Repairing a Thrift Store Mirror - Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration

Tom Johnson of Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration in Gorham, Maine restores this antique 19th c. ogee mirror of the American Empire period, found for a song at a charity shop here in Maine. Tom has been restoring furniture professionally since 1979. Visit our website at www.thomasjohnsonrestoration.com, 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).

[@sarahewitt1226]

I love your videos , I really liked how you kept that little bit of writing on the back , it is such a thrill when you buy antique furniture when you find a little something left behind from past owners , I also love the way you keep as much of its originality as possible , your restoration is so gentle to the piece you are working on you are a true master , thanks for sharing and saving these beautiful pieces .

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! I appreciate your comments

[@09gearchange]

I think I can speak for all of us when I say you are indeed the best at what you do . Superb workmanship and beautifully detailed commentary explaining everything . Thank you so much Tom.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@hm8781]

The generations that have looked into that mirror.... what a lovely piece to hang on your wall, great work Tom.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@MrLarrysanders]

Your videos are excellent. You make me feel like a kid again watching my father working on different projects. Over 70 years ago and still fresh in my mind, thanks to you. Love your supporting cast of animals. Best wishes.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! I love it when my videos can evoke these old memories. I'm thinking of my dad often

[@robertlassiter5808]

This is therapy for me. It’s your demeanor and quality of work that genuinely calm my mind. Thank you Tom.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@emilygraham1153]

Great work Tom. Just loved the intro with your fur friends and your dog clearly loves you enough to fall asleep on a cold shed floor. The final shot of you checking your look in the mirror was classic. It's so Lively to see these precious skills of yours being shared with those of us with neither said skills or sheds!! Thankyou. Emily Liberty.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@sylviekoenig9960]

That mirror could not have fallen into better hands. I love that you put as much care into a modest mirror as into a priceless antique. The result is outstanding… as always.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! 😊

[@jmsmom67]

I love watching the beginning to see what animals you have to share with us!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@TheFiown]

Another wonderful video Thomas, never thought that one day I would so enjoy watching glue dry !!! great job !

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! That's good, you made me realize that's exactly what I do!

[@ddoyle11]

I have this exact mirror! Same dimensions, same veneer, everything. Despite my very amateurish attempt to replace some of the veneer about 25 years ago, I still love it and it hangs in my living room.

[@johnsonrestoration]

That's great! They are very handsome frames. I wonder how many of these were produced, and by whom? Could it have been an early 19th century production line operation? That's about the time they started figuring out these production methods

[@imahick5723]

I also have a mirror that looksvery similar to this too. The glass though is bad, with streaks and splotches so that everything looks kind of blurry. I love it

[@robertstigter9195]

Fine piece of work Thomas? Cannot understand why you do not have more subscribers. The high grade of perfection you reach in your work, combined with your calm and sympathetic way of presentation, deserves a much larger public. Thanks for downloading this. Rgds from Germany, Robert.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you Robert! Well, I'm getting more all the time. Share!

[@generaljimbo1944]

It amazes me how easy you make it look. It shows a great deal of knowledge about restoring antiques. It was my favorite pastime

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@sjp52047]

Well worth the money, Thomas. I love to see items like this restored instead of dumped. Great job as usual. Regards, Solomon

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Solomon! So many things must end up in the dump, it's sad

[@770bob]

Excellent work Tom! Your attention to detail is incredibly admirable. Thank you for taking my suggestion and telling us how many hours go into each repair. It makes us appreciate your hard work even more.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I take people's suggestions to heart, although I often forget to say the hours

[@hacheyg]

I've seen so many old pieces I thought were unrepairable. It is great to see it is possible for some of these pieces to get new and beautiful life restored! thanks for being one of the soldiers standing against a throw away world!

[@johnsonrestoration]

I like that "soldiers" bit! Thanks!

[@brendaprice4664]

OMGoodness! You meticulous attention to detail and commitment to using as much of the original materials as possible is very impressive.$4.00 + TJAFR= $4,000+! Thank you so very much for saving these masterpieces!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! 😊

[@jodyhahn825]

Just found your channel and now I'm binge-watching on a cold damp day. Whoever does your camera work is to be commended also. Wonderful close-ups, especially that 200-year old nail! Subscribed and looking forward to watching more. Thanks for taking the time to show us how restoration should be done

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! And welcome to the channel! I do the photography and Nick Barker does the editing.

