Picking up where someone else left off

This week in the shop Trena sands deep through some cross-grain scratches and completes the refinish of a high-boy dresser. Some of the wood is less than ideal and needs some careful staining and tinting to look good.
Thanks for watching. If you enjoy my video and would like to say thanks you can now buy me a coffee! This will just help me to be supported while I continue to make these videos for everyone to enjoy. Cheers to all my wonderful subscribers! www.buymeacoff...

[@Lucinda_Jackson]

Hey, Trena! 🙋🏼‍♀️ I have to disagree with you on one thing. You said there wasn't a lot involved with this piece, and that's true from a repair standpoint, but that plywood! I'm a true believer in all things Trena, but there was a voice in the back of my brain telling me not to expect too much from those sides and that top! As always, I ignored that voice and watched in faith. I was rewarded with watching you make a purse out of a sow's ear. Maybe not a silk purse, but a very well made, high quality polyester one that passes very nicely and gets lots of compliments. 😊 I am amazed at how you were able to even out the color and look of the plywood to create a beautifully cohesive dresser. It's so pretty! I love the square mirror and the little carvings on the posts and (I think?) the legs. That and the sweet hardware really make that chest special. Speaking of the hardware, Flitz really polished it up! I love Flitz and use it any time I have something to polish (except silver!). I mostly use it on brass. Hope your week is a good one and that your plans are moving ahead now that spring is almost here and the Punxsatawney Phil has predicted and early end to winter! And Happy Valentine's Day! 💝💐💝

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

Oh Thank you so much! You are so kind. I hope you have a wonderful day as well. 🥰

[@terryosz8458]

You did a wonderful job I'm 63 and have been working with wood most of my life and you're skills are so impressive stay safe and God Bless love your videos thanks for sharing

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

Thanks, you too!

[@sylviaprudhomme5417]

You really changed that sad little ugly into a beautiful piece❤❤❤

[@BarneyR-u2d]

Talk about a resurrection! I thought the secretary that you pulled from the abyss was amazing. This one may have taken the cake. Well, anything with coconut in it. 😂 Sensational job as always Trena! Best to you and your family see you in the next one. 😊

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

Thankyou!

[@fxoverfianl5046]

now this video is like the ones you used to do when you were in your own shop...great one ..😍

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

Oh Thankyou that mean a lot. I worry they won’t be the same

[@lauristandley4359]

That is amazing and so beautiful! ❤❤❤

[@chipthompson3957]

Another Beautiful piece

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@idkidk8278]

B-e-a-utiful!!! The dresser looks great too!! Have a great day! 🤗😉🤓😎

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

Thank you! 🥰

[@katherinef4291]

Another winner! Great job!

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

Thanks again!

[@keisha989]

You really are a Master of your Craft, Very nice job

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@janmitchell641]

It takes a real craftsperson to make plywood look good! It turned out beautifully!

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

Thanks😉

[@Tootsie55]

Beautiful as always. ❤

[@pijnto]

You make it look so easy, I hope all those watching realize it is much more involved than it looks.

[@TranscendFurnitureGallery]

Amazing job as always! Also... me eyeing that radio cabinet in the background 8-)

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

Lol. Yes I did that one a few weeks ago. It was such a little cutie. Thanks Angie🥰loved the art deco sideboard you did recently. It was a stunner. Cheers friend

[@TranscendFurnitureGallery]

@@johnsfurniturerepair ah! I missed one! Must go watch now, haha. ❤️

[@peterlanglois65]

I love how you got rid of those nasty casters and replaced them with small sliders.

[@mirandamom1346]

My heart sank a bit when I saw the first coat of stain on the top. But, boy, you made it work! Someday maybe I’ll have a tiny portion of your skill and knowledge..🤞🏻

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

It was a messy start for sure

[@paulotts]

It always amazes me how much better the finished piece looks when placed in a room with more even lighting and the camera can "see" better.

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

Yes lighting will be so important in. Y new shop

[@martinebangs6520]

Hi Trena, great save on this dresser, I like all the different swirls and shapes on the wood, great restoration...Take care...cheers !!! 🍁 🍁

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

Thanks so much!

[@terryrogers1025]

That piece turned out amazing for what you had to start with, enjoyed the video, thank you.

