Restoring a 60-Year-Old Walnut Cedar Chest

It was all going so well and then I NEARLY messed up the whole thing! Dealing with blushing is something anyone who restores furniture will have to face at some point. It usually CAN be saved, but it's obviously better to prevent it in the first place. The exterior of this mid century cedar chest was in pretty rough shape. Flaking, failing finish, black water stains, scratches. This was quite the project!
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PRODUCTS USED:
💡Oxalic Acid (check local wood working supply stores)
💡Dewalt Random Orbital Sander
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💡Bahco Carbide Scraper
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💡Gloves
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💡General Finishes Gel Stain, Nutmeg
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💡Ear protection
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💡Wood Filler: Lepage, Walnut
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💡Minwax Polycrylic Satin
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💡Design Master Premium Metal Spray, colour Gold Medal
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💡Homestead House Hemp Oil
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[@seviregis7441]

The wood grain in that chest is so beautiful, would’ve been a shame to just paint over it. Love that you restored it to better than its former glory.

[@stupadasso1964]

Watched three restoration videos and I’m in awe. For someone who claims mistakes, I found the results are amazing. You are a true artist

[@TheOneAndOnlyThumper]

Finally, someone who actually restores instead of just spray-painting the whole thing 🙏

[@NoJusticeNoPeace]

Nothing wrong with paint, but I agree that people who just slap pastel chalk paint on everything and call it a day deserve to get beaten with the vintage farming implements they have hanging all over their walls.

[@lenniemoo]

i 10000000% agree!!!!! tired of seeing paint

[@darcyferrigno]

@@NoJusticeNoPeace haha, such a great comment.

[@catofthecastle1681]

If you don’t like it, just go away quietly!

[@jaymelang9610]

I'm so thrilled to watch your restoration of a cedar chest. My grandmother had 3 cedar chests, now I have them, and they desperately need love and attention. Thank you for teaching as you go!

[@TranscendFurnitureGallery]

You're most welcome, I'm so glad I could help! Best of luck with your projects and thank you so much for watching!

[@galady8632]

I consider this piece 'better than new'. It retains it's story and character plus it is ready for another 70+ years - all as a result of your artistry and respect for the origin of the piece.

[@pameladee9019]

Watched and as I scrolled down to read comments I said to myself, "Another better than new piece" and there it was first comment.

[@karenkouns577]

I couldn't have said it better. Beautiful results!!! Thanks for sharing.

[@AlwaysLisaLisa]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🔥

[@Brandiwell]

It really is amazingly beautiful at the end there. Even though I liked it during the process as well, I was still completely surprised. That wood! And by the end the design elements come out so well! Lovely!

[@zoewilkinson2418]

A piece of mid century history restored for a wonderful future. Nice restoration.

[@SomeBuddy777]

I have one by Lane. A '50's cedar chest. Back in the day they were known as a young lady's Hope Chest. She would store away linens and items she had embroidered, knitted, or crocheted, or heirloom items received as gifts from family for use in her new home after she married. This is a labor of love to restore such treasures as these.

[@melaniekeeling7462]

Glad to see you oiling the interior. I think people don't realise old wood needs to be renourished (and is so thankful).

[@capers72424]

OK. I love the fact that whenever I think “why did she do that?”, you immediately answer my question. I have learned a ton from you, Angie! Thank you!

[@terryrussel3369]

NOTHING beats the look of Natural Wood. Excellent Job ! ! !

[@lucyjosie]

Okay...let me tell you the many reasons why I love watching your channel: 1. You get straight to the project. No long-winded, stating-the-obvious explanations or back story. 2. When you do speak, your voice is so soothing, and you instruct. I love that. I want to learn, and you are a fantastic teacher! 3. You show your mistakes, or the problems you've had, and how you resolve them. I love your channel! This is probably my favorite piece so far!

[@sarahcalderwood2750]

Another great transformation, Angie. This turned out beautifully. Love watching you do your magic. Your passion always shows through. Thanks for sharing.

[@mymusic-co4yl]

She the best I’ve seen thus far for so many reasons.

