks amazing but we have come to expect nothing less from you so much care and attention to detail is second to none and it shows in the end result. 😀👍

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! I appreciate that

[@queenbee3647]

Just a beautiful first-rate job from beginning to end! I think my SAT scores could have been better if I had a desk like that. Great work Thom. 👍 And it was nice to see the Office Manager overseeing it all. Hello Ella. ❤️

[@hamish9917]

Even that wouldn't have helped my SAT scores.😒

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Wow - what a flashback to High School! I can still remember my SAT scores

[@johnsonrestoration]

You never know!

[@steliosstavrinides3502]

Amazing restoration as always, and the best part is the varnish problems you faced and solve the problem so that we can learn from the way you approach it. Thank you master Tom !!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're very welcome!

[@ellisc.foleyjr9778]

I had completely forgotten about this Spinet desk, and came in this morning to find Part 2! and was elated! ( I'll blame it on age. I'm pushing 80!) I am always in awe in some of the things that can happen. like those two boards not drying and the pains you take to make sure that are done correctly. I can see where a lot of "do it yourselfer's" would have just gone ahead and tried to finish the project with out them drying properly before the next coat. Patience is a virtue, that is in short supply with today's generations. So nice to see you at your craft, I always come away picking up on something I might use myself in the future, that I did not know. thanks again for sharing, and once again for beautiful video camera work. superb!! ECF

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome Ellis! Well said!

[@jasonbauer8147]

Been watching for years and you have never disappointed. Patience is a word you don’t often say, but your work and approach demonstrates the end result. I bought my first box of “grey pad” you so often use. They were a bit expensive but I really like the addition to my shop. I work on pieces and I find myself at certain points asking what would Mr. Johnson do? I refer back to your videos and they have been a big help. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. Take care and have a great day.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I'm always finding new uses for those pads. They're great on curved surfaces. You can smooth out a finish without cutting through

[@allolebarilliertaxi4304]

Thank you Tom, as always a real moment of joy your video was.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! Glad you enjoyed it

[@christinemiller7238]

Pretty good is an understatement. Fabulous! May she enjoy her desk until she gives it to the next generation!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I hope so too!

[@banditman142536]

Another fantastic restoration Sir. As I have come to expect, hard work and a boat load of talent, means great furniture. Thank you.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@johnwhite6899]

That's what I would call a labour of love. Brilliant end result.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@gregoryvschmidt]

Your dog is so inquisitive. Like it knows exactly what’s going on and checks your progress the same way you do

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, but the reality is she’s just checking on the treats!

[@benjaqsonworkshop9974]

Another wonderful insight into your work. Such a beautiful piece of original work deserves such a beautiful and caring amount of attention from an expert. I am always in awe of your judgment of how much or how little is appropriate for each piece you rejuvenate and always with the least impact on the original. Wonderful to watch, thank you for taking such pains to allow us to share your amazing world.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! So nice - I appreciate it!

[@james5796]

Thank you Mr Thomas and your work is superb; thanks for teaching us so much from your knowledge and experience

[@r.p.mcmurphy6623]

Simply sublime, Tom. You've outdone yourself. 👏🏼

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@chuckotto7021]

Your expertise continues to educate us. The thoroughness in your pursuit to achieve such a high level of perfection is awesome. And Ella provides emotional completeness!!!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Yes! Thanks! She must be my emotional support animal!

[@bfranklin1052]

Beautiful piece and beautiful restoration, Tom. I'm collecting all the tips I can for my restorations. Thank you so much!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You are very welcome! Good luck with all your projects!

[@nobuckle40]

A wonderful piece with a rich history. I am certain that the client was overjoyed upon seeing the finished desk.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! They were!

[@simonkeyse8185]

Another beautiful job. Another client over the moon. Another annoying emoji ♥ Seeing Ella makes my day.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I don't mind emojis, but I have yet to use one myself

[@melindamosbey8257]

"....it looks pretty good...." you say? It looks A M A Z I N G ! ! ! YOU ARE a master magician with wood...Thank you for sharing your gift!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! I love it!