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@VicAmor1944]

There's Shop Dog, there's you, Shop Girl, now there's Shop Dad!

[@donlunn792]

Trena,I think that your Dad must have been a terrific furniture restorer.And a terrific tutor,because I think that you are the most skilled furniture restorer on KZbin. And I see a lot of them. That item is fantastic.

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

Wow, thank you

[@charleneblake1146]

Wow,so pretty❤

[@TaylerMade]

i really wondered how it would look when finished. i expected you to pull off a miracle and you did. your ability to colour is i think your main asset. how you took a shitty piece of ply and made it look good is beyond my skill.

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

Thankyou!

[@michaelstoliker971]

Those were some great tips. I hope I can use some of what I've learned watching you channel to reverse the damage I did when I "antiqued" my Grandfather's drop-front desk when I was a kid. It was beautiful and then it had to survive me and everything I did to it.

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

Lol. You can do it 🥰

[@509brown]

Awesome!! Love how you explain the overall approach and then detail each step.

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

Glad it was helpful!

[@wardmacleod3765]

Another outstanding job!

[@martemacdougall1985]

So many different woods, Trenna! Admire your determination and knowledge in dealing with a real "birch" of a dresser. Loved the charming hardware and thanks for the drawer fitting tips!. Bye for now. 🎉

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

Thankyou! 🥰

[@faithfulhall1060]

I have two pieces of furniture I think must have come from the same factory. 😅. Thank you for sharing. You are a professional; a pleasure to watch.

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

Thank you! 😊

[@brianboychuk3712]

As always, a superb job, Trena. Like me, another Saskatchewan superstar!

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

Hi there! 🥰

[@VickiDivis]

Very very well done!

[@78541954]

I wasn’t sure about this one because of the plywood, but as usual, you did your magic and of course it turned out beautiful! I so admire your gift to see a piece in its finished state before you even begin. Awesome job Trena!

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@geralyn-mm]

What an elegant piece - beautiful lines ! I loved the hardware - it polished beautifully, kept its patina and added just the right finishing touch. Thank you Ms. Trena!

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@26beegee]

Just love the warm neutral brown color - not too much red or yellow. You made it look much more high end than it probably ever did in its life!

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

Thankyou🥰

[@arlenekerr1198]

You are the Master!!

[@simonlunt353]

Wonderful job again Trena I am a 60 year old joiner and have done a few jobs like you do but as I watch you I always learn new skills love the way you put your videos together the music is just right as I have said before it would be a great honour to come into your workshop and watch you and learn please keep your videos coming and well done 👏 👍😊

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

Wow, thank you

[@alisonholmes5248]

So refreshing to watch a professional at work. Beautiful job.

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

Thank you very much!

[@johndoran4360]

KEEP TRUCING ON, TRENA. ANOTHER BEAUT RESULT.

[@InkWellideas]

Loved the straight shape of those mirror supports, as contrasted to many turned pieces I've seen. Great save!

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

Me too

[@stevepiechock9234]

I am never disappointed in seeing you restore furniture. The end result is the icing on the cake. Taking over a job that is just started is difficult at best. You made it look like a walk in the park! Once again a testament to the expertise your father posses and , has been passed to you. I see your passion in each piece you do. Marvelous work, well done!

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

Thanks so much 😊

[@louiseklock7179]

It is a really pretty piece ❤

[@sophiachristo7546]

Gorgeous! Thanks so much for sharing

[@sasquatch-7634]

Nice job Trina. I do exactly what you do in Michigan. Wish we could get together and talk shop. I just finished almost a carbon copy of this dresser last week. I only have one thing to add. I spray lacquer inside the cabinet on the drawer slides and also on the drawer runners. I spray both heavily, and it's the only spraying i do that i don't care if the finish runs. No one will see this. If you do this, the drawers will slide in and out silently and smoothly. Your customers will love it.

[@jacobbwalters8133]

What is the name of your business? I live in Michigan and have been considering getting several pieces of furniture repaired.

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

Oh very Interesting. I’ve never tried that. Too bad we didn’t meet up when I was in Windsor Ontario.

