If anyone , ever , complains about the cost of re furbished furniture, they REALLY need to watch this video and THEN they will appreciate the immense and tedious work that is involved in restoring it .
I compliment you on this restoration. My mother and father bought this same secretary in 1950 and it was new. They did not get the top piece. The felts were green, the metal bracket to pull out the end supports were not plain.The were coated with a stain that made them blend with the interior. It had the same drawer pulls, and they loved it.They were farmers and this item provided all their storage of financial records. The color finish was more red and was labeled "cherry mahogany". This restoration brought back many wonderful memories, Thank You, Ron
It's marvelous to watch an expert restore a nice piece of furniture. I'm glad to see a young person who has achieved master craftsperson status. Well done, Trena!
yes! It speaks to a time when people didn't throw away a damaged thing, or relationship. We use to fix the broken, correct mistakes, maintained them regularly, and they lasted for decade after decade. Homes, furniture, and marriages - still beautiful at a ripe age! That's happiness. One Love Y'all!
My hats off to you young lady. True craftsmanship is hard to come by today. I truly understand the painstaking detail your trying to achieve. I spent 42 years in the antique and classic car restoration business. At one point in my career I worked for rolls Royce and Bentley and had my hands on many a fine and beautiful pieces. Every auto I looked at had history and beauty in my eyesight. And I did Everything to bring it back to its former glory and more. And I loved every moment of it loved to go to work and hated to leave, always thought I needed to do more that day, Anyway I can sense that in you and the ease and confidence you show in your vid’s. Keep up the fine work young girl.
Another great restoration show to watch. Thanks, and you have many more years to practice your craft. What remains a mystery is why people did such a through job of messing the piece up in the first place? A lot of effort went into those crappy paint jobs.
Excellent work. My only concern when I saw this video was the lack of protection on your hands when you were stripping the piece and no mask when you were spray painting it. I know when one is so young one believes they are invulnerable: I thought so too when I used to work with the insane chemicals involved in printmaking and photography. Just be aware that your skin absorbs these chemicals and that your lungs are breathing them in.
I agree! I spent 28 years working outside as a painting contractor 6 days a week non-stop. I am now 70 and have too many health issues. Pls pls take care. 😔
I agree completely. I am also concerned about the t shirts. Too much exposure around caustic substances. Your skin is delicate and needs that protection. 😅
I restore old cars and I've also had people who were in their 60's and 70's bring in a 1940's or similar car and want it restored to the factory condition of their first car and when they see it they cried as well. Very satisfying to watch someone who knows what they are doing as in this video.
I am absolutely blown away Trena! Your attention to detail right down to grain matching and feathering color to match is impressive. It's very obvious you love what you do and transform that love into your work. Excellent job!!! Best I have ever seen!!!
This video reminds me of the time I restored a 1930s vintage Wurlitzer Expressions Player Piano back in 1982. It was covered with a zillion coats of battle ship gray paint. Found beautiful burled walnut wood under the paint. That was the easy part. Restoring the inside part of the piano was the challenge since I had never worked on a piano before. But, I got er done! Worked beautifully. This lady knows what she is doing.
@@johnsfurniturerepair Took pictures years ago. But don’t know where they went; most likely they went with the ex when she took the piano. Bought the piano for $200 in Marshall, TX. Drove around the State of Texas with the piano in the bed of my pickup until I got home. Thing weighed about 700 lbs. Unloaded it with an engine hoist; lifted off the bed of truck and drove out from under it.
It's a beautiful piece, not all pieces of furniture that are repainted and looks beautiful when done correctly. Looks lije tgey used spray pain beautiful piece if furniture
Trena after watching several dozen of your projects and now can easily spot the professionals from the amateurs. The difference is detailed workmanship! You’re great at what you do😆👏🍾👍🏼👌🏽✅
My woodwork teacher 45 years ago referred to "dressing" the screws so they all face the same way..... something I've never forgot. You do amazing work, lovely video.
The customer cried..... I'd still be crying if I had to restore that thing. Although you can understand their emotion, this restoration was really first rate, and the selective cleaning/polishing on the brasses looked perfect. Thanks for sharing.
Trena, I deeply admire your patience and determination. Your work is always the best because of the love and care you put into what you do. As we say in my country, “press on!” You are wonderful!
I appreciate the ability to color match the different wood types. So many so called “craftsman” out there could learn a lot from you. Including myself! Really enjoyed watching the video.
How refreshing to see someone take the time and love for a piece of beautiful furniture to refinish it rather than slap paint on it and sand the edges! This is truly stunning. Thank you.
