Refinishing A Mid Century Heywood Wakefield Desk | Furniture Refinishing

[@jaysunten]

That's a great-looking desk! Needs the original Heywood-Wakefield "Wheat" though. 🙂 Yes, I'm that guy.

[@jesseburch7063]

My goodness, Steven. I'd have given up rather than starting over from scratch. That's next-level commitment.

[@hiandrewfisher]

In the past I'd feel the same, but I'm realizing over time that previous efforts are "sunk cost" and shouldn't factor into any current decisions. You have to look at a project at any one point as if it's the starting point, and decide what you'll do from there. The only thing you can do with sunk cost is learn from it, which is not the end of the world. I think, based on that idea, Steven made the right choice.

[@blatantmisconception]

It's a very desirable and high value piece of furniture. It was worth it. I have one piece, a coffee table. I paid $200 for it in OK condition a huge water stair is it's biggest issue. In good shape it'd have been $500 dollars a few years ago.

[@VintageFLA]

I have a lot of Heywood Wakefield furniture and it's very valuable and collectible. I sold a desk like this a few years ago for $750.

[@sleepy_buddah]

this is the practical ASMR that I needed today

[@jesseburch7063]

Rain at 6:49. Lovely!

[@stargazer1359]

Thank you for saving these pieces. Furniture is just not designed like this anymore.

[@oldcountryman2795]

No. It’s much better and won’t need to be refinished every few years.

[@vaderladyl]

@@oldcountryman2795 Yeah ok. What do you know?

[@summer6u]

I always enjoy the background sounds in your videos

[@kevin-jd5rj]

I love how much care you put into your pieces. The shape of this desk is awesome, personally I would've stained it. That yellow birchy color just reminds me of nasty school desks LOL 😂

[@muddymike10]

One of the great U.S. furniture manufacturers of 20th century. This morning I found a small metal base, wooden seat chair on the side of the street. The seat was cracked in half. I flipped it over and found a HWWKF stamp on the bottom of the seat. Snagged it for future repair...

[@grai]

absolutely beautiful I was born in 1958 and I was a toddler around 50s furniture and it somehow gave me a real affinity with anything classically 1950s I really love the whole style - same with the clothes The temporary legs was genius! This guy knows the answer to everything 🧡

[@kimberlyvarvorines4933]

My dad refinished a lot of the furniture in our house and he was cleaning out a house for a landlord up the street and was given 2 end tables, they were Haywood Wakefield. He refinished them in a darker stain and they are in my house and look as good as when he completed them. It's nice to see pieces saved!

[@timk1480]

Our buffet was redone in expresso when we bought it. We like it as it is

[@thebigone6969]

You’re the greatest furniture restorer and refinisher in world history fam!!!! The best!!!!!

[@petestaint8312]

Agreed!

[@caroltanzi29]

Haywood Wakefield was a higher end piece of furniture and very collectible today. You did a very nice job restoring it. Carol from California

[@markhoerner2354]

Can’t tell you how many times I have had to remove finishes multiple times on a restoration. I was probably too amused by this episode but it was so like my experiences, which I don’t see depicted too often on yt. The tinted topcoat they used is truly a curse in making the piece come out well. Good job and thanks for the laughs.

[@maureenmoran8998]

I acquired a Heywood Wakefield coffee table (with a spinning top) today. I appreciate your videos so much. Thank you.

[@dshey6802]

I love all the variations in the wood grain. It is gorgeous.

[@sandraleegonzales1622]

I love that desk, I wish I lived near you so I could buy it from you. You do such amazing work and your voice is so calming. Thank you for making your videos!! God bless!!

[@john27609]

I found this video on KZbin. It was a little bit longer than I normally watch but I knew it would make for a good video so I decided to watch it. After watching it all the way through, I think you will agree, it was worth every minute!

[@davidbaulch3223]

My mom and dad had a matching large desk, corner table, and end table exactly like the one here. My sister got the desk and I got the two tables. Like yours, the "blond" furniture appeared to be sprayed with a colored lacquer. Single coat on the undersides and multiple coats, sanded and buffed, on the top sides, and all held together by screws. Haven't had the heart to work on them since I acquired them in 2010, but after your video, maybe now is a good time. Thank you.

[@NomadMakes]

I really respect your patience. 12:29 This is the point where the desk would have become firewood for me. LOL. Cheers, and thanks for sharing.