[@jdurfer]

I learn something new every time I watch you. Thank you Sir.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@738polarbear]

Tom works slowly and carefully . That was a nice ,not too obtrusive, restoration . Sometimes other restorers go too far . I have never seen Tom go overboard .Bravo Tom.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@vivianzuniga8814]

I just came across your videos a little over a week ago. I am hooked! I absolutely love watching restore these pieces of history! I find it fascinating and amazing. Very impressed, very!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@mercoid]

Beautiful job! And funny how you fixed your “hair” at the end.. 😆 Your videos are one of the very few I get excited about appearing in my cue

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! Did you really have to put quotation marks around hair?

[@firecracker4151]

@@johnsonrestoration You reminded me of a 15 year old boy getting ready to go out -- and I'm sure you had hair then

[@MHow-qc3ns]

@@firecracker4151: Just remember: Grass doesn't grow on a busy street.

[@argusfleibeit1165]

He "looks pretty good".

[@Brian-Burke]

Incredible job! I really enjoy the longer videos. Thanks, Tom!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@julianalcorso5703]

My compliments on your craftsmanship. As well, compliments to whoever is doing the photography! Excellent work both of you.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! That would be me! I appreciate it

[@johnsmith7709]

Mr. Johnson, you a conservation artist. You inspire us, your followers. Thank you, John.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You’re welcome!

[@johnsmith7709]

@@johnsonrestoration I envy you living in Ghoram Maine. That is a wonderful area of the country. Please forgive my grammatical error in my first post. I am a terrible typist and an even worse proof reader. Happy Thanksgiving. John

[@tombaker3794]

When you left the finished mirror standing on the table at the end of the video, my anxiety jumped up about 10 levels.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Sorry! It was well supported from behind!

[@lazygardens]

The masking tape hinges for the veneer are genius!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@howardschaefer1445]

Hello Tom. You seemed to do this simply for the pleasure. Someone who does this for a living and still does it just to do it is truly fortunate. Thank you for these videos.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! This I did just to do. But in all my other videos these are for customers, and I have to make money doing it!

[@arlenelamont5610]

I'm sure the person who made this beautiful piece would be so happy to know it's even more beautiful since you worked your magic on it.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I think so! I hope so!

[@52memor]

Thomas Thank you so much for posting these vids.. They are a joy to watch... Thank you from the UK

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@shinigamikuroshitsuji336]

Woooooow this mirror back to life You always do a stunning work

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@167curly]

I almays particularly enjoy and admire Tom's patient custom-making pieces of missing veneer pieces on his antique restroration projects. Thank you.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! I appreciate it!

[@nancycampbell7959]

What an artisan you are! When I watch your videos, I have the same reaction I do when I watch an orchestra playing classical music -- as long as people like you exist and create, there is hope for the civilized world.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! I appreciate your kind words

[@JM-tt4hp]

A true master. Thank you for another video lesson.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@MrPhotodoc]

It's interesting that while seeing you repairing wood it's not always what you do, but what you do NOT do, that makes the difference in the finished project.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! I like that

[@christinebritcher-viviyan5080]

So pleased that this lovely mirror came into your capable hands and you were able to make it glorious again.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@chrisswallow6949]

Tom checking his hair :). Legend!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Think SNL's Californians

[@Syzygy629]

I love the restoration of found pieces like this. Curb finds ect

[@johnsonrestoration]

Yes! I love saving things that were headed to the dump!

[@Syzygy629]

@@johnsonrestoration I'd like to see you save one after it's been saved. For instance the beautiful natural wood pieces painted white/pink ect in "recycle/reuse" life. Such a tragedy.

[@jeanine6492]

What a great find! We don’t have antique finds like this in thrift shops here in Australia. It would be $30 for a plastic second hand one here. I aspire to have some skills like you one day. I could watch the whole 6 hours on video you said you put into it , you are so relaxing to watch plus I always learn something. Thank you for the effort and time you put into your videos.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! and thanks for watching!

