These chairs NEED some HELP!

Tom Johnson of Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration in Gorham, Maine restores these handsome chairs that need some touching-up. 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).

[@GKMusic54]

Your videos are great, but this one is missing one of the most important reasons why people love to watch them - your voice and your image. Your personality and zen like approach to your work is inspiring and calming to people in ways you may not even be aware of. I have no interest in refinishing furniture, but I LOVE watching and listening to you work! There is a thoughtful, deliberate, peacefulness to it that is inspirational. Please do not discard your old format, it's the thing that separates your videos from all the others.

[@kcrot2566]

I miss your voice 💕

[@kornkraker]

And I will add, for those of use who are interested in refinishing, the important explanation of the products he uses to get such great results.

[@laurawilliams7782]

Yeah, I was not expecting an ASMR style video

[@sanityormadness]

I think this is a recut of an old video? The chairs definitely look familiar.

[@notinmanitou]

@@sanityormadness Definitely a recut....there's a shot of Ella in it.

[@Dan-jq8se]

Nice job, as usual. The chairs look great, but I did miss your informative narrative.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Next time! Thanks!

[@phoenixcatholic5367]

We need a cross-over between Thomas Johnson and Julian Baumgartner!

[@Jeff-uy8xg]

Agree!!…Maybe Julian can restore a painting of a chair!!!😅😅

[@26beegee]

I was thinking about how similar Thomas’ and Julian’s approaches to restoration are!

[@jimwiskus8862]

I told him once he was the Julian Baumgartner of the furniture repair world. He certainly is.

[@JJ-oq7tm]

I think we’re seeing the crossover in this restorative masterpiece

[@ruthcarter8895]

Isn’t that the TRUTH!

[@DaveNoe1]

There are a lot of restoration videos by other people where they don't talk, and by-and-large they are... okay. Your commentary sets you apart and above them. Please, continue with that format.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I will!

[@cathuggerniowacity]

Hey Thomas. Of course we all love watching you work. But we love your comments explaining what you’re doing and why. But we also watch because we love you…

[@johnsonrestoration]

That’s so nice! I’ll be back!

[@dremwolf5419]

Puts a whole new meaning to finger painting! I for one liked the quiet zen of this video. It was like being in the moment quietly bringing the chairs very methodically back to life.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@frankc2073]

Very impressive work however I did miss you not talking us through each stage as you normally do. Once again very impressive

[@johnsonrestoration]

Next time! Thanks!

[@melissataylor5494]

Magnificent! I’d never thought of mixing wood filler into acrylic paints. My world has just opened up with possibilities. Improved without diminishing the authenticity. Well done.❤

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! It worked out really well

[@judebrown4103]

This was such a lovely example of how to do a perfect touch up without creating "perfection" which would have destroyed the history of the pieces. This was lovely and peaceful to go to sleep with but I agree with others, I did miss your voice and calm description of what you were doing. Dear Ella played her modelling role beautifully, bless her, so nice that she still appears even after she's gone. 🌈🌁

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! It is good to see her…

[@williamfreyholtz4267]

You are like a fine art restorer, cleaning the surface, matching colors and only filling in the color within the space that it's missing, in these lovely old Hitchcock chairs.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@danaowen9014]

This was so calming to watch. It was nice watching this old clip, and Ella again.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! It’s always good to see her

[@Hawkeyelaotzu]

Have to agree with so many others. Bring back the commentary. I learn so much when you explain about processes and products.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I’ll be back!

[@sumar207]

Love the TLC that you gave to the chair to bring out the exquisite details everywhere. Such a fine piece of furniture! I especially love the shape of the foot rail on the front of the chair. It seems Ella approved of your labors too.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks so much!

[@googoogjoobgoogoogjoob]

good to see Ella again

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! It is

[@imahick5723]

Thomas it's so wonderful to watch you because you are such a Craftsman. Attention to detail has really made this pair of chairs beautiful again.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@BobbieJeanM]

The chairs did need a lot of help and you were the right one to give exactly the help it needed! You didn’t sand it within an inch of it’s life, repaint and apply a new adhesive image of folk art to it so that was the only story it told. You took the time to give it only what was necessary and not a bit more. And you did it carefully and meticulously to keep the history of these wonderful chairs, just as you do in all your work. I thoroughly enjoyed watching the process and final turnout. 👌💕

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! That’s very nice

[@marekpaul6110]

Great restoration done with such respect for the chairs. They look amazing once completed and the process taught so much. I was a little taken aback by the lack of usual intro but shot of Ella at the end more than made up for it. Thank you.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You’re welcome!