[@SeleckPlays]

I appreciate your patience and persistence to quality work!

[@hkreinke]

The amount of love given to this desk warms my heart.

[@pogan1983]

Bob Ross of furniture restoration...

[@notlostjustwandering218]

The clear finish on the birch, along with the rounded shape of the desk is giving me '80s vibes. Did not expect that at all! Amazing that just a different finish can make such a difference.

[@mrhasfun]

Ah, so it's birch! Thank you! That colour reminded me of the maple furniture I had as a kid in the 80s that became more golden as it aged so I thought it was maybe maple.

[@Ntyler01mil]

The yellowish tone of the original finish was giving me a mid-1990s vibe. I remember that color of furniture being everywhere. My sister had a a dresser and shelves that color.

[@seeingthepattern]

Another fantastic job on a lovely piece. Impressive change of plan for the finish ... not many would do that. I’m the same age as that desk ... wish I could get as lovingly restored.

[@melcalcin]

Wood treated with kindness and care. Beautiful! I always smile at the end of your videos!

[@wastenotwantnotArt]

I love how you show when things don’t work out at first and how to fix and carry on. I also like how the variables in the wood grain are visible through the clear finish. It’s a joy to watch you work

[@somanyplusme7437]

What a unique way to use a sauntering iron! I never would have thought of that. This piece turned out beautiful

[@mturano716]

Soldering?

[@thomasosullivan2285]

I have just returned from a depressing tour of the new furniture stores on the highway between Geneva and Lausanne. Very difficult to find any wood, of any quality, and the prices! Your desk here is splendid. The thrift stoes in my region are overflowing with wonderful pieces for a song, but few want it due to condition, and the few who do, can't afford the refinishing. A conundrum. Anyway, congrats on this great work.

[@shawncharton9416]

That really does look MUCH better with the second finish. Noice!

[@twisterjester]

Glad to see you making videos again. My husband and I sit down and watch them together. We missed you for the few months things were shut down!

[@barryallin8161]

The composition of Danish oil varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. It's usually a blend of Tung oil and either ordinary spirit varnish or polyurethane. The proportions of the blend also vary between makes. This means that there can be a wide variation in both quality of finish, and durability. In the UK, I have found I get the best results from a brand called Rustins. For most projects I start by applying a coat of wood conditioner, which helps to prevent blotching. Once dry, I find that three coats applied with a sponge brush, a light sanding between coats wih 220 grit, and a final buff with a crunched up brown paper bag produces a pleasant finish with a soft lustre, which is also quite hard wearing. Thanks for an excellent video, love your relaxed style.

[@philurbanski]

This is the best video and restoration your have completed IMHO. It is so amazingly beautiful!

[@jennifermcleanmclean3863]

I am glad you redid the finish! This is a beautiful piece

[@jennynevers4811]

I love the look of this desk. Everything is round and smooth and solid. And so simplified. I want furniture like that. I wouldn't mind watching more restorations on pieces like this.

[@DashnerDesignRestoration]

I like it, too. I’ll do more pieces like this if I can find them.

[@realitylicker]

I don't do any form of furniture restoration, but i love sitting at my computer desk and relaxing listening to your calming but knowledgeable tones, while veneer scrapers scrape in the background. The items you work on are not mainstream and I love that, old furniture is well made usually but you still give an historical account of how they are made using common sense, love it.

[@liftbikejock]

I own this piece…fascinating to watch your approach and listen to your commentary during the process. Thank you!

[@rirkc]

Drawer quietly yeets outta there. Great job!

[@wanttobeasage2952]

This channel is always so calm and you treat the wood with such respect. Caring for the work and effort of others, making homes beautiful with simple practical pieces restored. Now when I see old wooden furniture, I think, just needs a scraper, a sander and some love.

[@dphotos007]

Looks great. I have refinished a few Heywood Wakefield pieces. A 8 drawer dresser and a junior desk. I used a clear Minwax Satin finish. I used a brush and wet sanded after the first two coats. It looks really good. It looks sprayed on. The older finishes put on by the factory in the 50’s were oil based and that is why many pieces have that yellow tint to them. I will be working on a Paul McCobb piece next.

[@lindacarlson8886]

My father and his partner used two of these. I agree with you that a clear finish looks better than the yellow opaque original finish. Nice job!