[@sasquatch-7634]

Right Angle Restorations

[@pomnichowski]

Very nice! Always a pleasure when you visit and share your work results! 🖐

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@garyrobinson8991]

Simple elegance for a very basic chest/dresser. Nicely done, as always ! Cheers…..!

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

Many thanks!

[@cabman86]

It's a beauty now!

[@williamkilpatrick8030]

Nice work Trena .

[@motortowncuriosites7005]

I am always amazed at your color work skills. How you do what you do is like some sort of furniture Voo-Doo magic.. 😀

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

Thank you! 😊

[@Zardox2]

Wow! 3 different woods, and most of the surface is paint grade ply... yet you got it looking FAB! That is skill. ❤️

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

Thank you very much!

[@sherriethames6503]

The information about the dowels and glue in the legs is very welcome as is the strategy for working out the blotchiness of the plywood. I love the way it turned out.

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

Glad it was helpful!

[@dennishinkle5010]

It really turned out nicely. You did a miracle on that top. Luckily not many repairs. I always have trouble with drawers it seems. A fine piece and great video. Thank you for sharing.👍

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

Thanks 👍

[@michaelbonacorsa979]

Here we go again! More magic!

[@OldTrucker958]

Hi Trina love your videos! I own a refinishing shop in upstate New York. Been doing it many years but always learn something from your videos. Keep up the good work!

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

Wet cool! Would love to do furniture there

[@bethcrane5780]

Looks so much happier now! Well done!

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

Yes! Thank you!

[@robertkerby2581]

Trend, I enjoyed the your attention to detail on the restoration of this Hi-Boy Dresser and Mirror! Well done, Trena!

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

Thank you very much!

[@everestyeti]

Canada's answer to Cezanne, Monet, Renoir and Turner every piece of work you do, is a masterpiece. 👍

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

Wow, thank you!

[@megwolff58]

Thanks, Trena! A masterclas for us in dealing with the dreaded blotch!

[@G-gnome]

7:00 😮👏👏👏👏 i can’t believe my eyes!!! WOW!!!!

[@aileenhaggarty681]

Love it. Everything you touch turns to perfection in my opinion. Bless. 🙏🏻❤️

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

Wow, thank you!

[@lauralake7430]

My mom called this a boarding house dresser. She meant that the wood quality was not amazing, but the mirror was nice and it was clean and sturdy. Most importantly, she pointed out, every drawer locked. For background, her family mother lived in a boarding house as a young bride and it was not her favorite phase in life, but she could tell some stories! I learned all my furniture refinishing skill from my mom. Edit, mom is in her 80s

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

Oh wow! Very cool

[@katherinem7835]

Beautiful job Trena. You just know so much. I'm learning from you alot.

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

Great!

[@dshey6802]

I sure like the Birch grain on the drawer fronts. I really like that color stain. With the tinting it turned out beautifully.

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@paulerickson1906]

Birch, the poor mans Cherry. I love it. So easy to work with. Strong, soft understated grain pattern that gets better over the years. I've made several pieces over the years and they look nicer now with the patina they developed. It does blotch with stains if your not careful.

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

Yea it does have its charm 🥰

[@skitzochik]

I never doubt you Trena...

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

❤️❤️

[@rifleman1873]

Wow!! That turned out amazing. Watching this process makes one realize how much work goes into refinishing a piece like that. I bet you don’t charge nearly what you are worth, or nobody could afford to have that work done. I hope you get paid fairly.

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

Thankyou. All I can say is I have wonderful customers and yes not everyone has a budget for the work. Cheers!

[@52daa]

Love your work, and the tips and instructions on how you accomplish it is so super useful! Thank you 😊 for making these videos 😊

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

You are so welcome!

[@ArtisanAtelier]

Such a beautiful piece. Love the colour you chose. Incredible work!

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@JamesDeese]

The joy you take in doing the work is infectious. That is a trait I picked up from my father. Enjoy whatever you do. For me, hard work was not something to fuss about, but to dive into and get done. The satisfaction of taking care of the little things really is promoted in seeing the end result of a job well done. You saved this carcass from a so-so job to a near OEM finish. Maybe even a step above the original.

[@patriciamay638]

It's not "work" if you enjoy it

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

Thankyou James🥰

[@johnleavey356]

Beautiful work. May God bless you and your family.❤

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

Thank you so much!