[@adascraps]

Totally agree with lucyjosie and thanks for the great tip with the clamps 👍🏻

[@Brandiwell]

Yes to all of that.

[@klouise2800]

Totally agree!

[@midei]

Amazing restoration. From trash to an elegant piece.

[@laurelcamara]

Oh my gosh I will never unsee your sander "smiling" at the camera... 😆

[@carolfuchs2774]

Wow. I so agree with Majestic Designs. This is art not just flipping furniture.

[@TranscendFurnitureGallery]

😊❤️

[@NatTayHill]

Over the past few months of watching you, I now look at old, beat-up furniture completely different! It is crazy how many things you have brought back to life and my outlook on vintage and antique furniture is forever changed. Thanks for sharing all your hard work with the world. You are amazing.

[@cassondramurray6100]

Also, you are the most in-depth with regard to repair and why you make the choices you make. The more in-depth, the better! At least for me. So...thank you.

[@shellykevinbaumgartner7612]

I doubt it was this beautiful when it was brand new. And, I truly appreciate how you teach as you go. ❤

[@pman2916]

Nothing beats the natural look! Great job!!!

[@mangographics225]

I love the fact you restore some of these older pieces that people would throw a coat of paint on and completely overlook the beauty of the wood. Thanks for showing how to truly beautify such a lovely piece.

[@Sarah43627]

Simply put, She's beautiful. It's always amazing when you bring home pieces of furniture and turn them into beauties that will last for years to come. You always give a piece of yourself to the future.

[@TranscendFurnitureGallery]

Thanks for watching!

[@majesticdesignscreationsma4929]

You always do an AMAZING job! Of all the furniture flippers that I regularly watch, your work is my favorite. I love that for you it's not just about profit. It is clear that this is your canvas and you are an artist!

[@mymusic-co4yl]

She’s awesome. Sent coffee her way just now!

[@kacytron]

I agree. It’s work I aspire to do.

[@nancygorman]

It’s nice to see someone these days loving wood and not painting! Beautiful!

[@angelamoreno5914]

As a mid century lover, this piece took my breath away! You're just the best there is! You are an artist, your craftsmanship is impeccable! Your voice as well, is soooo soothing to listen to. Thank you for sharing your incredible talent with us! 🙏🏼

[@TranscendFurnitureGallery]

You're most welcome Angela!! 😀

[@eileenball39]

This is just what someone in 1958 would have wanted, beautiful work.

[@TranscendFurnitureGallery]

Thank you very much!

[@tonyayoung4663]

Love the diagonal grain in this piece. Well done on restoring this beauty.

[@sandrawhitman4081]

Beautiful!

[@jeffhickman723]

Right from the start, your two-clamp method to make a longer clamp is pure genius!

[@TranscendFurnitureGallery]

Thank you so much! 😊

[@michellepeters6532]

I SO APPRECIATE what you do Angie. Every time I watch the final shots of the pieces that you have worked on, I just get this warm fuzzy feeling inside. You do such amazing work Ang. And it doesn’t go un noticed or under appreciated! I love ya girl!😁👍🏻

[@ViKee010]

Both my parents passed away September 2020. It’s been a horrible time in my life. But I did manage to save one piece of furniture that I remember them having from my childhood. It is a Lane cedar chest in black, with white specs. I’m not sure what the finish is called. But with your videos, especially this one, I find that I want to take it back to wood. It has a lot of cat scratches and holes on the corners so I believe the only thing I can do is take it back to wood. I’m not talented in this craft but I am in many others. Also with your diligence and love for the items you restore in my mind and heart I believe I can do it. I will send pictures when I’m finished. It could be a while but I will finish it. Thank you so much for your videos. You are beyond ordinary in your skills. I hope to display at least a bit of those in my efforts and make my Mom and Dad proud. 👍🏼🤍

[@rottiegirl5052]

It’s always a pleasure to watch the magic happen. What a beautiful job on a classic piece.

[@user-jv1cl2fs6m]

The best word that comes to mind is SPLENDID! I just love your thorough attention....and loving patience... to every detail!

