Refinishing the top of a mahogany dresser

The destroyed top of a mahogany dresser is stripped off. A large water stain and open grain are addressed before the piece is sealed, color matched, glazed and top coated.

[@pamelaingrody5593]

Wow. Learned so much. Loved hearing the decision making process as the project unfolded, especially the oxalic acid choice.

[@deltatango6793]

What a wonderful talent you have.. those people must have been near tears to see that dresser after you restored it. Absolutely lovely. Bravo!

[@LostMountainRestoration]

Thank you so much!

[@christineshipman3093]

Wow what a transformation you achieved on this dresser! As a newbie, I am surprised at the length of the entire process to get to the end result. Thank you for deciding to film and to share with us your decision making each step of the way 💜

[@captaincoyote1792]

I am currently restoring a solid mahogany credenza (circa 1890-1920?) that was destined for a Cape Cod dumpster....in exploring restoring its natural beauty, I found your video. You, sir, are a master! When you put that last black glazing on the surface, I momentarily went into Edward Munch’s “The Scream” mode: Nooooooooo! Then in mere seconds, I became amazed as you dabbed and dry brushed it and transformed it into perfection! As we used to proclaim in the Navy, Bravo-Zulu, sir....a job well done!

[@LostMountainRestoration]

Thank you for your kinds words. Beleive me, there have been enough times where I did something and it was me doing the Edward Munch "Scream". LOL. Good luck with your project and best regards!

[@randyjohnson5179]

Thanks for taking me along. Very beautiful. I have sanded through my share of veneer. That must have cost 3000$ to repair. But the customers can watch how much knowledge and effort it took. Wow

[@deltatango6793]

Great details in the video. Not everyone is this thorough. Thank you! Obsessed with that spraygun 😍 I live in an apartment in a city and don’t have my own outdoor space so I’m constantly waiting until no one is out front and taking my pieces across the street to the back of town hall to spray haha

[@mvred100]

Larry, that looks awesome. You've brought the top back to life!

[@HavanaSaint]

THANK YOU. For explaining that you can put water based grain filler on raw wood, and oil based needs a sealer before...

[@davecornette6188]

Looking good as always. I enjoy your videos. You are a great teacher. In the past year I have started using AquaCoat Grain Filler. It is Vaseline consistency and dries crystal clear. It is an equal amount of work as paste, but allows the natural grain color after staining to show through or it can be tinted with Transtint dyes if you want a different grain color for contrast. For open grained woods here is the process that I have success with: -Stain -Seal with vinyl sealer -Sand -Apply 2-3 coats of AquaCoat with plastic card or plastic squeegee sanding between coats with 220. Dries to sand in 30 minutes to sand. -Final sand -Allow 24 hours drying after last coat -Seal with vinyl or 1st coat of Precat PS-I wish I had that compressor. Keep up the good work.

[@LostMountainRestoration]

Thanks, Dave. I have heard of AquaCoat, but don't have any experience using it. I appreciate the tip. My old compressor threw a motor bearing about a year ago and I stepped up and bought this one. It's been great so far. It was a bit of a challenge bringing it home, in its crate, in the back of my truck. You can't lay it down and it has to stay upright. You can imagine the circus that followed. LOL.

[@amycraigslist4791]

Awesome video. I'm trying to refinish a mahogany sideboard with major water damage. This is the only video I've found helpful. Thank you!

[@LostMountainRestoration]

Thank you for your kind words. Good luck on your project!

[@misspamm1968]

I’ve watched this several times in the last week. Like a masterclass… thank you 🙏

[@paulcarlachapman628]

It looks new! Fabulous work!

[@jimtongas821]

Larry, another beautiful job. Great color match. That final clean up of the lower half finished it off perfect.

[@LostMountainRestoration]

Thank you!

[@nacekozo]

I wish this had been around when I was stripping wood in our then new house about 15 years ago! Keep up the good work - great to watch, thanks.

[@LindaLathrop]

Amazing! Hoped to see the drawers in place for the finale ;-) Great job on the step-by-step procedure!

[@LostMountainRestoration]

Sorry - the drawers were many miles away. Thanks for watching!

[@craigathonian]

So glad you decided to make this video ! There are a lot of clips with more talk than action... And ya need to see the actual techniques from a real hand in motion to truly learn how something is done. Thanks so much !!! I learned a lot :)

[@maggiesue4825]

I wish you lived close to me. I have a couple of pieces that are beyond my skill but family heirlooms, and NO ONE within 50 miles who could potentially restore them. Oh well. . . Enjoy your videos so much!!

