Refinishing a Smelly Mid-Century Dresser: The Most Extreme Restoration Yet!

[@TranscendFurnitureGallery]

Just a note- A common comment so far is in regards to the top drawers, as two of the handles have worn down or were broken at some point- I chose not to put the shortest handled one in the middle (as seen in the before pics) as it's not its proper home. The woodgrain pattern flows in one continuous pattern across all three drawers and moving them around would break up the pattern. The previous owners had them in the wrong order, and it wouldn't have mattered for them because they were painted. But I didn't want to break up the woodgrain pattern, so had to go with the "lesser of two evils", so to speak. If I'd painted the top drawers, it would be easy to switch them, but I didn't want to cover that grain up again! Older pieces sometimes have "quirks".. this is one of them. Not the right dresser for the "must be symmetrical" type, ahaha.

[@sknap2728]

A beautiful piece. Thanks for sharing. U do excellent work.

[@kathysheridan9234]

Breathtaking

[@tatzantwos]

Good eye

[@tatzantwos]

Over the years I purchased a couple of baby grand piano's for next to nothing from piano dealers and flipped them one was a tribute to Dr. JOHN the other was a wacked tribute frank Zappa. You can find them just as easy as I did

[@susiem1976]

Its a pet peeve of mine when folks mix up the wood grain flow, so I think you've made the better choice here, cuz it looks amazing. Could the right longer drawer handle not be sanded down or worked in someway to match the other two?

[@telercoi3234]

That paint coming off the top of the piece was one of the most satisfying things I’ve ever seen!

[@ladonnawashington1643]

Same!

[@ledi2005]

I agree 100%!!! Some other people seem to struggle with stripping paint. How do you do it so smooth???

[@razrv3lc]

@@ledi2005 I think it just depends on the paint. Sometimes it wants to come off and sometimes it really really REALLY doesn’t lol

[@suecapra5005]

As a child of the 1960's I can say thank you for being so thoughtful of the artist that designed the dresser. Great job 👍

[@cherylreinert9925]

As a child of the 60s and also an artist, I agree

[@thetravelingmaid]

1982 here and the older I get, the older my taste gets.

[@marciabradley7660]

I don’t think I have seen anything so magnificent. I never zip to the end on your channel because I want to see every minute of your work. Walnut is becoming my favorite also.

[@brigidadebarros1720]

I usually watch her video's a few times. No zipping to the end..lol

[@timmaggard8862]

@@brigidadebarros1720 Same with me. She is very talented!

[@DavidRachlinMLIS]

I absolutely LOVE the slight two-tone effect of the drawers and handles. The slightly lighter handles gives you a great midcentury horizontal line across the rows of drawers and looks absolutely amazing.

[@moniemonie48]

That is just an insane makeover! Doesn't even look like the same piece of furniture, which is the whole point, I guess. LOL You took something that looked caged, captured and hopeless and you set it free, if that makes any kind of sense. It really looks alive now, and can breathe! Another great job!

[@andreaandrea6716]

I love your comment! Beautifully put!

[@melissahoneybee8493]

there’s no doubt that you are one of THE best at turning dubious furniture into absolute beauties. Another gorgeous piece from you. You are so skilled and artistically talented.

[@salvagedbykscott]

What a score with all that pristine walnut under that paint! It’s beautiful 😍

[@TranscendFurnitureGallery]

Thank you! One of the ones I’m tempted to keep, haha.

[@maggiemarr3627]

@@TranscendFurnitureGallery i would keep it......

[@andreaandrea6716]

(11:11) Angie, your editing is PERFECT. It is SO balanced. You give the details I am curious about (and I know, for those who are learning and really paying attention, these are pure gold)... whilst never, NEVER boring. I appreciate that you take us through the whole process (but fast forward in lots of places, or TELL US what you've cut) and always tell us the products you use, what's good, what you only use occasionally and WHY. I love all of your comments in between. I watch as much for your comments and your sense of humour (and the bunnies!) as for the pure rhythm of the entirety. I'm a glutton for TRANSFORMATION (of all kinds) and my aesthetic needs are met by your immense talent. (I know I sound a little over the top, but I am REALLY fussy and critical! Your furniture restorations are the only ones I watch now because of all of the above). I hope you do these forever. THANK YOU!!