[@deblync]

And, again, absolutely gorgeous! This is a piece that I would love....and the grain on that wood.....inside and out! And, WHO doesn't like (love) cedar?! 🥰

[@cartor7962]

I appreciate the way you take the time to explain each part of the restoration. You did more than restore this one, you gave it, its soul back. Nicely done.

[@KarlBunker]

Wow, that was a great illustration of "blushing." If I ever saw a finish doing that on me I think I would have gone into a screaming panic. 😱🙀😱 But now that I've seen your video I'll know what's happening and I won't panic. So thanks for that! 👍

[@maggierobertson2962]

I live in a very humid place. It does this to me all the time. I thought it was just a problem with the polycrlic.

[@maxthecat14]

It looks beautiful now. Thank you for not painting it like some would have. You have let the woods beauty shine.

[@bezzerwizzer6448]

I love when one respect the material, and dont cover it in paint. The drawing and structure in the tree make it more special. So many beautiful old furniture,are covered in paint . When i see a old furniture being treated so it looks like it was ment to be,and even more gorgeous , i get so content and happy! 💕

[@anoukvans2453]

your videos are not only a joy to watch, you are also really good in explaining why and how you do what you do. This makes your videos stand out from others. Thank you!

[@crisbf9897]

Wow! I’m speechless! I believe this is the first one done really professionally and with love. Instead of sanding the furniture and then painting it with green, blue, yellow, purple or another color other than the original, I finally see a person restoring the furniture to its original grandeur. Thanks for sharing!

[@PointerNation]

Angie, you're amazing! Another beautiful piece of furniture hiding under the shellac, scratches, dings, etc...given a new life. 👍🏻

[@Beruthiel45]

Wow, just wow. Gorgeous. Probably more beautiful than it was when brand new. 😍🤗

[@margaretatter4743]

Great job. Thank goodness you let the natural beauty of the wood come through. It makes me crazy to see wood furniture get painted over when its not necessary.

[@nikikelly2003]

That gold and color of wood are magical together. I am not a fan of gold most of the time but that is just a wonderful combination. Great job again!

[@instagamrr]

You work so hard to stop otherwise beautiful pieces from polluting a landfill. Thanks for lighting up the world one piece of furniture at a time 🤗

[@TranscendFurnitureGallery]

Awe, you're so welcome! 🙂

[@lynnemenard5910]

Angie, you are suuuuuuuch an inspiration! I have toyed with woodworking off and on over the years. I have a piece similar to that cedar chest (but it much better shape!) that was gifted to me by my great-aunt. I've had it for +/- 40 years. It is starting to cry out for a touch of rejuvenation. I am bookmarking this video for posterity. And the educational content! thank you for all your effort and the time you take to make these videos. Luv from Ottawa

[@terencebennison6275]

I just hope the folks who buy your finished items of furniture , fully appreciate the hard work and quality of workmanship that you put into each piece! And please STOP apologising for any little thing ( like your finger in the shot)! You have your way of doing things and that's fine! Your products speak volumes about you as a person. Love from England.

[@debbiesherby]

I love this piece Angie! I would buy this in a heartbeat if I lived closer 🤩✨✨🇨🇦

[@shinigamikuroshitsuji336]

Oh my....... The natural wood always looks amazing and beautiful

[@bluecurlygirl]

Another fabulous job Angie. it looked a proper mess in the start but you really turned it around. So glad the parcel landed with you. And delighted that you're so excited by such a small item. Lots of love from Ireland.

[@nikiTricoteuse]

What a lovely thing to do Emer.

[@bluecurlygirl]

@@nikiTricoteuse The least I could do considering all the hours of entertainment and information that I have garnered from Angie. Goodness knows if I could've afforded to buy a bigger item of her wish list I would have.

[@clarechomyn9686]

This chest turned out so beautifully. Congratulations on creating a gorgeous piece.

[@suecox2308]

I've loved many of your projects but for some reason I think this may be my favorite. It's gorgeous.