[@payntpot7623]

So glad to see your channel up and running again. I have enjoyed your videos for years. It is great to see such a skilled craftsman at work and I appreciate you sharing your work and your animal friends with us.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! And I appreciate you watching!

[@davidchagelishvili2301]

Beautiful work Tom as always,love watching your videos.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@vintagetoycollector4983]

I second this! I always chuckle a little when Tom shows these exquisite pieces after they have received the care of his precise, professional, talented hands: "It looks pretty good." Tom, it is absolute stunning, truly.

[@ferraridinoman]

Great work as usual Young Thomas! (Patience of a saint!!) ha ha!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I don't know where the patience comes from!

[@mercedesescoto628]

You Sir are an artist, a restorer and a scientist. You certainly have my admiration and respect. God bless you.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! So kind! I appreciate it

[@conniehusband1365]

Loved watching how you tenderly restored this mirror. It is a very nice piece....1830! Six hous of labor! Wow!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you very much!

[@mergrew0110]

As always, a pretty good reflection on (of) you!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Good one! Thanks!

[@sandramara3766]

Thomas Johnson thank you great for Tutorial, admiro art of wood ,create ,restore and reveal beauty old peace ,thank you

[@johnsonrestoration]

You"re welcome!

[@dmack1443]

I appreciate that you even show the little things that didn't quite go to plan...many thanks for the uploads.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@eisbaerbel]

I love that you obviously love animals..., and I love your attitude to those vintage wooden things. Your work is stunning, thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and showing your awesome skills...

[@johnsonrestoration]

You are very welcome! I learn a lot from my animals

[@gordonmcmillan883]

Nice work. Some people won't realise the cost of the years of experience that stand behind those six hours of labour and the value of the end product.

[@sphinxrising1129]

Well, when you do the same thing as the original manufacture did & re-use too large nails, that is not experience, that's slop.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! You're right!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks for watching! Well, I can't think there's anything wrong with putting back a nail that appears to be original. The hole is there, what are you going to do?

[@cogidubnus1953]

It looks amazingly good Tom...four dollars...I must be shopping in all the wrong places and attending the wrong sales! Dave

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! This one was from the Goodwill warehouse store!

[@solinvictus39]

Here in New England you can find many examples of this type of Empire style furniture at flea markets and antique stores. Quite common here in the New England area as opposed to other areas of the US.

[@someguyonli]

Sir, you are an artist. After watching your videos I am both envious of your skill and incredibly relaxed from your low key personality and soothing voice.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! So nice of you

[@Dan-jq8se]

Absolutely beautiful...thanks for your continued videos.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You are very welcome!

[@daskraut]

very well done! there's that "historical" sticker on the back with who bought it from whom... just for shits and giggles i'd have added my own sticker "picked up at a thrift store on (date) and restored by thomas johnson. estimated value (however much it's worth now)".

[@johnsonrestoration]

You know, that's a good idea! Why not? I'll ask the owner if it's OK, I think they won't mind a bit!

[@daskraut]

@@johnsonrestoration and while you do that: tell them to add a sticker of their own. this way some future owner will know at least a bit of the piece's history!

[@bmedicky]

Ever the optimist, Tom... You say it's "in really good condition", then immediately list a whole series of problems! Anyway, fine work as always.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Well, it was good enough that it could still be used as a mirror! But I can always find problems!

[@annwalsh8079]

Absolutely beautiful piece! I love seeing your true artistry with close-ups of your skilled hands @ work! Thank you!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@Laurieb2851]

The great old frames are definitely a worthwhile woodworking project. Even the ones constructed with softer woods are a worthwhile project. I spent about 40-cents on a couple of soft wood frames, and after cleaning and sanding them, I spray painted them with gray satin paint. I needed some frames of that size and I had the prints matted in gray with a dark pewter color on the inside of the matts. That was about 15 years ago and I still love the pictures and the frames I cleaned up to put them in. The frames themselves are about 3-inches wide - something you don't get anymore when you take pictures to be professionally framed. If you can find thick frames like that (and that's a tall order), you pay cost prohibitive prices for them. Great job on the frame - a worthwhile project indeed.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! there are so many good frames out there, it's great to reuse them. It sounds like you did a good job!