Only God knows why this video popped up in my feed. But apart from that, you really did a tremendous job cleaning this piece of furniture up. I can't even guess how many hours you must have put into this work, but it really struck me how meticulously you gave every single part your attention. Just impressive! I guess you must be built up of patience ;o) Absolutely perfect outcome!
What a beautiful job. I'm certified in paint, auto body and glass. I know how many hours and materials go into a restore like that. You have very talented hands and your attention to detail is remarkable. The aligned screw heads took the cake. I've done that for years on many projects. Good on you.
When I was in my teens in the 60's, I refinished a dining room table and chairs for my parents ( it was an unfinished set, could not afford a finished set at the time). One table, 4 leaves,and 6 Duxbury chairs (with all those spindles!) But when I was sanding between coats of stain and semi gloss finish (used Minwax Early American)I liked to put a nylon stocking over my hand, close my eyes, and run my hand over the area to see if it was nice and smooth!! Found every little burr and was able to get it glass smooth!! It turned out beautiful and everyone thought they bought it already finished!! Used it many years, then I used it and then sold it to a friend years later! I loved doing it! Your work is very meticulous and glad to see natural wood rather than painted wood! If wood was meant to be painted, in my opinion, God would have them growing in colors in nature!! God Bless you and your work!
"glad to see natural wood rather than painted wood!" Stained wood is the same as painted wood in my opinion, just used a thinner paint that permeates and changes the original colour therefore is not "Natural".
God does have them growing in colors all over nature. It is the misguided, impaired judgement in human nature that tries to cover up Gods masterful designs with paint.
@@johnsfurniturerepair Looks amazing🤩 You need to protect your airways immediately! You need your own room with an extraction system and you have to wear a special mask. This is really important please do it. 🙏
Work like this IS an art. People don't appreciate the patience and attention to detail it takes. Bless you for keeping this artistry alive. I've tried restoring some old pieces and I have fail miserably. I just don't have the temperament for doing this kind of work. Ask me tear a house down and frame up a new one, and I'm your man but please don't ask me to do detailed work. lol Thanks for the great video. I enjoyed it.
Hi Bill. I'd like to let the people that are reading the comments on this beautiful restoration know that you, yourself are a master craftsman and build some fine pieces from raw lumber.
@@brettdrought6181 Thank you, Brett! Interestingly, much of what I have learned and applied to my love of the craft has come from other generous master craftsmen on UA-cam.
I find part of the appeal of watching antique pieces being restored, is the ways both good and bad, somebody changes a piece of furniture. Studying their methods both good and bad. Thanks for the information. Really enjoy your work.
The most heinous act anyone can do with antique woodworking is paint it. Those carpenters, woodworkers, woodcarvers had it all "lined up" just right to make the grain tell a story without words while making the medium of their artistic expression benefit as best as possible with what they had to use as a canvas to last for others to enjoy and use. Good job Ma'am.
Agree that some pieces should never be painted. Have a beautiful black walnut table and a golden oak parlour set that should never be painted. But most furniture is not even wood anymore
@@robertawills7219 i chase wooden furniture because it's usually fixable and if get bored... Yes painted but I never do. It's funny that it's either or.. peoole being trendy with Ikea or something and think wooden ones are old, unfashionable and shit. Then there is us, who have bit insane look in our eyes when we see wooden table/cabinet/bench for sale for 20-30€. "Unfortunately" I live in area (my country) that is known for its woodwork and carpenters and people still are fond of that type of furniture so I have to make my finds when I am some place else (do you know how hard it's bring new furniture pieces at home without your husband noticing?) My heart was crying when we were emptying relative's apartment in other side of the country and I could not fit this old birch dresser in my car (because it already had chair from 50s and other stuff). It was eventually donated to shelter and they give it it someone who is either young parent moving to first apt (young parents who may struggle with young family) or someone who has escaped abusive relationship and is starting over ((because often they cannot take anything with them, they won't even have money)
I'm an old furniture maker and I think your work is outstanding! I don't understand why people cover beautiful wood with paint. I have a Maddox secretary desk like this one except a flat front. I have had it since 1948 and am going to do the same as you did. THe hardware soetimes can get stained by some strippers, I put them in an old crock pot and heat them for a few hours then shock them with ice water, this breaks the bond of the paint without any chance to stain. I follow up with FLITZ paste on a toothpaste brush, no scratches and looks beautiful.