[@TranscendFurnitureGallery]

Aww this was great feedback! Thank you so much! With anything, it’s impossible to appeal to or please everyone all of the time, so I just try to create things that I would appreciate in a channel. And above all else, just being me, haha. While some genres really do dictate who and what a creator can be, I’m pleased to have the freedom to just be myself and do what I like doing with this one. I appreciate you! You’re one of the ones who comments quite regularly and I see that ❤️❤️

[@amandaheasley426]

"Yes I can lift this, I am not a small human" SWOOOOON 🥰🥰🥰🥰 Formal request to see more of your partner as well ❤

[@TranscendFurnitureGallery]

Thanks so much for watching Amanda!

[@moniquehorton1111]

OMG! 🤭. I’m speechless. It’s beautiful. I love it. I hope you get $1,000 for it.

[@susanbender2953]

Yes !

[@itsokaytobeclownpilled5937]

I second that!

[@barbm1149]

Me too!

[@shawnas464]

For sure!

[@ladonnawashington1643]

Me too. You deserve every penny.

[@cocobo22]

I'm speachless - how great this turns!

[@TranscendFurnitureGallery]

Thank you!

[@jill552]

Just think of the previous owner’s lungs. It’s amazing they ever painted that beautiful mid century dresser, especially when they didn’t know how to paint.

[@TranscendFurnitureGallery]

I know, it’s actually scary. :-/

[@GeekyEily]

Wow it doesn't even look like the same piece you gave it life! Love it!!

[@TranscendFurnitureGallery]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@jodij5072]

All of a sudden, I now have reason to stop walking past all the ugly furniture at the thrift store. You have inspired me.

[@annexedcat]

That paint scraping was so satisfying 🤤

[@TranscendFurnitureGallery]

Isn't it?? It's very cathartic to do as well. Thanks so much for watching!

[@jeepgirl398]

You make these pieces even more beautiful than the original builder could have dreamed they could look.

[@karenvivian2194]

You didn’t just save it, you gave it an entirely new life!!! Gorgeous!

[@TranscendFurnitureGallery]

Thank you very much!

[@ashleyhansen7146]

While that paint was sooo nasty, it sure did protect that piece so it could be rescued by you! Beautiful work as always✨ Oh, and I have the same sander as you and now I can’t help but see that face when I use it and I’ve named him Sal 🤪 haha!

[@frenchfan1278]

Angie you take such a good care of future refinishers of your pieces that you should stamp it with your name and date. So people in a future will know how good you are. Outstanding job as always.

[@Kay_D.]

There's something so satisfying about watching the gross paint come off and seeing the furniture look new again! You've done such a beautiful job on this piece! 💗

[@TranscendFurnitureGallery]

I'm with you - I love doing it! Thanks for watching!

[@jaynesimmons2403]

Wow. Beautiful handles. Nice job.

[@TranscendFurnitureGallery]

Thank you kindly!

[@frelnc]

Wow, Angie. The dark green is perfect for this fix. Another absolutely gorgeous rescue. You're so talented.

[@joday1816]

There is something so satisfying about watching the scraping of paint stripper

[@TranscendFurnitureGallery]

It is incredibly satisfying isn't it? I hope you saw the video I did called Super Satisfying - Paint and Finish Removal? Thanks for watching!

[@crossgrainwoodproductsltd9230]

There is no restorer as good as you on KZbin that I have seen. Your ability to. Visualizing the potential and outcome of these pieces is just amazing! If I were you, I would have to have a huge house, because I would have a hard time getting rid of these final pieces. If I was in Canada, I would love to learn from you, but alas, I am in the States. So your channel is my learning guide.

[@TranscendFurnitureGallery]

Thank you so much for watching! 😊

[@pamallen2498]

I never get tired of watching and listening to you bring furniture back to life.

[@TranscendFurnitureGallery]

I'm so glad! Thank you very much!

[@camillethompson6686]

All I can say is wow!!! My dad taught me how to refinish furniture over 40 years ago, and I just learned a few new tricks from you! Keep up the good work

[@francesjolly5106]

You never give up on furniture,bunnies or body art. Loving this channel♡◇♡◇♡◇♡

[@francesjolly5106]

Thank you

[@antoniocasa3617]

I share your love for vintage pieces ,and I am learning and becoming more confident. My goal is to furnish my home cohesively this way. The items have the most integrity, and each is a survivor like myself. Thank you for making me feel less wierd about my passion lol

[@Iseeit4u]

You need a love button. Thumbs up doesn't cut it😀 Absolutely love your work!