[@Texburrito03]

Love the ASMR format! Beautiful restoration, as usual.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! 😊

[@dawnchasse4598]

Your voice adds so much to your videos...

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! It will be back!

[@bbbad1957]

Interesting video, as always, but I prefer the format in which you talk about what you’re doing

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! We were just trying it out

[@erwickline]

Looks beautiful Mr. Johnson, they are expertly rustic

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@jodiemcclary4457]

You are such an inspiration. I love watching you work. I tell other woodworkers and furniture restoration people all about your work and videos.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Wow, thank you! I appreciate that!

[@garymcdaniel5725]

Great video! No talk just woking ! I enjoy watching videos that show Bella. I know she is gone, but seeing her on videos helps me remember what a sweet dog she was. You are truly a master

[@johnsonrestoration]

Yes! Thank you! It’s always good seeing her again

[@benscott1872]

Tom, I enjoy your narration. Not saying this was bad. Great work! Just missed the narration.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Much appreciated! Thanks

[@caroltanzi29]

Thomas: love your work. Just beautiful. Carol from California

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you Carol!

[@josephkerley363]

Your painting and color skills got a workout with that one! Nice!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! They sure did!

[@slawomirh.3636]

Nie otwierałem internetu od trzech tygodni, byłem na urlopie. Jednak nic sie nie żmieniło, dalej mistrz Thomas jest perfekcjonistą.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Dziękuję! Cieszę się, że nie tylko ja wyłączam wszystkie komputery, kiedy jestem na wakacjach!

[@jamesdeery5377]

Excellent job as always. Thanks Tom

[@johnsonrestoration]

Very welcome!

[@vickiwood9192]

I am always impressed by your patience and attention to detail. Thank you for sharing your artistry.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You’re welcome!

[@sabrinac.5916]

Wonderful restoration as always. I think it looks pretty good.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you very much!

[@midcenturyflipper]

Great video! I just stripped a mid-century hallway bench and posted a video. Love giving old furniture new lifw 🙏🏻

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I'll check it out

[@si_vis_amari_ama]

I like your commentary videos, but having a quiet one that is self-explanatory is also nice. Bonus that there was no distracting music. Thank you for making your videos.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You’re welcome!

[@alanbrewer9454]

Hi Tom Your content is always magnificent and a joy to watch, but I must say that I really missed your calm assuring narration. With very best wishes from the UK

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I’ll be back!

[@denisesmith6359]

It's so relaxing to watch you work your magic. Good job Tom

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks 👍

[@jeffcheshire2554]

Once again, beautiful work! I have no idea what I'm going to do when you retire...

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I retired from the business, but I’ll always will be in the shop working on something!

[@tanyacornell1073]

I spent 3/4 of this video going “No way” and the rest of it going, “I’ll be damned if that didn’t turn out”. Every color you added I thought, “That’s not gonna match.” Then you’d cut to another repair and sure enough… It was like magic. I think for this video no music and no words was perfect.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! I’m glad someone liked it!

[@robinredman5192]

Thomas, this video was like watching paint dry, 😅🤣😂 and I enjoyed it very much. Also, "I think it looks pretty good" !! Thank you for your videos and may you continue to be abundantly blessed. John here, from the back-roads of Northeastern Tennessee.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You are welcome John! The same hopes for you

[@danielelse3914]

This is a vivid demonstration of how much more difficult it is to mimic someone else's color palette and technique than it would be to create one's own.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Oh definitely! Thanks

[@firstlast526]

Wonderful video as always, but I did miss your voice over. I really appreciate how you normally talk us through each step during the video. ♥️

[@johnsonrestoration]

Next time! Thanks

[@olivernash2240]

Great job, but missed the audio.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Sorry about that, thanks for watching!

[@richardbrobeck2384]

nice attention to detail !

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@Tim-57]

Hey Tom Thank you for sharing a very interesting video. Take care 😊

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks, you too!

[@Tim-57]

@@johnsonrestoration 😊

[@lynnew5619]

Very painstaking work. 👏

[@johnsonrestoration]

Yes, thank you!