I love painted furniture. Of course this antique is better restored to original finish. Scandinavians like painted furniture because they live in areas that have little sunlight in the winter so painting their furniture lifts the spirit. I dislike dark heavy furniture as a rule and also like limed or natural blond toned floors and furniture.
*IT'S HARD TO BELIEVE PEOPLE WOULD PAINT SUCH A WORK OF ART, BUT YOU'VE DONE WONDERS TO THIS BEAUTIFUL MADDOX SECRETARY THAT IS JUST LIKE NEW...WOW, JUST BEAUTIFUL!!* *WE APPRECIATE YOU SHARING YOUR INCREDIBLE WORK THAT ONLY A TRUE CRAFTSMAN COULD DO...THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH!!*
My goodness that was impressive. I’ve watched quite a few restorations lately on UA-cam, and this one outshines the others by far. The color you chose was perfect, and the finish is so smooth. Outstanding job!
I have always love stripping down furniture, I have learned a few things from you thank you. You and your dad do the best job on the internet. I don't blame the customer for crying I would have too.
Wow, that's crazy magic you are doing with the color tints!! Seriously, you are a very talented craftswoman. Your skills are all-around top notch. This became a beautiful piece of furniture thanks to your care.
That is a stunning final result. So much meticulous care and hard work went into that and it certainly shows. You should be very proud of bringing a beautiful piece of furniture back. You have a good eye for how much to do and how much to leave. Well done! Thanks for sharing.
Trena, you are AMAZING. You are passionate, persistent, hard working, and full of surpises. One cannot be amazed to see the beauty of you work, taking into account the basic tools you use. Like they say, "It's not the plane...it's the pilot!" 😂😉
This Secretary desk is identical to my mother's. It was (50's decor) mahogany stained with a gloss finish. Your restoration brought back memories. Your attention to detail is a sign of true craftsmanship. Very entertaining video. Thank you for sharing.
My grandmother had a similar secretary desk in her home, it was her pride and joy. So many childhood memories came flooding back to me as you brought this desk back to its original beauty. Our family treasure thankfully lives now in my cousins home. Such beautiful work and attention to detail, I'm sure the owner is well pleased! 😊
I guess the customers must have cried three times: first when they obtained, bought or inherited the piece, just seeing the paint "job" vandalism, which looked horrible. Then when you gave them a price quote for the restoration (just kidding, I hope you got what you deserved), and finally seeing the result. It was a hypnotizing watch, and seeing the final outcome gave me a warm feeling inside. Only fly in the ointment: others have mentioned it, even if you paint booth is ventilated, you probably should use respiratory protection when working with aerosols or solvents. My personal rule is "if you can smell it, it's probably dangerous". But what you do is really art, of the most selfless kind, as it ends up invisible because it is intended to show the beauty of the original work. From a viewer in Denmark: Well done!
@@scotth6814 If the room is ventilated and fresh air is circulating around the room gloves and a mask is not necessary. I hear a fan running in the background. Also I have never used any cleaning chemicals with gloves on all my life.
@@martaalvarado4631 If your skin is sensitive to chemicals or the fumes are volatile, sure. But I don't because it's more of a hindrance and they just tear anyway.
Am lacking the words at the moment to express the wonder I feel about the love, respect, diligence, patience, and just hard work you put into restoring this piece. I can say this, however: At one point when you were using the heat gun and scraper to remove layers of paint, I felt a sense of relief and freedom, like being able to breathe again after being smothered nearly to death for years, and it occurred to me that it was not unlike the feeling of being released from the prison of an abusive relationship. I know that might sound farfetched and fanciful to many, but those were my thoughts as I watched you uncover the soul and beauty of what had been buried. You are quite extraordinary.
I have a secretary that’s been in the family since 1877 and it survived charing from 2 fires and was last refinished in the late 70s and it’s still holding up. It’s a roll top. I have to make new radial guides for it but that’s about it. You did a superb job on the one you just finished. ❤️
What a joy to bring beauty to the world. To the untrained eye, that piece looked like garbage. What a blessing to have such talent and patience. Thank you for sharing the journey.
You did an amazing job, totally dedicated, totally perfect. The custoner must have been all over the moon and grateful. Excellently done. My grandfather was a carpenter many years ago and I personally love wood work.
Beautiful. My house is furnished with pieces that were "refinished" with paint . I bought them cheaply, refinished them properly and now have nice things. I really detest paint!
@@Momentaryghost .... I have seen many TikTok people paint old furniture. I cringe and skip to another video. I guess there will always be people painting perfectly beautiful wood pieces, including kitchen cabinets.