[@pattibrown2951]

I thing this may be prettier now than when it was new. A fabulous job.

[@Toinette2883]

Just beautiful, you put so much care and love into these pieces it truly shows bravo❣️

[@lancesundquist6359]

Love watching you bring back to life the pieces of furniture you discover out there. You have a wonderful voice for narrating your videos. And, you display a high level of patience needed to do this kind of work. Thanks for everything you do.

[@TranscendFurnitureGallery]

Thank you so much!

[@jrbaskind]

That turned out really beautifully! I’m impressed with your attention to details and your ability to adjust to the unexpected.

[@catherine5166]

Your problems are very helpful. Watching perfect videos is great but we all make mistakes. Seeing how to deal with them is one reason we watch.

[@josephinehogg3629]

We had one of these when I was a pre-teen. I thought it was a bit of a hopeless case, but your craft has made it a magnificent work of Art, better than the original piece. awe-struck!

[@victorialove9104]

What a handsome piece! It has dignity and presence. So glad you restored it. Great job.

[@tinatinaa9104]

Oh Angie, your videos are much better than any detective story 😃😃😃 IT IS unbelievable, how many things you know about the furniture, thank you so much for sharing, it helps me so much 😍👍

[@lionelgardiner4408]

So glad you resisted painting of this piece. It came out absolutely beautiful. Great job!

[@KatWrangler]

You do amazing work! Years ago my Dad refinished my Grandmothers antique push treadle sewing machine (from around 1916). He put a varnish or shiny finish to it. It doesn't look right. One of these days I will have it refinished. It still has the leather belt for it too. One of the drawers had to be replaced, that looks fine.

[@coloredcaboosecreations]

Never heard of blushing that’s what I love about your videos I always learn something new. Gorgeous restoration!

[@camillekillam9949]

I love watching your channel. All that you do turns out beautifully. This chest is gorgeous. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and talents with us and doing it in such an enjoyable way.

[@robynduplooy3039]

Angie!!! I learn SO much from you, thank you!!! You're my spirit furniture restorer!!!

[@gillianpeddie2410]

Every video, I always learn something new. You’re such a good teacher.

[@lorifurlott2306]

You are top notch! That cedar chest is beyond gorgeous!

[@dawncastro1697]

That cedar chest turned out beautiful! I have one that my grandpa made me in the darkest stain he could find! I want to redo it and see what I can come up with! Love your videos. I am always learning something new.

[@832KJV]

So pleasing to see! Wonderful transformation - well done.

[@shariking1749]

It is gorgeous!!! It’s inspiring to see you transform a piece back into its original beauty. Your videos are a delight to watch👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@mariestoner7533]

Beautiful! Gorgeous wood grain. Great job..

[@wandaroach765]

Oh my this piece turned out amazing. Beautiful work you done here.

[@RobinSueWho]

That....Is....Beautiful!

[@yvonnebennett4489]

I find myself saying things out loud as I watch, I know I’m not the only one 😂. As the piece was blushing “oh no”. And the final product “geez la weez girl”, “WOW!” It looks great. Well done.

[@ruthfedrau5546]

Love how you don't panic when something unexpected happens! Beautiful job!

[@kathleentorres2010]

This was incredible! Loving the sound quality of your voiceovers and the thoughfulness of the tunes you chose. You are the best I've seen at restoring pieces. Without a doubt, your videos are the ones I look forward to watching the most. I'm cool with painting pieces also but watching you restore the way you do, is really something. Thank you for taking the time to teach your process.

[@tarrahbell4043]

Dang girl! That was such a respectful restore! Simplicity is the hardest, great work!

[@TranscendFurnitureGallery]

Thank you so much! 😊

[@careseapeck1246]

I love watching you work everytime. You inspire me to keep doing what I do! Thank you!

[@penelopehammerton2907]

Faultless! An awesome job. It looks a Fabulous piece of furniture.😁🤗

[@marynapier2007]

What a beautiful restoration. So glad you restored thus little beauty instead of painting. I do love the painted looks too, but this piece just said to let it's natural wiid beauty shine.