[@MASI_forging]

Great work as always 😊😊

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you so much 😀

[@ellisc.foleyjr9778]

Great timing ! I was just sitting here yesterday thinking, Hmm been a while since I've seen one of Tom's videos? I'm going thru withdrawl here. and low and behold! what do I find in my inbox! fantastic timing and the other best part is getting to see Ella again. thanks for sharing both. ECF

[@johnsonrestoration]

You’re welcome!

[@donaldholman9070]

Great colour matching!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! 😊

[@Lightning77305]

Nice restos delicate work.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you very much!

[@phillipyannone3195]

A labor of love.😊

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@lasdospalomas1281]

Although I missed your soothin, reassuring narrative; I found the divergence, from your typical format, very meditative. As we've seen you many times clean a piece, and several times touch up paint, I could almost "hear" your describe your process.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! That’s nice!

[@carstenaltvater]

A nice approach to a new way of storytelling. I understand those who miss your voice but, as a regular, it was in my head all the time! Greetings and best wishes from Germany. ❤

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! That’s nice

[@glenlongstreet7]

Thank you for answering my question.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Any time!

[@r.waynefournier4283]

Bravo! You are a furniture restoration artist!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Wow, thank you!

[@markoutler5139]

Once again a wonderful job. You never fail to amaze. I do miss the commentary. I have learned a great deal watching your videos. Especially from the explaination of the thought processes, the methodology, and the why and why nots. Just my thoughts. Thank you

[@johnsonrestoration]

You’re welcome! It just didn’t seem necessary to talk, but don’t worry, I’ll be back!

[@bawrytr]

Miss the voice over - I would have been interested to know about the chairs a bit at least. But it's an interesting video. I haven't seen you patching in paint like that.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, not something I usually do!

[@davidadams007]

very sensitive and gentle restoration. Lots of colour matching and fine details. The wax at the end really brought the chair to life. "Pretty good"

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you very much!

[@jeanhawken4482]

Amazing artistry and skill.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@dennishinkle5010]

Once again you amaze me with color matching. They look fantastic sir. Bravo.👍

[@johnsonrestoration]

Many thanks!

[@annpotter5366]

Watching you work your magic is mesmerizing. !!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@marchu50]

Amazing job Tom!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@cobberpete1]

A lot of patience and a steady hand on this one. It looked like a lot of work also, to get the colour match. Thanks Thomas

[@johnsonrestoration]

You’re welcome!

[@Isabel-belsai]

It's great watching you work, you're a master in the art of restoration. Thanks for sharing, greetings from Spain.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You’re welcome!

[@shannonvans]

I think it looks pretty good!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@paulmaryon9088]

Well Tom, looks pretty good! Thanks for another great video, hope you and yours are well, see you on the next one

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks 👍

[@MrPhotodoc]

The touch ups make it look as good as old.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I like that!

[@michaelhenderson5683]

Nice sympathetic restoration Tom 👏👏👍

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks 👍

[@goofe.washington953]

Tom, after your work…I think those chairs look pretty good.

[@johnsonrestoration]

I think so too! Thanks!

[@alisonmoffitt1051]

I like the way you used the knife and the texture of your finger to retain and match the finish in these chairs. A painstaking job beautifully executed.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@wayneshirey6999]

Nice work. Laryngitis?

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! No, just trying a different approach in this video

[@aaqilian5.085]

Lovely as always. I enjoyed the video style too. It’s good to change things up every now and then. I’m sure it was easier for you to film too. 👍🏾

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks so much! 😊I agree!

[@ronmack1767]

Enjoyed the video Tom. This must have been an early video. I missed your introduction. That was allot of touchups. Didn't know you worked with the oil paints too.The designs really popped when you washed those areas. Really looks nice. The chairs looked pretty old. Thanks for the video. You all take care and God bless.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you Ron!

[@ksweet696]

For the commentors who thought you should have talked....i think you should take that as a compliment rather than a criticism. I loved it.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! I’m glad somebody did!

[@Kijiji-ny7qh]

Nice ASMR restoration.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you 🤗

[@war7334]

I really thought there was something wrong with the audio on my computer.lol.Then I checked the comments..Still a great video.!!!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Sorry about that! I’ll be back

[@TheHighlander71]

Loved this: no talk, all do.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! But it turns out there are a lot of people who don’t!