WOW you are so professional. I am so impressed by the way you don't take short cuts. You take everything apart and clean it and paint it and put it all back together again. I love to watch your show!
Just found you...and loved this video. Have seen so many redos using paint. Some of them I do love, if there looks no way to save otherwise. But it's so refreshing to know there is someone still willing to restore instead of redo. Love the antiques restored.am sure your Dad is so proud!
@@robk1310 The beauty of wood is that the paint may protect it to a degree, and it can always be removed at a later date. I find wood to be incredible like that- no matter how old and dirty it is, brand new fresh wood is still underneath. Cheers👍
@@lindagardener855 Very true about paint protecting the wood underneath. She is talented-no doubt there! But she had some well preserved beauty beneath that ugly, caked-on black paint to bring out for all of us to appreciate.
"Beautiful" doesn't even begin to cover it. The legs are amazing and I love how you carefully touch them up. And those lovely drawers you can see with the top lowered. Amazing, truly.
I would love to know the final cost of restoration on this outstanding piece that you did . What ever it was it was well worth it. Absolutely stunning.
I love working on antiques bringing them back to the normal State I hate it when somebody paints an antique I love the way you work I love your Channel you're putting it on I'm 65 I'd love to do what you're doing
What a beautiful transformation. My late Dad was a carpenter so I love watching furniture being made and restored. Call me old fashioned but I love the ball and claw feet. Great job 👏🏻 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
These require so many skills along with patience and respect for the piece. Cleaning up the original hardware may be the most tedious. Well worth it in the long run for the integrity of the piece, the satisfaction of the craftsmen, and the delight of the customer. Much respect to you and your trade.
You did a beautiful job. I hate it when people paint over these antique pieces, especially "farmhouse" white. Yuck. Your stain really brought the piece back to life.
Beautifully done... especially the color matching and blending. You're very good at restoration and your finishing and coloring skills are very well developed. I would have loved to see your customers reaction when they saw this resurrected piece. I'm sure they were thrilled with it.
@@johnsfurniturerepair I can understand that. For those who may give permission, might be cool to include. Love the channel. Loved this piece. Lots of attention and care to detail. I"m sure the owners greatly appreciated.
It's nice that there are still craftsmen who love their job and also have the skills to do it. You did a really great job and you can be proud of your work. Many greetings from Salzburg. (Austria)
If anyone , ever , complains about the cost of re furbished furniture, they REALLY need to watch this video and THEN they will appreciate the immense and tedious work that is involved in restoring it .
YES.
You are so right. I never knew how much they do. Thanks for bringing it to everyone's attention.
You are quite right, and bear in mind she didn't bother filming the multiple layers of sanding...
some cases are pretty arduous, like with a lot of paint and all dinged up.
Or refinishing hardwood floors!!! I'll NEVER do that again...
This may sound crazy but you can almost hear the cabinet crying too. "Thank you for releasing me from all the paint!" You are an artist.
😅
I compliment you on this restoration. My mother and father bought this same secretary in 1950 and it was new. They did not get the top piece. The felts were green, the metal bracket to pull out the end supports were not plain.The were coated with a stain that made them blend with the interior. It had the same drawer pulls, and they loved it.They were farmers and this item provided all their storage of financial records. The color finish was more red and was labeled "cherry mahogany". This restoration brought back many wonderful memories, Thank You, Ron
Thanks Ron🥰
It's marvelous to watch an expert restore a nice piece of furniture. I'm glad to see a young person who has achieved master craftsperson status. Well done, Trena!
All the work was done by a man.
@@yessanknow302 All work you couldn't do.
@@yessanknow302 she’s the best looking man I’ve ever seen!
In this video, all the work was done by Trena. Her work improved upon the work of past masters. It's not a contest.
There is something very special when an old or neglected piece is brought back to elegance.
yes! It speaks to a time when people didn't throw away a damaged thing, or relationship. We use to fix the broken, correct mistakes, maintained them regularly, and they lasted for decade after decade. Homes, furniture, and marriages - still beautiful at a ripe age! That's happiness. One Love Y'all!
My hats off to you young lady. True craftsmanship is hard to come by today. I truly understand the painstaking detail your trying to achieve. I spent 42 years in the antique and classic car restoration business. At one point in my career I worked for rolls Royce and Bentley and had my hands on many a fine and beautiful pieces. Every auto I looked at had history and beauty in my eyesight. And I did Everything to bring it back to its former glory and more. And I loved every moment of it loved to go to work and hated to leave, always thought I needed to do more that day, Anyway I can sense that in you and the ease and confidence you show in your vid’s. Keep up the fine work young girl.