[@TranscendFurnitureGallery]

Haha aww, thank you!

[@Mia_9135]

Wood grain is so beautiful 😍 It looked like there was continuity in the grain across the drawers. Amazing transformation!

[@RooniP]

wow another awesome piece

[@TranscendFurnitureGallery]

Glad you like it!

[@mcm.walnuter3479]

I learn so many tips from you! I hammered my fingers last week, using finishing nails lol I will now use needle nose pliers to hold the nail THANKS 😊

[@richardsonIII]

I saw that and felt very silly for not thinking of that before. D'oh!

[@andreaandrea6716]

I noticed that too!

[@nayeemarashid8032]

I like your " sometimes I paint sometimes I don't" . Natural wood colour is always has a calm feeling , connection down to earth. Thanks for giving this furniture a 2nd fabulous life.

[@TheCraftyMagnolia]

It turned out so nicely for such an abused piece. Your upgrade looks like it will give it many more years!

[@bunnizilla2583]

I'm glad you don't cover all the dings and nicks. That's what gives a good piece the character. Love that history that stays with the piece.

[@heatherd9340]

I would love to see a compilation video of the most challenging pieces that turned out the best. Nothing wrong with longer videos, that's were the magic is.

[@pmanzano4474]

I have never been interested in watching furniture restoration until I found you! I appreciate your step by step explanation and the final reveal is always so exciting! Keep up the great work.

[@TranscendFurnitureGallery]

I definitely will! I'm so glad you're enjoying my content! 🙂

[@kathywiszowaty4607]

You continue to blow me away with your artistry and natural instinct on color choices!!! This piece looks like something from a designer show room floor...stunning!!! I'm sure it didn't look that good coming from the factory that originally built the piece!!! I heard this quote from the late John Lennon years ago and it resonated with ever since "It's weird not to be weird" !!! So from one weirdo to another I love your work and your videos are completely informative and engaging!!!✌❤

[@TranscendFurnitureGallery]

aww, weirdos unite! haha

[@kirstenarentzen8503]

As I try to find a house in today's crazy housing market, I continue to keep my goal in mind -- to fill my home with special pieces just like that one. Danish mid-century furniture has always been my favorite style. I'm so glad you get excited when you identify a piece of it, no matter how badly it has been mistreated or neglected, and are then willing to tackle the challenge of bringing it back to it's full glory.

[@TranscendFurnitureGallery]

Thank you very much! 😊

[@marzenarozanska7482]

Incredible 🥰 Thank you for saving this piece. I wouldn't see any hope in it but what you have done to it is just a miracle.

[@PeckerwoodKustoms]

The only thing more satisfying than watching that paint strip off, is looking at the finished piece...Another great looking unit Angie...well done

[@TranscendFurnitureGallery]

Thank you so much! 😊

[@sazennonumber]

Very well done! I am impressed that you didn't slap paint (especially the chalk paint - aghh!) all over the piece. You really revealed the beauty of the form and the material and brought it back to life. I so appreciate that you are thinking of the future make-overs or repairs - not many people take that into consideration. It looks beautiful.

[@sylviajones4907]

Every time you say something about the video running long I think "It's only been 2 minutes!" Never too long, Angie. Love watching your videos. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@TranscendFurnitureGallery]

You're very welcome! ☺️

[@anniejones2640]

Man Angie, that is a beautiful dresser! You are so talanted!

[@lovelyshirl]

Gorgeous.

[@TranscendFurnitureGallery]

Thanks!

[@pennymoreland836]

Stunning absolutely stunning! You did a phenomenal job! Outstanding!!! TFS!

[@librarynan4610]

You gave this piece back its dignity.

[@nicoleinnocenti965]

You are amazing!! So patient and respectful with these diamonds in the ruff.

[@billybike57]

“Hey good looking, what cha got cookin?” Said the chair to the dresser. Awesome work, I cringed 😬 when you went with the dark green on the sides. It looked fantastic when it all came together. Fantastic job!

[@varieta9466]

Angie this turned out beautiful! As always I appreciate your respect for the pieces and your desire to keep their integrity! You are a good person! Well done! ❤️

[@avalinah]

When I have anxiety, I watch your videos. They're really good for peace and calm :) thank you!