[@claudiapastor]

Absolutely beautiful work, thank you again for these relaxing and uplifting minutes.

[@DashnerDesignRestoration]

Thank you.

[@andymassingham]

13:31 ....I love all of it, but that was perfect.

[@DashnerDesignRestoration]

Thanks, I like it too.

[@robertschildt306]

That looks absolutely beautiful! Nice restore

[@charlenasutherland]

I was never a fan of the blond finish of the Haywood furniture in the 50’s but the design was always so recognizable. It is nice to see a different look on the finish and I am glad you didn’t put a dark stain or worse, paint it. Good job. 👍

[@Botticella89]

Watching your clear instructions on how you do things, which I'm guessing is based on years of experience, has given me a clearer understanding of restoring vintage furniture. When I finally am able to get a new place, thrifting and upcycling furniture for my home is at the top of my list. For me, personally, I don't mind little dings and dents, as it signifies the piece's age. But, it doesn't hurt to give it new life with a bit of elbow grease and care to last decades more.

[@floief]

I like what you did with the finish. It is beautiful. It takes me right back to my childhood. I remember that original finish too and I'm with you....not the best treatment but it was common back then.

[@deborahschipper1520]

Your knowledge and attention to details must make these items sing as you bring hem back to life. I am amazed at your skills and dedication to renew the furniture maker's original design! Love your bideos!! Thank you.

[@ginaburgess9759]

Such wonderful design. And, unbelievable patience from you!

[@abogadamexicali1807]

What a beautiful piece now that the finish is not as yellow. Practical too, not like modern desks that are just basically a flat surface. Those shelves are great.

[@kathrinekerns8398]

I like the clear look of the desk. So crisp and clean.. Very nice piece of furniture.

[@user-jc8py7dw7r]

You’re the chillest guy on KZbin.

[@Flavum]

I hear birds chirping at the 7 minute mark. It makes your video that much more soothing. :)

[@freomoodfly]

I love the soft curves on this piece. So loverly to hear the rain and birds too - nice job. I would buy this

[@vickynash2245]

I watch your videos with my daughter and we both just love them. Thank you for the time & effort you put into producing them. By far our favourite videos to watch! Cheers from two fans in Australia.

[@DashnerDesignRestoration]

Thank you!

[@eamonanthony6767]

What a lovely job you did there pity there's not more restorer's like you the bonfires wouldn't be so big great work Dashner.

[@dlouise4351]

Great piece and I love how it came out.

[@DashnerDesignRestoration]

Thank you.

[@suecox2308]

It's always a pleasure to watch you work and see the care and thought you put into your projects. This is anther beautiful one.

[@letmetellyousomething123]

You made the right call on the finish. Love it!

[@DashnerDesignRestoration]

Thank you.

[@shannonschwab3754]

I am so excited you made this video. I have a TV table made by Heywood Wakefield and it needs refinishing, but I lack the courage of my convictions to do it.

[@marciabradley7660]

I just picked up a Heywood Wakefield dresser and striped it down to the bare wood. So glad I watched this video again. I am fighting the urge to stain it a darker color or even paint it because the yellow is so unattractive. What a temptation! I love using lacquer so that might keep me from going crazy on the piece.

[@PK2001X]

The final piece is gorgeous!

[@1959Berre]

Great job. (My heart skipped a beat when that drawer fell over.)

[@doddnejadfard3251]

What beautiful results,,,,,fantastic job,,,,,,,such hard work,,,,bravo

[@ATRestoration]

I like that design, nice work!

[@jossthompson_]

This is the channel this decade desperately needed

[@rosemarshall1219]

Very nice piece! You have made the best decision with the Mohawk clear finish. Way way better. And thanks to show us that changing our mind is ok and normal.

[@margeryk000]

What a unique looking piece. The refinishing looks fantastic. Thanks for sharing your talent with us. ATB : )

[@DashnerDesignRestoration]

Thank you.

[@lesliejohnson7247]

I think natural is the only blond wood from the 50’s that I truly like!! Lovely piece. Thanks!

[@brigidadebarros1720]

U put a lot of love into that piece. Love it!

[@funkypunkypine]

Gorgeous. Also, that's some serious dedication to the cause, what with taking the first finish off after having already done it twice to the side!