Thanks so much Jimmy, I know the feeling your talking about.
How refreshing to see a restoration rather than a cover-up paint job. I'm impressed by your attention to detail. Well done.
My thoughts exactly, I hate to see beautiful furniture like this being painted over.
@@snipsnap9995 I agree
I agree
We q
Another great restoration show to watch. Thanks, and you have many more years to practice your craft. What remains a mystery is why people did such a through job of messing the piece up in the first place? A lot of effort went into those crappy paint jobs.
And, she does a very good job at an artistic restoration.
Excellent work. My only concern when I saw this video was the lack of protection on your hands when you were stripping the piece and no mask when you were spray painting it. I know when one is so young one believes they are invulnerable: I thought so too when I used to work with the insane chemicals involved in printmaking and photography. Just be aware that your skin absorbs these chemicals and that your lungs are breathing them in.
I agree! I spent 28 years working outside as a painting contractor 6 days a week non-stop. I am now 70 and have too many health issues. Pls pls take care. 😔
The 3M face mask with the back waist filtration is the way to go, in addition to cross ventilation.
I agree completely. I am also concerned about the t shirts. Too much exposure around caustic substances. Your skin is delicate and needs that protection. 😅
I restore old cars and I've also had people who were in their 60's and 70's bring in a 1940's or similar car and want it restored to the factory condition of their first car and when they see it they cried as well. Very satisfying to watch someone who knows what they are doing as in this video.
@Cee Jay I agree many older cars are beauties.
Absolute Perfection!!
Hate when beautiful woods are painted over. So pleased to see they can be restored masterfully - by a master artisan!
I am absolutely blown away Trena! Your attention to detail right down to grain matching and feathering color to match is impressive. It's very obvious you love what you do and transform that love into your work. Excellent job!!! Best I have ever seen!!!
This video reminds me of the time I restored a 1930s vintage Wurlitzer Expressions Player Piano back in 1982. It was covered with a zillion coats of battle ship gray paint. Found beautiful burled walnut wood under the paint. That was the easy part. Restoring the inside part of the piano was the challenge since I had never worked on a piano before. But, I got er done! Worked beautifully.
This lady knows what she is doing.
Wow. Hope you took pictures! Thanks for watching!
@@johnsfurniturerepair Took pictures years ago. But don’t know where they went; most likely they went with the ex when she took the piano. Bought the piano for $200 in Marshall, TX. Drove around the State of Texas with the piano in the bed of my pickup until I got home. Thing weighed about 700 lbs. Unloaded it with an engine hoist; lifted off the bed of truck and drove out from under it.
I am impressed!
Everyone who paints old furniture that was in good condition first, should have to watch this.
It's a beautiful piece, not all pieces of furniture that are repainted and looks beautiful when done correctly. Looks lije tgey used spray pain beautiful piece if furniture
Trena after watching several dozen of your projects and now can easily spot the professionals from the amateurs. The difference is detailed workmanship! You’re great at what you do😆👏🍾👍🏼👌🏽✅
Gorgeous! Really came together to look brand new! Perhaps better than new!
My woodwork teacher 45 years ago referred to "dressing" the screws so they all face the same way..... something I've never forgot. You do amazing work, lovely video.
Thankyou!
The customer cried..... I'd still be crying if I had to restore that thing. Although you can understand their emotion, this restoration was really first rate, and the selective cleaning/polishing on the brasses looked perfect. Thanks for sharing.
Trena, I deeply admire your patience and determination. Your work is always the best because of the love and care you put into what you do. As we say in my country, “press on!” You are wonderful!
Thank you so much!
Trivia tidbit: aligning the screw slots is called “clocking”. Beautiful results in the finished secretary.
Thanks for that nugget of information. Everything about this restoration was a paean to a vanishing art. It's lovely to have the detail you added. 🙏
I appreciate the ability to color match the different wood types. So many so called “craftsman” out there could learn a lot from you. Including myself! Really enjoyed watching the video.
Thanks!
Soooo Beautiful! Love that polished wood grain!!!!!
How refreshing to see someone take the time and love for a piece of beautiful furniture to refinish it rather than slap paint on it and sand the edges! This is truly stunning. Thank you.
Thanks for appreciating the job!
Only God knows why this video popped up in my feed.