[@TranscendFurnitureGallery]

You're so welcome Evelina! I'm really glad I can help - anxiety is awful.

[@Victoria-rf5en]

The finished result is so beautiful! The colors just compliment each other so well. I love your channel mainly because you always find a good balance between wood and paint finishes for a piece. I've wondered though, how do you know when a piece can be stained?

[@suecapra5005]

This is the largest before and after difference I've even seen. FAB!!!

[@bluecurlygirl]

Aw girl that is amazing. What a wonderful job. Well done.

[@angiedavey1195]

That paint removal was so satisfying! Who knew all that beautiful wood lay beneath?? Thanks for saving this one, it's beautiful.

[@monikaweld5567]

Oh my...what a gorgeous dresser! You do such quality work. I wish I had just half of your vision and talent 😍❤❤❤👏

[@IngebjrgReinholdt]

Stained, sealed, delivered, it's yours! You just made your own web-shop jingle ;-) Beautiful work! Love the attention to details and focus on longevity.

[@TranscendFurnitureGallery]

Thank you so much for watching! 😊

[@ChristinaHomeSweetHome]

Wow my gosh what a difference 😳 this one turn out amazing congratulations, if I hadn't seen it before, I would never have imagined what it was like, you created a beautiful piece 💕

[@kathrynschamanski3766]

Yet again you've rescued a sad piece of furniture and turned it into a beautiful piece of "forever" furniture! Great job!

[@oreobenavidez953]

It turned out stunning

[@mecalcreates]

I can't believe anyone would paint overthat beautiful peice. You did an amazing job!

[@flamingoliz]

Wow, turned out so gorgeous. You'd never know what pretty wood was under all that nasty paint. Nice job.

[@clairewright8153]

You have a gift of finding the most ugliest, weather beaten, missed used and derelict pieces of furniture and turn them into beautiful pieces that anyone would love to have in their homes. I can’t even begin to imagine what the paint stripper and nicotine would have smelt like ewwww. Thanks for another mind blowing video 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@bill90405]

In the 70s lots of folks, me included, used antiquing kits to fix up that dark old walnut MCM furniture which was truthfully showing its age by then! Now the furniture and I are antiques! Great to see younger folks appreciate these treasures.

[@evarene07]

I cannot believe this is the same piece😮…truly restoration craftsmanship at its finest 🦋…the piece is saying “I can breathe!”

[@TranscendFurnitureGallery]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@keep_it_real_1]

It's the 'phoenix rising from the ashes'... fabulous job ❤️

[@TranscendFurnitureGallery]

Thank you very much!

[@barbmccarthy6811]

Just gone down another rabbit hole watching your videos. I’m so enthralled by your skill and artistic vision of what these pieces can be. Just WOW!

[@TranscendFurnitureGallery]

I'm so glad you're enjoying my videos Barb!

[@chocolateminty]

Please let me start by saying that very little mid century furniture rings the cherries for me. This piece is absolutely gorgeous! Your work is amazing!

[@TranscendFurnitureGallery]

Thank you so much!

[@franny1041]

Stripping that paint was oddly satisfying

[@raquelennis3584]

You just completely get the pieces you redo. Seriously in every video I've seen. 👏

[@marthajones1506]

That is not the same piece! I love it. You are so thorough when you work. That means you take pride in what you do. Thanks sharing with us the good, the bad, the smelly and then the beautiful.

[@abcjerilee]

That is the prom dress I never got to wear. Beautiful! Can someone make me over in 40 years? Thank you for saving these pieces!

[@TranscendFurnitureGallery]

You're so welcome!

[@yvonnepagan9912]

Dear girl, you’re gonna wreck your back half-bending like this. You really gotta get a work bench! You’re very determined to get the yuckiest pieces and turn them into masterpieces! You don’t want to do the reverse to your own body!!! I love your natural way of narrating. So pleasant. And the pieces you transform….well, that’s just wonderful! Goodonya girl! Love from Downunder🦘

[@Truthseeker8791]

As always, the queen comes through with another stunning piece.

[@TranscendFurnitureGallery]

Wow, thank you so much! 😊

[@dazedconfused5019]

You are definitely a professional to deal with that smoke stain, I began to cough and mentally smell what that odor was like. So worth the time you spent on this, it is beautiful.