[@mimicope3404]

Amazing transformation! It's beautiful! Great job!

[@conniedecrescenzo7782]

I imagine it's hard to part with some of your projects after all the effort you put into them. I would love to see your home and the pieces you save for your very own.

[@jandavis1523]

You really brought out the true beauty of this classic piece! A joy to watch as usual!!!

[@SuzanaBehmer]

Love the finished piece !!! It is gorgeous !

[@michaelgrandziel701]

Angie: you are extremely knowledgeable about refinishing wood furniture. But you also have a truly amazing creative side! I refinish old furniture, and I restore old tools. I commend you!

[@TranscendFurnitureGallery]

Thank you very much!

[@cer145]

The scraping and sanding was so satisfying to watch! This turned out beautifullly! Thank you for sharing any hiccups along the way!

[@pennakm]

oh yeah! that one's "as good as OLD" ! beautiful!

[@personasplanet1872]

Bravo! Your restoration on this piece is simply amazing and I am so glad you chose to restore it. Wonderful job!

[@KaylaGranland]

Honestly those front panels looks 3D, amazing I love it!

[@robinrummel1359]

I love the entire piece but especially love the grain on the front of the chest! I can certainly relate to this old chest since I was 6 when it was made and now sometimes feel the way it looked before you gave it a "makeover"! 💖👍😀

[@rodrogers7553]

Wood is such a beautiful material. So rich and no two pieces are exactly alike.

[@dufftime]

i'm an avid woodworker, and one of the few that enjoy the finishing phase of the build. i gotta say, i've learned soooo much from your videos on various finishing techniques. i tend to avoid stains altogether, but that GF nutmeg you always use is beautiful, and will definitely try it in the future. and i've attempted to paint projects before with standard latex paint, but it ends up with a sticky finish. i think i'll try some of the mineral paint you always use. i bought an old solid maple desk for $3 from the local university annual "yard sale" and plan to reuse the desktop. i'm not sure about how to remove the existing topcoat, but the scraper looks like a safe choice. you might consider trying a card scraper aka cabinet scraper to augment your paint scraper. card scrapers work really well in inside corners, and sharpening them isn't very difficult. keep up the great work. i love your style of commentary and how you explain every step of the process.

[@stevesmith6554]

Beautiful Happy to see the natural beauty of the wood.

[@gertrudnussbaumer41]

It's yet an other stunning transformation! Beautiful! You seem to have an answer to any upcoming issue or surprise... Every video is a joy to watch!

[@deebee4930]

beautiful job! I love seeing an old worn piece get restored.

[@wooverwoods]

This is gorgeous!! You did a fantastic job and I'm learning so much watching your videos. Thank you for everything you do

[@lucp4683]

So am I. I feel so inspired to redo my furniture.

[@Tahia213]

I can visualise this peace in my house … It’s so beautiful yet simple.

[@IE2484]

You are amazing and I love how thorough you are. I’ve been watching some other videos and i don’t like how they just ignore the bottom or other parts of the furniture.. you really give them a new life 👏🏻👏🏻 absolutely amazing.

[@07laines07]

You really did an excellent job bringing that old girl back from the brink! You are talented at spotting the ones that should be restored! The woodgrain is fabulous and painting and covering it would have been a shame.

[@maryboorman8979]

Fabulous job Angie! Honouring the Cedar! I salute you for taking on this peace. It is a beautiful transformation. I am sure the new owner will treasure putting their treasures into this cedar chest. Thanks so much for all your tips! Most useful - blessings from Georgian Bay, Ontario :-)

[@just.j5302]

Glad you added the part about sanding the interior. It actually liberates the natural oils in the wood, which concentrates the scent, which repels pests 👍. It's absolutely beautiful!

[@TranscendFurnitureGallery]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@eldestmillennial3136]

This is incredible, and also, I'm so grateful for the tips about dealing with blushing. Thank you so much for your wisdom!

[@lindamoon4255]

Beautiful job! Hard to believe it is the same piece! I am so glad you didn't paint it, but restored the wood!