[@Laurieb2851]

@@johnsonrestoration , I just found an antique frame that someone painted unfortunately. The paint hasn't been on it that long so will likely be a gooey mess to take the paint off. Once doing so, I'll have a really nice frame to use as a mirror or picture. I'm thinking mirror. I found some really nice unfinished, handcrafted ones at my local thrift store for onl;y $80-cents each. Someone actually made them. They're about 3 inches/wide/ thick. You know what shocks me is how so many are ending up at thrift stores. I've got two 3-4 inch thick maple door mirrors that I'm planning on using. I think they need touch up at most. I paid only $2.50 each.

[@seriouslyreally5413]

Tom, I am continually amazed at how receptive to re-gluing and re-attachment the fragile original veneer is to restoration. I've peeled off loose bubbled veneer and started over thinking the tiny bits and pieces weren't salvagable. You make it look easy. The difference between a amateur and a true pro - heart! I should be braver!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yeah, you have to dive into it! For me, the pressure's on when the camera is rolling!

[@AmbienceWorld]

When you're hammering a nail almost 200 years old back in, do you find yourself imagining who the original man who hammered it in, was like?

[@johnsonrestoration]

Oh Yes! All the time!

[@jonka1]

Yes and don't forget the person,(probably a child or a woman), who hammered that nail into shape on an anvil.

[@higgsmerino3925]

@@jonka1 And the children who hauled the ore out of the mine in New Hampshire.

[@horaciodurazo7297]

Thanks as always for your videos! What craftsmanship! 👏👏👏

[@johnsonrestoration]

You’re welcome!

[@JohnWilliams-bk9bq]

Pure genius a pleasure to see a craftsman at work. Thank you Mr Johnson

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@geef6770]

"Mirror, mirror on the wall who is the fairest one of all..?"

[@johnsonrestoration]

Yes, if it could only talk. Somehow I don't think it would be me!

[@ginoasci2876]

you?

[@PaulinaPaulino]

I'd be curious to know if the thrift store would still have asked $4 if they saw the finished project. Extra thumbs up for the puppy at 22:54

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@jazziered142]

I love it when you do the small thrifted items. That turned out beautiful.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@scottlindstrom6743]

The preening at the end is perfect! And 1830 - we don't really see that sort of thing out here on the other coast. Beautiful!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I appreciate it!

[@tonyalways7174]

Beautiful work and result. Thank you for showing us

[@johnsonrestoration]

You’re welcome!

[@shellyweb]

Missed you Tom! Beautiful work, simple but outstanding piece, thanks for posting it! Cheers

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks again! I appreciate you watching!

[@TheLoxxxton]

Very satisfying! Love the 'simple' jobs best! Just a whole lot of care and attention to detail. Nice

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@clydedecker765]

My admiration for you and the work you do grows every time I see you take on another veneer repair/stain match. Amazing work.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@lianapalumbo8457]

Thank you for saving this beautiful piece of history. I'm learning so much from you and U also thank you for sharing your knowledge and skills with us all

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@alistairboak3128]

Once again excellent work showing your attention to detail!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@rogernadin3966]

Hi Tom. I only found your videos a few weeks ago but have been watching a different episode every day with great enjoyment. I am in my mid 80s and have been revitalising small classic motorcycles here in the UK for the past 12 years - essentially as a hobby but charging £1 per hour plus materials. This and your videos keeps me away from watching soaps on tv. It's really good that you are not making a tutorial - just showing us how you do it with some great background info. I particularly enjoy the similarities and differences in the techniques you and I use to get the finish we need to reach our own standards. I am really envious of your workshop and its close proximity to your home - Google maps shows that you live in a great area of the country with lots of living space around you. Here in the UK our population density means land is at an absolute premium and only rock stars and football players can afford the sort of space you have. Mind you, having a business and living space together does provide good opportunities. Your style of presentation is particularly appealing as you are not "in your face brilliant" but simply a straightforward craftsman able to display the odd mistake and lack of memory. If I was ever in your part of the world I would really like to meet you and have a few minutes chat about the joy of restoration.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! That is very nice, and yes, we are so fortunate to find ourselves where we are. And I'm glad you "get it", I'm just showing people what I do, not saying this is the "right" way or the "only" way. I hope you can come to Maine someday and visit!