[@TranscendFurnitureGallery]

It was a rough one, that’s for sure!! 🤢

[@codacreator6162]

Mark of a true master: you make restoration look easy.

[@TranscendFurnitureGallery]

Thank you very much!

[@codacreator6162]

@@TranscendFurnitureGallery No, thank YOU! 😁

[@rethamoore4282]

WOW!! What a huge difference you made on that dresser !! BEAUTIFUL!!♥️😀

[@joycohen938]

I remember this phase….before we appreciated the mid century lines and aesthetic….and crackle paint and sponging was a thing! So glad you’ve let the walnut veneer show through. I have a similar piece and love the handles!

[@mmmmmmmmaria]

those wood tones are an absolute dream. thank you for rescuing this gorgeous piece

[@TranscendFurnitureGallery]

You're so welcome! I'm so glad you like how it turned out!

[@australianredochreleather1157]

Nice to see someone actually taking care in their refurbs. Good job.

[@diannameyers8163]

Oh my dear Angie! You silly girl... It doesn't matter how long the video is, the end result is well worth it!!!

[@TranscendFurnitureGallery]

Thanks for watching!

[@maryiorio426]

Wow! Why would anyone ever choose to paint that beauty? What a labor of love! So many tiny, frustrating issues to deal with all along the way! But you pushed through! Well done! It’s gorgeous now! Congrats!

[@roftherealm3418]

I used to clean foreclosed houses, and I remember cleaning a smoker's home and when I cleaned the windows, there was this yellow-green-brown, thick sludge on everything. Seeing how the sludge seeped into EVERYTHING made such a deep impression against smoking in my mind.

[@TranscendFurnitureGallery]

Thanks for watching!

[@greeneyedgirlina]

She’s beautiful again. Cinderella !!!

[@jcneill8164]

Outstanding transformation. I would never have guessed you could make this piece this attractive.

[@sunnyscott4876]

I have tried a ton of different "hobbies " but furniture refinishing is something that I have never tackled. After watching your videos, I am so glad that I never tried it. You have the patience of a saint and such determination. I could never have done it. Thanks for sharing your wonderful talents and creativity. 💖💗🌟💗💖

[@TranscendFurnitureGallery]

You're so welcome! 😊 Thank you for watching!

[@patriciacrozier7624]

Anyone would appreciate it now. Great job Angie! Wish you lived next door to me! ❤

[@TranscendFurnitureGallery]

Thank you so much! 😊

[@christyS.898]

Don’t even look like the same piece of furniture, looks so good 😊

[@justice4USA]

Bowing down to your incredible talent and caring for this once living tree. Don't mind me, I always thank my Christmas tree for giving it's life for my family soooo...

[@donnapalaussie19]

Oh my, it’s unrecognisable! Beautiful 😍

[@emilyallen5192]

It was so incredibly satisfying to watch all that gross latex paint being scraped away to reveal that gorgeous walnut! Beautiful transformation!

[@themortalriver565]

The dictionary example of transformation! The before and after are jaw dropping. I really respect the way you honor the item you're working with and the long term outlook you have with regard to the future life of these pieces.

[@angelavonbarnholt5191]

Oh wow. I watch all your videos but have never commented before. These are so gorgeous. Thank you for saving the old and unwanted and bringing out that hidden beauty. X

[@justanotheruselesschannel115]

I just love how you already have in mind a nother use for the piece after the life you give it. That is just super sustainable. Exactly what this world needs !!!

[@TranscendFurnitureGallery]

Thank you kindly!

[@catherinereisenauer8034]

I like that the stain on the pulls is lighter than that on the drawers and top of the piece. The pulls are a wonderful detail that deserve highlighting, and that is exactly what happens here when the pull woods doesn’t stain as dark. Very lovely piece!

[@TranscendFurnitureGallery]

Thanks so much!

[@hungryarch7319]

Incredible

[@TranscendFurnitureGallery]

Thanks!

[@robinmeares8019]

My reaction was WOW!! What a wonderful transformation.

[@paulcarlachapman628]

I clicked "like', but I LOVE this piece. Gorgeous!

[@janetogrenart2830]

I just had to skip ahead to see this incredible transformation, couldn't stand the suspence, just beautiful!