[@LostMountainRestoration]

Oh, I'm sorry there's no one to help. Hopefully, someone will pop up and you can get those pieces back the way you want. Best regards and thanks for watching.

[@josteiner1060]

Hi Larry-What a great job! You are truly a master. I have learned so much from your channel. Keep those videos coming.

[@LostMountainRestoration]

Thank you. I'm so glad you are finding the videos to be valuable. Best regards.

[@johnmcglynn4102]

Fantastic job, excellent results. Thank you for the video, esp the content about the wood filler. I am currently refinishing a mahogany nightstand and I may need to do this.

[@chacallachaise]

Thank you! Well done you. Ive now got my grandfather’s solid mahogany desk and will be doing exactly this refinishing. It has a scroll along the top, so no doubt will follow your process and materials for stripping. Most likely will need to color match, but will wait and see after the grain is filled.

[@chadhilk]

Thanks for sharing, Larry. Good tips on the grain filler. Nice hat on day 3 from Glendale, AZ!

[@LostMountainRestoration]

Thanks. Long story on that hat. Glad you enjoyed seeing it.

[@eddylonergan142]

good job, glad you filmed it,It show's the time it takes to bring it back. And not just wacking on some varnish and hey presto.

[@LostMountainRestoration]

Thank you.

[@jamiecobb7874]

That's absolutely beautiful!

[@pkutschman]

Just found your channel, great job! Outstanding craftsmanship, as an aspiring refinisher I’m looking forward to watching the rest of your videos and learning again great job! And thank you for sharing your knowledge

[@LostMountainRestoration]

Awesome, thank you!

[@gloriaharper2572]

Loved every minute of this restoration. You did a wonderful job and what a beautiful finish. Your clients will be delighted. Well done master of your trade. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@kathyward8014]

😊 4:40 4:40 pooo😮 4:40 4:40

[@kathyward8014]

4:40 😊😊

[@kathyward8014]

4:40 😅😅

[@mitchelllangen3032]

You're a beauty and so is that piece of furniture ! All the best to you. Please keep the content coming !

[@casst346]

wow...stunning restoration!

[@lisap.9303]

Amazing! You Rock! You have great skills and patients. 👍

[@QueenCityHistory]

Great job Larry as always!!

[@LostMountainRestoration]

Thanks, Kevin.

[@mrs.m.3858]

Beautiful job! Well done!

[@jimmshorts]

Excellent! I'm so glad to learn about grain filler.

[@CraftQueen22]

Absolutely beautiful! I love refinishing furniture but just for fun & only for myself.

[@LostMountainRestoration]

Glad you like it. I fully understand your love for the hobby. Our home is filled with pieces we found and restored. Thanks for watching.

[@vera4799]

She's a beauty, you're an artist!

[@89bavaro89]

Excellent job man. Good explaination as you went along.

[@lordfancourt2879]

That is absolutely beautiful. Well done, sir.

[@LostMountainRestoration]

Thank you.

[@adrielrowley]

Hope they were thrilled as you did so much extra work so now better than went they put into storage. Interesting how the grain filler took the rest of the moisture stain out, quite amazing.

[@kevingeaney7741]

Top class job! And very good training vid!

[@myriammorris781]

Beautiful work 👏

[@ginawhite4548]

You did and awesome job on a very difficult job.I love Mahogany.

[@LostMountainRestoration]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@briangriffiths937]

Excellent colour matching, looks like it just come out of a showroom.

[@LostMountainRestoration]

Thank you.

[@hussainal-hussaini8483]

You just got yourself a new subscriber.. I appreciate your hard work and I enjoyed every single moment of your vedio.. Big cheers from 🇰🇼 Kuwait

[@LostMountainRestoration]

Thank you so much 😀

[@patriciaraschdorf5514]

what a beautiful master piece I'm sure the owners are so happy

[@padraigadhastair4783]

Thanks mate, this was a big help. You are a talented craftsman.

[@LostMountainRestoration]

Very welcome!

[@fuzzzyyellow]

So beautiful, but sooooo much work. I'm afraid I could never have that much patience to attempt. Lovely craftsmanship and technique.

[@LostMountainRestoration]

Thank you very much!

[@dnrtme600]

very thorough explanation

[@andydixon6759]

Also, incredible work on that piece

[@timhalcomb4041]

Very nice appreciate you sharing all this really enjoyed it

[@LostMountainRestoration]

Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@mauivi1113]

Tank you, this help me a lot on my project.

[@TBaker-dx1vc]

Awesome job! It’s perfect!