[@AaronG72901]

Hope you know that your fans simply adore you and your content! Can you do an intro soon similar to Thomas Johnson's? Say "Trenna, John's Furniture co, from somewhere............ Canada. 😅 That would be epic. You're amazing🎉🎉🎉

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

Thanks for the idea!

[@eddys.3524]

That really turned out great ! Good job, Trena .

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

Thank you! 😊

[@ZoraidaVA-b6v]

You do beautiful work, and are a great instructor.

[@jillatherton4660]

Nice. 😄👍

[@zonaken]

Great video, as usual! I'm constantly amazed how you can make dissimilar woods look great together (taking notes...). And I love how those mirror posts turned out; very nice accents. They sure don't build them like they used to. Thanks for posting these videos with all of the insights and tips. They are very helpful to us novices. Zk

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

Thank you very much! So glad to help🥰

[@michaelhenderson5683]

Another great job Trina. I Always enjoy watching your videos. Hope all is going well for you back in Saskatoon 👏👏👍

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

Thank you! It is🥰

[@lynnew5619]

I like the finished colour a lot - especially compared to that horror (apologies to the owner here - just my prejudice lol) next to it at the end. You can make anything beautiful. 👏👏❤

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

Lol

[@cintiafreitas7699]

😍Beautiful work‼️ 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 From 🇧🇷

[@maddieadams75]

Amazing restoration, the hardware is lovely. Definitely an interesting piece ❤❤

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

It really is!

[@Darkmult]

Not easy one whit the stain , Great job Trina 🙂😉👍

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

Thanks so much 😊

[@SparrowStockwell]

Very nice, Trena.

[@davewinter5999]

as usual a joy to watch brilliant 😃

[@Jayf1981]

Nice!

[@edwardmurray4703]

another good job, I like the mention about the tacks to help the draw fit better, did not know that.

[@als1023]

LOVE this one ! I needed some video time on what it takes to work with birch and plywood, it's so common in Canada. It's a tricky a job as I suspected. The end result is very very good ! Like the rest of the north, snowbanks not very high this year.

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

Glad you liked it!

[@jeniferpollonais6546]

Beautiful!

[@edcanning6896]

I just love every video and learn so much. The years of experience (and Dad training) you have puts your work at a whole other level. Thank you!

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

You are very welcome

[@killy1958able]

I admire your work. You are so talented, love it as always 😊

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@phasemargin]

Love the hardware details on this project - the little keyways in particular. As usual, your explanation of staining and color techniques before sealing were very useful for me to learn more. Thank you!

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

Glad to be of help😉

[@leighvrooman2824]

I always notice the tender care and workmanship you put into your projects. You can never really get the monetary value for your labor. But the desire to fulfill an inter need makes it worth while.

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

Thankyou🥰 I try to charge enough but I can’t help myself. Lol I always do the extra 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@stephanieb7311]

Looks really nice. Good job.

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

Thank you!

[@peterouellette3874]

Looking great

[@briandeschene8424]

Without your skills to make these “so so” materials look so good when stained, as you did here, I can see why someone in the past decided to just paint/whitewash it to cover all the “sins”. Well done and great results you artist!

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@christypotter3315]

Beautiful! You did a fantastic job on this dresser.

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

Thank you! 😊

[@pat5043]

Pretty little piece, like it😊

[@eamonanthony6767]

You said it Trena its looking great i couldn't agree more as usual, Deus benedicat.

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

🥰

[@eamonanthony6767]

Don't blush Trena@@johnsfurniturerepair 🤣

[@mikedkc]

Beautiful work as always. Lovely dresser.

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

Thank you! 😊

[@cravinsomeraven]

It turned out so much cuter than I expected. Love it!

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

🥰

[@lawrente]

WOW, Trena, Amazing work! Love your magic and hard work. I wished I lived closer. I have a bedroom suite I need to have repaired and refinished.

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

Time for a road trip lol

[@aking2974]

Beautiful...👍👍👍

[@kathharper]

Looks great, honest, homey and nformal and well loved now,

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

Thanks so much!

[@lindamiller5489]

Wow just the sanding made such a big difference 🎉