[@TheHighlander71]

@@johnsonrestoration Well, don't listen to them. They're obviously wrong :)

[@billgeorgene]

No vocals video are important for some people who just don’t want to entertained. That’s not me. I learned from your explanations and I see from your work how to do things. I’m sure you have a reason for this style of video, but I like your discussions and explanations very much.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! We’re just experimenting a bit

[@pinkroses135]

I like the quietness. Haven't watched your other videos yet though.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I do talk more in my other videos - check them out!

[@maddieadams75]

Beautiful chair, with just enough touch up ❤ Ella 😘

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! 🤗

[@HeikeWoolard]

Those chairs sure do look pretty good. 😍

[@johnsonrestoration]

I think so too! Thanks!

[@solodriozola9574]

Gracias por poder aprender tanto con tus vídeos a cual más asombroso

[@johnsonrestoration]

¡Gracias! ¡Y gracias por mirar!

[@BarqB]

Looks Pretty Good 😉

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks 😋

[@TheBlondeSunset]

Bravo!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@wileycoyotesr8623]

The chair just fits where you've placed it. A nice location to sit down for a few minutes and take a load off feet. The chair is a beautiful creation.

[@billkurek5576]

Yes.Ella helped ..

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! I like these chairs too!

[@Elbowendj]

I think it looks pretty good.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@kersi-sandiego6036]

Excellent craftsmanship, Sir. Thank you. PS: I missed your opening wildlife shots and your vocal tutorial.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Next time…

[@robertlivingstone3947]

great video tom

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks 👍

[@colly1952]

I know some people prefer the video where they don't comment as they work, and I agree thay it's preferable with some of them, especially those who don't speak English well, but in your case, I much prefer your explanations to your silence. You're such a good teacher, please go back to explaining. I know I'll never do any work like yours, but I know that I could do some minor repairs if I needed to and had the tools. It's almost as is we were in your head as you work. A lot of us love the work you do and your own way of doing it.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! That's very nice. We're back to the usual format now

[@rustyaxelrod]

Nice work! (I missed the narration also)👍

[@johnsonrestoration]

Next time! Thanks!

[@kayerin5749]

Wow. Now I see the difference between refurbishing and restoring a piece so that it is still a genuine antique, but with the large scars removed. It looks like it is very old (and beautiful) but not "redone" I'm glad you included your llamas at the end; they are beautiful animals. Do you raise them for the wool? These look recently shorn!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! We were only boarding the alpacas, we don’t own them

[@zerrodolbi6367]

G'day there Tom. A nice quite video today!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks

[@stephenburns3678]

Thank you

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@98gjtube]

I thought it looked pretty good 😁

[@johnsonrestoration]

Oh yeah! Thanks!

[@michaelpage7691]

Master at work. 👏😁🇦🇺

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks 👍

[@Russ0107]

Hi Tom Johnson, can I ask how you are able to reuse your glue syringes when the one I bought becomes clogged after one use? Is it because you use hide glue or is it the brand you bought?

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, the hide glue rinses out easily. But I leave the syringe in the crockpot with the bottle of hide glue, and only need to refill it once in a while

[@durranishaheer1538]

hello teacher. salaam............................this kind of work needs amazing skills..........................................and a patience off course.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@mauri1260]

Excelente trabajo! Me gustaría tener un 1/10 de su paciencia y dedicación!😊😅

[@johnsonrestoration]

¡Gracias! ¡Te lo agradezco!

[@DrQuadrivium]

Beautiful work as usual and I think all that can be said about this 'silent' format has been said by other commentators. But... it's nice to see a restoration that doesn't need hundreds of clamps!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Good point! Thanks!

[@LB-px9td]

I think you need Mr Baumgardner. For the paint restoration.😊 Just kidding ! You always do an excellent job.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I could have used his help!

[@michaelmaxwell8835]

I really enjoy your worK. 👵😍🇺🇸

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you very much!

[@Akimos]

Delicate. How do you go about planning this, and know when to say when? Looks pretty good.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Not much planning, and yes, knowing when to stop is difficult to know.

[@joescarborough1]

That was an interesting approach.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I hope that’s a good thing!

[@joescarborough1]

@@johnsonrestoration Yeah, it was. 😀