[@LostMountainRestoration]

Thank you.

[@beverlykumm1731]

Really helpful information. Thanks.

[@bettypowell3894]

That was amazing!

[@FurnitureRefinishingStudio]

Thanks for posting !!

[@sharit7970]

Looks awesome! I'm sure the owner was thrilled!

[@LostMountainRestoration]

Thank you!

[@mostlypeaceful5621]

one of the best restorations i've seen on yt

[@LostMountainRestoration]

Thank you!

[@Fuzzbucket3358]

Great work buddy.

[@LostMountainRestoration]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@tonij9089]

She's beautiful! Makes me tear up a bit..I have an antique mahogany bedroom suit I wish I could get refinished but, you know how priorities are. Especially in 3/22

[@judyrosey]

Fantastic!

[@karldunne5595]

Well done!!!!.................. 10/10!....👍.

[@pietspijkers1006]

great work!

[@LostMountainRestoration]

Thanks a lot!

[@rosamerla1534]

Beautiful

[@chillpillology]

nice to see how the sausage is made. i was wondering why no wet sand at the end to take off the orange peel. great job color matching, experience pays!

[@blainerueckwald]

Nicely done, you should be proud.

[@LostMountainRestoration]

Thank you!

[@SableSunsets]

Imagine someone buys it then chalk paints it oh my!!! Beautiful piece

[@wahinenuiloa]

Nice work

[@vasaleeno6958]

Outstanding

[@redbed1604]

You done good.

[@atauderete]

Hermoso trabajo

[@reggiereseller8252]

Another enjoyable, well done video. You have a natural teaching style that keeps the viewer engaged. Question: I have an MCM triple dresser that has some dreaded white spotty mildew growing on the finish from poor storage condtions. Should I just wipe down with 0000 steelwool soaked in mineral spirits as a first step? In your experience is that wishful thinking and I'll likely have to strip? Thanks for your time.

[@LostMountainRestoration]

Tough to say without being there to look at it. I'd start with a solution of Dawn dish washing detergent and TSP in warm water. Gently scrub with a scrubby pad or 0000 steel wool and wipe off. That may take off the mildew. You can follow up with some Old English (scratch cover) and then wax. In general this has worked for me in the past. Of course, if the damage is in the finish or under the finish, you may have to strip it off. Good luck.

[@reggiereseller8252]

Thanks for the reply! I'll give the Dawn/TSP a try.

[@MrPharr7226]

Wow! Every video is a clinic. The grain filling and color matching are techniques to add the arsenal. I'm curious about your final top coats. Do you rub them out or just go with a smoothly shot coat of lacquer?

[@LostMountainRestoration]

It depends on the piece. Client pieces and higher end stuff get a rub out for a baby smooth finish. Others get the off-the-gun finish. Thanks for asking.

[@emilykrahn3185]

Looks good. What kind of sealer did you use?

[@reneebennett802]

Thank you for posting this video. I have the exact same dresser needing to be refinished. Mine unfortunately was damaged on all surfaces, but was passed down to me from my great uncle. I'm trying to gather each product you used in this video. Do you think it would be possible to complete this without a sprayer? If so, do you have any recommendations for applying the sealers and stain?

[@JamesSmith-su3oz]

OMG, that was incredible. Thanks for not putting this one on the cutting room floor.

[@PB-sk9jn]

I have a mahogany table that (pandemic paranoia) my wife used alcohol spray to clean a lot. The lacquer or shellac (not sure which) softened and is tacky. Do you think I can simply sand it down and reapply shellac/french polish with a usual rubber?

[@jeanettepringle8817]

Brilliant work, I would be pleased with it. When you put your thumb up I do too, haha

[@LostMountainRestoration]

Thank you!

[@ssmd0352]

Good day Sir. A fine restoration job as usual. I have a question about the mist coat of sealer. How do you create the mist coat of sealer. What ingredients do you use for that? Thanks for all of your great videos and lessons. I really appreciate it.

[@LostMountainRestoration]

Thanks for the question and sorry I wasn't clear. A mist coat is a thin coat of sealer "misted" onto the piece. It acts like a thin coating which hopefully dries before it reacts with whatever is underneath it. I hope this helps. Thanks for watching.