[@petestaint8312]

So glad you got your hands on one of these! Excellent job 👍

[@jacobbroe5279]

TIP: oldschool method to clean gummed up and clogged sandpaper is to buy a brick of raw rubber (same hardness as ‘raw rubber shoe sole’) you sand the rubber brick and renew the sandpaper. They did this back in the day to allso prolong the lifespand of the sandpaper. We did this in the woodshop i worked at. Works great!

[@pteddie6965]

I agree with your choice of finish for this desk. It turned out to be a beautiful piece.

[@DashnerDesignRestoration]

Thank you.

[@yes717]

The energy and commitment you give to restoration is outstanding. So inspirational you made it so hard to drive past thrift store and items left on the curb

[@MDaly-mu5tm]

Always appreciate your videos, I enjoy the low-key matter-of-fact style....and invariably I always run into an issue that you’ve already had to deal with. You’re teaching me to be better at my craft, thank-you :)

[@elliepascoe5954]

Love the clear finish! Although it took some trial and error....but that birchwood wood is so beautiful. Another lovely restoration. 😁🇳🇱

[@FridayFrida]

I’m so glad you didn’t put a dark finish on this one. 👍😊

[@angela4469]

You are a very patient man! Good job.

[@Dante.]

You are so inspiring. I admire you so much for not only your actual effort with the furniture but with how u edit these youtube videos. Great job, ive been flipping curbside furniture for about half a year and you've taught me so muchin just one week of discovering your videos, thank you so much

[@fannycraddock99]

What an interesting piece that I'd love in my home. You have endless patience, I would have ended up smashing it all to bits and having a bonfire!

[@sharpduds]

My great grandparent's had a Haywood-Wakefield type kitchen table, that is now in my grandparent's kitchen, and it has the most beautiful honey maple finish very much like this desk had originally

[@SQueme]

Very nice finish from a non obvious "hidden random wood pattern" from the fifties Learning a lot of useful tricks from your videos ! Thanks for sharing greetings from Lille, France

[@l1zrdking]

So much room for activities in the new place. As for the desk, kind of an unusual design, I dig it. Probably an unpopular opinion, but I could def see that in a nice bold color.

[@ΜαιρηΤριποδη]

It's a completely different piece ! 👍👍👍👍❤️🇬🇷🇬🇷🇬🇷

[@radiohill]

Your work is excellent. Great skills and video making!

[@kattkatt744]

I think I personally liked the original yellow finish better than the clear one, but it is still an immaculate and well done job.

[@Flavum]

A quick search reveals that that yellowish finish was part of the HW look. I found a similar desk on Google, refinished, for sale for $900. They're desirable peices.

[@janreed99]

@@Flavum what is "hw"?

[@janreed99]

Ditto. I like the yellow finish (done well) and it was a great job.

[@janreed99]

Heywood Wakefield. Got it.

[@martinebangs6520]

Something about this piece speaks to me, I love the lines, plain and functional....the new finish brings out the natural elements of the wood...thanks for sharing....Take care...stay safe..

[@wwaxwork]

That is a beautiful piece of furniture.

[@stefaniestaniak4329]

Another beautiful piece.

[@cynicallyyours61]

I love the clear finish.

[@jerrywilliams4505]

Nice looking desk, as u know a coat of sealer on the birch would have helped the blotches. Thanks for saving a great piece!

[@bethbosmeny5605]

Absolutely stunning. And perfect timing, too! I just got a pair of Haywood Wakefield nightstands from this same line! Going to try to work on them this weekend. Thanks for sharing your excellent work!

[@bertroost1675]

I have a huge Heywood Wakefield desk. It needs serious refinishing. My mom re-stained it a walnut color 50 years ago. The top drawer goes on forever when you pull it out. The inside has a cedar smell. I think the drawer dividers are made of cedar.

[@kimmcconnell3854]

The title caught my eye because I used to work in Gardner, Massachusetts.

[@bethann80]

You are a master of woodwork! What a lovely piece. I hope you are getting rich from these MCM pieces, they go for a small fortune now here in California. Great job!

[@EarthAstroGirl]

Looks better than the original blond wood. Good job!

[@woodybeck8966]

Your diligence was inspiring.

[@deborahschipper1520]

What a beautiful piece!

[@generatorjohn4537]

I would buy that desk in a heart beat! Nice job 👏

[@aleciahansen7859]

I’ve never seen the steam technique for dents. Very cool!

[@LaughingInTiny]

Agreed. Fascinating...