But apart from that, you really did a tremendous job cleaning this piece of furniture up. I can't even guess how many hours you must have put into this work, but it really struck me how meticulously you gave every single part your attention. Just impressive! I guess you must be built up of patience ;o)
Absolutely perfect outcome!
I thought I watch the start how it looks before and than skip to see the end product; watched it all trough till the end, nice workmanship.
Beautiful!!!
I would have liked to see the new owners’ faces. You did an awesome job that any professional would be proud of. Bravo! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👍🏻
Another AMAZING JOB Trena !! Looks Beautiful! Your Talent is beyond Magical!! Your Father taught you Well !!
Thanks Doug!
You are a Master- in- the- making! your father must be so proud! Beautiful work!
Thank you very much!
What a beautiful job. I'm certified in paint, auto body and glass.
I know how many hours and materials go into a restore like that.
You have very talented hands and your attention to detail is remarkable.
The aligned screw heads took the cake. I've done that for years on many projects.
Good on you.
When I was in my teens in the 60's, I refinished a dining room table and chairs for my parents ( it was an unfinished set, could not afford a finished set at the time). One table, 4 leaves,and 6 Duxbury chairs (with all those spindles!) But when I was sanding between coats of stain and semi gloss finish (used Minwax Early American)I liked to put a nylon stocking over my hand, close my eyes, and run my hand over the area to see if it was nice and smooth!! Found every little burr and was able to get it glass smooth!! It turned out beautiful and everyone thought they bought it already finished!! Used it many years, then I used it and then sold it to a friend years later! I loved doing it! Your work is very meticulous and glad to see natural wood rather than painted wood! If wood was meant to be painted, in my opinion, God would have them growing in colors in nature!! God Bless you and your work!
"glad to see natural wood rather than painted wood!"
Stained wood is the same as painted wood in my opinion, just used a thinner paint that permeates and changes the original colour therefore is not "Natural".
God does have them growing in colors all over nature. It is the misguided, impaired judgement in human nature that tries to cover up Gods masterful designs with paint.
Good for you. Refinishing is a fine art. It takes so much patience and skill.
Nylon sock ! Great tip ! Thanks
That method is called the Hanes Test! Often used on specialized coatings.
Your work is impeccable
Bless
Holy moly!! You are one brave girl to take on a piece like that. And the result ..... just wow!
Thanks for taking us along on the journey.
Restoration videos such as this is what I like to watch, You have done a very good job.
Wow! Wow! Wow! What a difference and so well done. Love the light sheen too.
Beautiful finished product! Question: what about wearing a respirator to protect your lungs????🤔😊
That also crossed my mind.
I Absolutely agree. I’ll smarten up everyone. I promise.
I was thinking the same thing... protect those lungs!! You are so talented.
How about gloves and glasses too?
@@johnsfurniturerepair Looks amazing🤩
You need to protect your airways immediately! You need your own room with an extraction system and you have to wear a special mask. This is really important please do it. 🙏
Work like this IS an art. People don't appreciate the patience and attention to detail it takes. Bless you for keeping this artistry alive. I've tried restoring some old pieces and I have fail miserably. I just don't have the temperament for doing this kind of work. Ask me tear a house down and frame up a new one, and I'm your man but please don't ask me to do detailed work. lol Thanks for the great video. I enjoyed it.
Bravo, well put.
Another wonderful restoration. Trena just "has it". More to see and will I ever catch up.
Beautiful job! I would really be proud to own this piece. Would have loved to see the customers face when you showed her this! Keep it up!
You have amazing patience, persistence and professional skill. Amazingly beautiful job!
Hi Bill. I'd like to let the people that are reading the comments on this beautiful restoration know that you, yourself are a master craftsman and build some fine pieces from raw lumber.
@@brettdrought6181
Thank you, Brett! Interestingly, much of what I have learned and applied to my love of the craft has come from
other generous master craftsmen on UA-cam.
Can you build me a half sized secretary with a hutch like this? Willing to pay!! Thanks, in advance.
absolutely perfect! A delight to watch. Thank you for posting.
Glad you enjoyed it!
I find part of the appeal of watching antique pieces being restored, is the ways both good and bad, somebody changes a piece of furniture. Studying their methods both good and bad. Thanks for the information. Really enjoy your work.
Thanks for watching!
The most heinous act anyone can do with antique woodworking is paint it. Those carpenters, woodworkers, woodcarvers had it all "lined up" just right to make the grain tell a story without words while making the medium of their artistic expression benefit as best as possible with what they had to use as a canvas to last for others to enjoy and use. Good job Ma'am.