[@supersport3714]

What did you seal with before using grain file. I just varnished a mahogany dresser and now see what you were referring to as the grain has a lot of little black holes showing not sure what to do going forward

[@cindyedwards6924]

inspiring

[@supersport3714]

Hi I love your videos. I used a wood filler that did not absorb my stain as much as my piece (Mahogany) 3 very small spots. What would be your recommendation to camouflage this. I tried a little stain and letting it lie of course this just wipes back off? I appreciate your time..if you can advise. Thanks in Advance

[@andydixon6759]

Is there a video where you explain the step before first sanding - lacquer thinner etc? Thanks

[@alexandriamihalcik9202]

Awesome video Larry! I'm finishing a mahogany desk top that is fully stripped and sanded now. I don't want to add any color (in face I wish I could tone down the natural orange in the mahogany). I want to just add a clear topcoat (like GF High Performance water based poly that dries clear) but the surface looks a tiny bit splochy/uneven. Is there something I should add or do (like a wood condition) before putting on the GF poly?

[@LostMountainRestoration]

I haven't used that product before, but normally you would just work to build a smooth finish by applying a coat, letting it dry completely, sanding back with 320 and repeating. Perhaps next time you can thin down the poly a bit and apply a thinner seal coat as your first layer and then go from there? GF products are very good, so I'm sure you will get the results you are looking for - good luck!

[@TrussttN01]

If love to know what you charged for that job! Looks like you aced it though. I just bought a solid mahogany “server” (small 4 drawer dresser). Looks great except for the top. So this video is a great tutorial.

[@LostMountainRestoration]

Glad you liked it. I did this as a favor for a friend, so the cost was pretty minimal.

[@laurabarksdale2845]

I know I'm two years late to the party, but you have no idea how helpful this video has been for me! :) I have mid-century dresser that has been well-loved, but has accumulated wear on the top. The rest of the dresser would be overwhelming to refinish, but this gives me hope! Out of curiosity, are there any spray/aerosol sealers you recommend for those not able to invest in a spray gun? And do you have any experience with Mohawk's aerosol lacquers? Thank you so much, and for all the work you do!

[@LostMountainRestoration]

Mohawk sells all of their products in aerosol cans if that's how you choose to go. It's somewhat more difficult to use a spray can on a large area, but with some practice you should be OK. Good luck!

[@laurabarksdale2845]

Lost Mountain Restoration Thank you so much! Do you think I’d be ok spraying a coat of aerosol shellac on top to seal it before using the Mohawk lacquers? (It looks like the de-waxed Seal Coat is only sold in the normal can, rather than an aerosol)

[@SableSunsets]

I wanted to see the drawers so badly lol

[@Leroyy536]

You can purchase transparent grain filler, well in England you can, good job.

[@LostMountainRestoration]

I have had inconsistent results with non-colored fillers not accepting stain as well as I would have hoped. I know some people have great luck with them, but my experience hasn't been quite so positive. Thanks for the tip and best regards.

[@pelicanseaweed5818]

A really instructive video. I guess you colour matched the top because that's what the owner wanted? Could it have been left the way it was after you had applied the mahogany coloured grain filler? The colour was lovely at that point, and the contrast between the lighter colour on top and the darker colour below could have been interesting? Are there other lighter stains you would recommend for mahogany? Many thanks

[@LostMountainRestoration]

I always try to match to original, unless requested to do otherwise. I like Brown Mahogany as a stain color. You can also use pretty much anything that will give you the color you envision. Bare mahogany often has a yellow tint to it which some people find pleasing. Good luck and thanks for watching!

[@sperberwe]

Hi There! Thanks for the very informative videos! What brand of lacquer are you shooting?

[@LostMountainRestoration]

Mohawk pre-cat.

[@chuchuat89]

Thank you so much for this informative video. I own a similar triple dresser that I purchased in 1971. It is still in pristine shape despite having been moved a zillion times. I just acquired a vintage sewing machine cabinet that I would like to refinish using your techniques. Again, many thanks for sharing your knowledge and skills. All the best from Canada.

[@susanancog1624]

What kind of wax?

[@baseman00]

Awesome video. For Duncan phyfe do you know roughly how thick the veneer is. I have a few pieces I'm going it be restoring and I'm wondering how risky it is to run an orbital buffer over it.

[@LostMountainRestoration]

It depends on the piece. In most cases you can get away with a refinish unless it's been sanded down in the past. You can get an idea, usually, by looking at the back of the top where you can see the edge of the veneer on the core.

[@baseman00]

@@LostMountainRestoration it's a Duncan phyfe very similar to your top... The edges are ridged. It does not look to be refinished but I'm sure furniture from the early 1900s had a lot of variations in thickness. But like you said I believe there was a lip where the vaneer met. I'll have to check. If you have any suggestions on a good stripper I'm all ears (preferably gel as I have to go at the edges and thinking about using a stiff brush for getting between the ridges)

[@mvred100]

Curious, how do you mix and spray a mist coat sealer vs a sealer coat.