[@FriendshipShaving]

What fantastic work, Tom. That mirror came up beautifully 👍

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! That reminds me I've got to go shave........

[@ptbfrch]

I jump with joy every time I see a video from you in the queue. It inspires me to carry on with my own wood working, and to be patient with it, to do it right. Thank you for sharing your work!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@successengine9223]

Nice work as usual! Thanks for taking the time to show the world these old pieces are worth saving.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! I appreciate it!

[@diana3599]

love the creative but simple solutions. Truly an artist.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@fathalkhairgalleryantiques7278]

Really great restoration job. So glad to share this experience

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@joegregory5515]

Amazing work Tom, your attention to detail & finishing is stunning!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@monteglover4133]

Thank You A joy to watch a master craftsman passing on his talents

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@lisaakinlabi]

AAwww you make me miss my Dad - he would love your channel. You did an exceptional job on the mirror - love it!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! I miss my Dad too - and if only he could see these

[@midlight9758]

I was thinking the same while watching these, how my wood-worker dad would have loved these videos. He even dressed a lot like you, he was from NH and learned the carpentry trade from his French Canadian grandfather. Thank you for your videos!

[@phooesnax]

Absolutely beautiful results!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@rickhubbard7342]

It always makes me smile when you say it looks pretty good, well i can tell you it is more like amazing as always with your work. Thank you Tom, the most understated craftsman, well done sir.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@anndoig2459]

Thank you Thomas for another Master Class in antique furniture restoration.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@veronamartin5285]

Amazing! Love it. You have such a gift. Reminds me of my Uncle Stan and my Great Uncle Harry. Both got me into woodworking at a young age. 🧡

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I'm glad you took advantage of the opportunity!

[@gizmophoto3577]

Lovely! What a find, and a great restoration.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@maryallen6334]

I really enjoyed your video. It's lovely in these days of throw-away to see restoration so conscientiously and patiently done. Gives me some hope for the future.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@TheJojo01902]

Patient expert work, as usual. I love the humorous touch of you smoothing your hair down in the reflection. :-)

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, that was good

[@kimlmiles1]

Looks spectacular!! Love your doggy.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! me too!

[@marcusm.8374]

Thank you Thomas! Another exemple of how you restore antiques with respect and craftsmanship. Cheers from Belgium

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! And hello to Belgium!

[@michelleerickson9908]

Very nice work, as always! And thanks for sharing video of your critters, too!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@josephkerley363]

The finish work you did really brought it back to life.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! yes, it did!

[@superannieoakley4513]

Only my 2nd video, but I love your channel. It's a real privilege watching such a skilled person as yourself work. The mirror turned out beautifully. Can't wait to watch more videos!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I am a huge fan of Annie Oakley after watching the show about her on PBS American Masters. So I'm wondering why you have adopted that moniker?

[@zangtumtung]

Oh this is just joyous! To watch a true craftsman at work is a wonder. Well done sir!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@larryk6330]

The work you do is amazing! Absolutely love it!!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@kayrabey1344]

Love your attention to detail. The mirror looks beautiful

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@pamalapeterson5352]

Restoration .... you are an artist in doing this!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@dennisgodaire485]

It's always a pleasure to watch a true craftsman at work ... thank you.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@ericcommarato7727]

Congratulations on 50K subscribers Thomas! I love your videos, they are so informative and have a peaceful quality as shown from the wildlife around your place there in Maine. It's important to keep the history of a piece of furniture intact by restoration, and your perform that on this channel with your expertise. Thank you for your channel.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! I appreciate it!

[@TheCfdowell]

Beautiful work; you are a true artist.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@a.b.d.3974]

Love the beginning of your show. Mirror absolutely beautiful.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@KMayflower]

You lovingly repaired this mirror. It looked fantastic! I love how you do your best, but don't stress about something that just isn't ever going to be perfect!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@maggiesue4825]

What a lovely find! So glad it was rescued, and came under your gentle, loving expertise! Restored to its full, original beauty!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!