Quite a lot of French antique furniture was originally painted before it left the workshop, lots of gold etc
I like to think that paint might have kept a piece from going to the dump before and then it was rescued😊
Agree that some pieces should never be painted. Have a beautiful black walnut table and a golden oak parlour set that should never be painted. But most furniture is not even wood anymore
Bare wood has not always been considered beautiful in America. Paint for some pieces would be more authentic.
@@robertawills7219 i chase wooden furniture because it's usually fixable and if get bored... Yes painted but I never do.
It's funny that it's either or.. peoole being trendy with Ikea or something and think wooden ones are old, unfashionable and shit. Then there is us, who have bit insane look in our eyes when we see wooden table/cabinet/bench for sale for 20-30€.
"Unfortunately" I live in area (my country) that is known for its woodwork and carpenters and people still are fond of that type of furniture so I have to make my finds when I am some place else (do you know how hard it's bring new furniture pieces at home without your husband noticing?)
My heart was crying when we were emptying relative's apartment in other side of the country and I could not fit this old birch dresser in my car (because it already had chair from 50s and other stuff).
It was eventually donated to shelter and they give it it someone who is either young parent moving to first apt (young parents who may struggle with young family) or someone who has escaped abusive relationship and is starting over ((because often they cannot take anything with them, they won't even have money)
Very impressive. That came out far better than I would have guessed was possible.
I think my grandparents had a writing desk just like this one. You did a beautiful job restoring it!
Well done young lady!! What a beautiful restoration done with a lot of patience and persistence. Your love for what you do is clearly evident.
What did this poor cabinet ever do to deserve this? I love how you brought it back
What a meticulous, detailed, and artistic job you did. It's wonderful how you brought this piece back to its former glory.
Thankyou!
This has to be THE BEST restoration video I’ve ever seen! Bravo!
Thankyou!
Beautiful restoration. Beauty behind the beast
What a fantastic job... Could only imagine the amount of time that we didn't see the work being done.
I'm an old furniture maker and I think your work is outstanding! I don't understand why people cover beautiful wood with paint. I have a Maddox secretary desk like this one except a flat front. I have had it since 1948 and am going to do the same as you did. THe hardware soetimes can get stained by some strippers, I put them in an old crock pot and heat them for a few hours then shock them with ice water, this breaks the bond of the paint without any chance to stain. I follow up with FLITZ paste on a toothpaste brush, no scratches and looks beautiful.
Nice
They do it because they don't know any better.
@@amitisshahbanu5642 Some people think a painted surface looks better than natural wood. I shake my head at them...lol
I love painted furniture. Of course this antique is better restored to original finish. Scandinavians like painted furniture because they live in areas that have little sunlight in the winter so painting their furniture lifts the spirit. I dislike dark heavy furniture as a rule and also like limed or natural blond toned floors and furniture.
*IT'S HARD TO BELIEVE PEOPLE WOULD PAINT SUCH A WORK OF ART, BUT YOU'VE DONE WONDERS TO THIS BEAUTIFUL MADDOX SECRETARY THAT IS JUST LIKE NEW...WOW, JUST BEAUTIFUL!!* *WE APPRECIATE YOU SHARING YOUR INCREDIBLE WORK THAT ONLY A TRUE CRAFTSMAN COULD DO...THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH!!*
My goodness that was impressive. I’ve watched quite a few restorations lately on UA-cam, and this one outshines the others by far. The color you chose was perfect, and the finish is so smooth. Outstanding job!
Thankyou!
What a beautiful piece of art. It's a shame, that anyone would even think about painting it. And I love the way the hardware turned out. Great job!
I love how it looked painted!! Glad to see it fixed up though. I think stains sometimes make things look unfinished.
Such wonderful work! Your dad has much to be proud of!
I have always love stripping down furniture, I have learned a few things from you thank you. You and your dad do the best job on the internet. I don't blame the customer for crying I would have too.
Wow, that's crazy magic you are doing with the color tints!! Seriously, you are a very talented craftswoman. Your skills are all-around top notch. This became a beautiful piece of furniture thanks to your care.
Thank you so much!
That is a stunning final result. So much meticulous care and hard work went into that and it certainly shows. You should be very proud of bringing a beautiful piece of furniture back. You have a good eye for how much to do and how much to leave. Well done! Thanks for sharing.
Beautiful work. I cant believe someone painted this beautiful piece. What attention to detail....Very nice.