[@laurais4047]

Love the before and afters you're doing now

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, I'm trying to do a better job

[@heidijacobsen115]

I’m in the process of restoring a 100 year old roll top desk and trying to do a sympathetic restoration. I just found your channel and this video. It gives me hope that one day I’ll be done and hopefully will be happy with the end result. My desk had huge ink spills on the writing surface. Like you, I couldn’t get out every speck of ink with oxalic acid but it’s much better than it was. Having faith in the process is important and if my desk is half as nice as this one, I’ll be a happy camper! Beautiful work!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, the oxalic only works on mineral stains. Nothing will get rid of ink, except sanding, which I always hesitate to do

[@mightyporky]

I had to laugh, while you were explaining Ella looked at you like"Watcha talkin about Willis?" another superbly finished piece!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Pete! Yes, I saw that too - it was great

[@fianorian]

What a beautiful warm finished colour.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! That old mahogany always looks good!

[@kathyjames9250]

Yes a very informative and rewarding video! I also enjoy the little aside scenes of llamas, dog-kissing, and the pleasant sounds of the chicks peeping. I was amazed at how much patience is required, and perhaps changing horses in midstream, to capture the result you want. These are very educational and if I could do life over, I would work with wood. I have instead learned and practiced sewing, which was what was offered when I went to high school.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you Kathy! Sewing is so similar to woodworking though. You have the right mindset, and it's never too late!

[@sylviekoenig9960]

What a glorious and respectful restoration! Thanks for all the tips.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@BbsnNbs]

Impeccable work, as always. Tom you are the best!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@jeanettenorman7052]

Without question - marvellous

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! That's nice

[@StonyRC]

"Pretty Good" ???? That is something of an understatement - that desk was looking pretty ropey when you started and you have restored it to look STUNNING.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@georgecunningham9175]

Because of your exceptional talents, and God willing, and the creek don't rise, the current owner's Great-Granddaughter will use it as well. Not only are you preserving a bit of history, but preserving a cultural legacy as well.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! Nicely put!

[@lisastewart6373]

What a fabulous restoration!!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@jessem.2807]

Unbelievable time and care put into that piece!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! It was worth it!

[@Frankreddy62]

What a beautiful piece of furniture. I hope the girl that uses it every day appreciates the work you put into refinishing it. You really do amazing work. That Waterlox finish is a great product. It really brings out the beauty in that old wood. With a little care, that desk will last another 100 years.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! So true, there's something about that Waterlox

[@karri4135]

Just beautiful! It’s helpful to see your finishing process during challenging humidity when things stay tacky. It’s hard to know what to do when I’ve run into this before. I’ll refer back to this if it happens again. Thank you Tom!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! A De-humidifier always works, but it gets awfully hot in August! You do what you have to do!

[@pnadk]

It is an impressive transformation of a battered desk.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, battered is the right word!

[@danaowen9014]

The desk has a nice rich finish, nice work Thomas.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@ronpelletier9905]

The end result came out awesome, gotta love those sponge brushes.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! They work well with this finish!

[@forests333]

Beautiful! Also so nice to see Ella ❤❤❤

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Every day is a present!

[@lynnavery3220]

Amazing transformation. That was a lot of work. Gorgeous

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@gerrybaker7155]

Wonderful result Thomas! And such beautiful mahogany was used constructing this desk.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, it is!

[@gregstreeter5054]

Thomas Johnson and partner i salute you,great work.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@petert93]

That turned out beautifully

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@andybyerly5629]

Wow, Wow , wow ! Huge number of multiple ' learnings' for me... will have to re-watch and get notebook out and video in "slow mo"' ! Huge HUGE thanks!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome Andy! Good luck on all your projects!

[@fatersaadatniaki]

The finish build up is a labour of love but it paid off beautifully

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Fater! It did!

[@susanpaulson9010]

That is an insane improvement! So many surfaces too. Personally, I wouldn’t believe it was the same desk. I know they were thrilled with the outcome.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! They were (are)!

[@stonermeister]

Another stellar job, Tom! You've given that piece life for even more generations.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@lynnew5619]

What a beautiful result on a stunning piece. The restoration world has a great master in it. I watch other people and find myself thinking ‘Tom wouldn’t do that!’ Lol😂 I think your foreman is pushing for a treat raise! Lovely to see Ella in the woods.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I see your 2 dogs in the little photo - so you know what that's like!