[@LostMountainRestoration]

The mix is the same. It's just a very light coat; a mist falls upon the piece, so to speak. LOL.

[@rodneywatson6087]

Larry, What Black Glaze product ? and mixed with what please? Love the finsish product - absolutely beautiful.

[@LostMountainRestoration]

I use Mohawk's Finisher's Glaze, but you could use any brand, I'm sure. I usually thin it with Naptha, which is like Mineral Spirits, but it flashes off quicker. Best regards and thanks for watching.

[@rodneywatson6087]

@@LostMountainRestoration Larry, thanks for answering my question. I wasn't sure if you would since it was quite a while ago you did the resto on it. Your video is smooth - your straight forward discussion is excellent, and the no bs added in is a big plus. I've been in woodwork since I was about 24 when I realized how cool it was to sand off the old and apply the "shinny-stuff" as you put it. You just love what happens. I've watched others, and your vids from good ol'NorthGeorgia are the best. I'm keeping my bookmark and will eventually watch all of them in time. I'm 74 now, retired, got more time to play "wood-colors-and shinny stuff", but the thrill is still there. Again, thanks, please keep up the good work. New camera and all, it's excellent work. Not to mention it's super excellent highest level of free knowhow to those who desire more and accidentally bump onto Lost Mtn Resto's. If you ever travel north, stop by Weare, New Hampshire and I'll welcome you to my country wood shop, just drop me a line - Rodney Watson

[@LostMountainRestoration]

@@rodneywatson6087 I am always happy to help. Thank you for your very kind words. I will keep you kind invitation in mind if I ever travel up that way. Best to you and yours. Larry

[@tommymason4566]

Larry....can you share about how many hours you had in this piece? Great job!

[@LostMountainRestoration]

Tommy, I really don't remember. With pieces like this the work is often in small segments with dry times, etc. in between. It was done for a friend of a friend and I didn't charge them very much for the work. Best regards.

[@MrPharr7226]

Beautiful work! The clinic continues... For some reason I can't see your replies. Maybe something is wrong with my settings. I received a notification that you replied to my last comment. But I can't see the response under in the Comments window.

[@LostMountainRestoration]

Ugh. KZbin continues to impress. Hopefully, they will show up soon.

[@paulacassianodias7990]

Hi Larry!! I purchased a Mahogany table and I am planning on stripping and sanding and heeping it in its natural state. I want the "lightest version possible". I also don't want a glossy clear coat. Do you have a video or any tips for me???

[@LostMountainRestoration]

You certainly don't need to add any color if you don't want to. Cleat coat comes in many sheen levels and you can apply flat, stain, semi-gloss or gloss if you wish. You can also explore a simple wax finish or a light Danish Oil finish if that's more to your liking. Just understand they may not hold as well as lacquer or polyurethane would to the wear of a dining table or the like. Good luck!

[@urbanothepopeofdeath]

so the color goes over a sealer? so you are coloring the sealer and not the wood?

[@LostMountainRestoration]

Yes. When you apply stain directly to the wood, you are stuck with whatever happens. When doing fiddly color matching, you are much better off using the toners and glazes which allow you to sneak up on your color. I liken it to laying down different layers of colored glass until you get the look you are after. Thanks for watching and best regards.

[@debrachittwood7696]

Great job but for me, its just too complicated to go through all those steps to get it right. Great job tho!

[@karencary3312]

How did you treat the cigarette burn?

[@LostMountainRestoration]

It's been awhile, but I think it sanded out. In the past I have either inlaid new wood or filled the divots once the blackened wood was removed. Thanks for watching!

[@georgekeenan3531]

Master craftsmen you need your out tv show

[@LostMountainRestoration]

LOL. It would be a comedy, George! Take care and stay well.

[@jtripe]

How was the cigarette burn repaired?

[@LostMountainRestoration]

If I remember correctly, it sanded out. The deeper ones need to be filled, either with a wood inlay or epoxy, depending on the situation.

[@fredcdobbs823]

Is the sealer is a lacquer washout?

[@LostMountainRestoration]

It's a separate product. High solids and easy to sand.

[@fredcdobbs823]

@@LostMountainRestoration Thanks, I meant to say "washcoat", but spellcheck took over.

[@thenewgolddigger1015]

Should have spot treated with the Oxalic acid if you wanted t only lighten that Portion