[@mikevukas9818]

Absolutely stunning restoration!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@michaelhenderson5683]

Excellent job Tom. 👏👏👍

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@michaelwelsh798]

I like those plastic painters' pyramids for hardwoods, but I used them on some Pine doors and the points were so sharp that they left divots in the wood. Not too bad, fortunately. Next time, I used sandpaper to dull the points, and they were fine. Thanks for the time you put into these productions. They are excellent.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, they must have had some weight to them! I think mine have worn down a bit

[@comsigninc]

I’m amazed at the results you get without having a separate finishing room.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! It helps when you’re working by yourself and can put coats on at the end of the day

[@flckrme]

Fantastic as usual! We all hit the Like button even before the video start

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! That's great!

[@stephenboots]

Amazing! That desk looks fantastic now.

[@johnsonrestoration]

It does! Thanks!

[@joedominick7517]

Excellent video on the refinish. You have the patience of Job!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@rheffner3]

As usual, unbelievable. And it looks pretty good.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you very much!

[@hder8740]

I learn so much every time although i have watched them all. Thank you!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You are so welcome!

[@nathanchambers1006]

Absolutely beautiful!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@Voelkerwanderung]

It looks really nice. Thank you for showing us.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@timziegler9358]

Very nice! The young student has a beautiful desk for a lifetime. Best wishes.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@SuperBollus]

Ella Bean, i am sure Tom is appreciative of you guidance in his work. I love your Dad's videos and I love every shio I get to see of you. XXX

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I'll pass that along to her!

[@yeagerxp]

Excellent restoration 👍👍👍Thank you for sharing. Be safe🇨🇦

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@Hadassah-KaquoliMReno]

It turned out beautiful!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@lesleybaker29]

Can’t believe that is only took 20hrs! It’s beautiful now, amazing x

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! maybe I made a mistake with the hours?

[@richardmilliken9377]

Pretty good indeed! What a lovely old piece.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@tinlizzie]

ONLY 20 hrs?? What a beautiful job! I so appreciate your patience and the lifetime of experience.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Liz!

[@deettekearns9092]

God, it's areally beautiful piece. And such a pleasure to watch. Thanks as always for the video!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You’re welcome Deette!

[@richair1527]

Wonderful thoughtful caring work. A beautiful desk now.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you so much!

[@johngrubb1590]

What can I say but it is night & day fantastic work well done Thomas just fantastic.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you so much! 😀

[@cynthiakammann7368]

That's an absolutely amazing result for a very cool desk. Thank you for sharing your process.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@sheilablackburn183]

Just wow, Tom what another amazing restoration, at the start of the video I wasnt sure how you would be able to turn this one around, again you have surpassed my expectation, the spinet desk look beautiful x

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@MOLLIMEDIA]

Beautiful transformation.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@karenlemenchick669]

You did a beautiful job on this desk. It is just stunning!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@1954JDR]

Wow, this is a beautiful restoration.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you very much!

[@mikethompson6713]

Beautiful work Tom

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@airingcupboard]

Lovely work Thomas.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@LinsRenato]

THE BEST OF THE BEST !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@TRKGL1800]

Most people do not realize the time involved to restore a piece of great furniture. Here in Kentucky painting is a big thing. really hurst my soul to see solid wood furniture being painted and not restored to as original as possible. You do a great job, one of the few that appreciates fine craftsmanship. My Dad was a master Craftsman at Berea College. and I do some restoration, but I am not near as talented as you and my dad. Appreciate the videos as they are a great inspiration to me.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Wow, you're Dad was at Berea! I hope to visit there someday

[@raleighsexton7734]

Well done. Amazing transformation!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!!

[@alpetterson9452]

I think it looks pretty goo too. It's amazing how patience and hard work can do wonders. Nice job.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@GT_Racer347]

Absolutely gorgeous piece! ❤😍

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you so much!

[@TheValleyvale]

Top notch work as ever Tom

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@skyhunk]

What a wonderful job you've done! It looks amazing!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you so much!

[@al-wc3lp]

Beautiful desk and restoration

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@agwbcfjc2]

Beautiful work and wonderful video. And thank you too for adding the back story--the student and her great grandmother--very touching.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@chrissheridan8947]

Always so understated, it looks amazing 🎉

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@jodirauth8847]

Another great restoration

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@bryndundas7271]

Fantastic finish, the wood and the trees they came from deserve the attention and to be preserved for many generations to come.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I agree!

[@rayclark44]

Absolutely brilliant video and a beautiful outcome. Thank you for sharing your skills. Take care & stay safe sir 👍🇬🇧🍀

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!