Trena, you are AMAZING. You are passionate, persistent, hard working, and full of surpises. One cannot be amazed to see the beauty of you work, taking into account the basic tools you use. Like they say, "It's not the plane...it's the pilot!" 😂😉
Thank you so much!
This Secretary desk is identical to my mother's. It was (50's decor) mahogany stained with a gloss finish. Your restoration brought back memories. Your attention to detail is a sign of true craftsmanship. Very entertaining video. Thank you for sharing.
My grandmother had a similar secretary desk in her home, it was her pride and joy. So many childhood memories came flooding back to me as you brought this desk back to its original beauty. Our family treasure thankfully lives now in my cousins home. Such beautiful work and attention to detail, I'm sure the owner is well pleased! 😊
Absolutely stunning finish! Just can't understand why anyone would want to paint such a lovely piece of furniture but you brought it back to life.
There is a lot of painted furniture out there that needs to be refinished like this one.Great job!
I guess the customers must have cried three times: first when they obtained, bought or inherited the piece, just seeing the paint "job" vandalism, which looked horrible. Then when you gave them a price quote for the restoration (just kidding, I hope you got what you deserved), and finally seeing the result. It was a hypnotizing watch, and seeing the final outcome gave me a warm feeling inside.
Only fly in the ointment: others have mentioned it, even if you paint booth is ventilated, you probably should use respiratory protection when working with aerosols or solvents. My personal rule is "if you can smell it, it's probably dangerous".
But what you do is really art, of the most selfless kind, as it ends up invisible because it is intended to show the beauty of the original work. From a viewer in Denmark: Well done!
Yes, I cringed to see her painting without a mask, and using some of those chemicals without gloves.
@@scotth6814 From other videos I've seen, she seems to have taken the advice and uses appropriate protection gear.
@@scotth6814 If the room is ventilated and fresh air is circulating around the room gloves and a mask is not necessary. I hear a fan running in the background. Also I have never used any cleaning chemicals with gloves on all my life.
@@MrWolfSnack extra protection doesn’t hurt but it surely helps.
@@martaalvarado4631 If your skin is sensitive to chemicals or the fumes are volatile, sure. But I don't because it's more of a hindrance and they just tear anyway.
Am lacking the words at the moment to express the wonder I feel about the love, respect, diligence, patience, and just hard work you put into restoring this piece. I can say this, however: At one point when you were using the heat gun and scraper to remove layers of paint, I felt a sense of relief and freedom, like being able to breathe again after being smothered nearly to death for years, and it occurred to me that it was not unlike the feeling of being released from the prison of an abusive relationship.
I know that might sound farfetched and fanciful to many, but those were my thoughts as I watched you uncover the soul and beauty of what had been buried. You are quite extraordinary.
Wow! Thankyou
What a beautiful job. I lost this video when I paused it earlier, so got to come back again. So pleased.
Glad you enjoyed it
I have a secretary that’s been in the family since 1877 and it survived charing from 2 fires and was last refinished in the late 70s and it’s still holding up. It’s a roll top. I have to make new radial guides for it but that’s about it. You did a superb job on the one you just finished. ❤️
That was so rewarding to watch - absolutely beautiful job. Well done, you brought it back to life.
Beautifully restored, it now has the wow factor once again. Well done!
Many thanks!
Your work is a true gem ! Wow, the sense of details, the dedication... just beauty. Thank you for sharing all this with us.
You are definitely an artistic restorer! Lovely job, thanks for sharing.
What a joy to bring beauty to the world. To the untrained eye, that piece looked like garbage. What a blessing to have such talent and patience. Thank you for sharing the journey.
Wow. Just wow. An outstanding transformation.
The restored secretary looks beautiful. It was a shame to paint such a beautiful wood. Now you brought back its original glory. Awesome work!
Aligning the slotted screw heads is the ultimate detail touch. Made my day. Fantastic job overall and that color toning is simply artful.
Thanks for watching!
You did an amazing job, totally dedicated, totally perfect. The custoner must have been all over the moon and grateful. Excellently done. My grandfather was a carpenter many years ago and I personally love wood work.
Beautiful. My house is furnished with pieces that were "refinished" with paint . I bought them cheaply, refinished them properly and now have nice things. I really detest paint!
Same I don't understand why everyone paints old furniture.
@@Momentaryghost .... I have seen many TikTok people paint old furniture. I cringe and skip to another video. I guess there will always be people painting perfectly beautiful wood pieces, including kitchen cabinets.
WOW you are so professional. I am so impressed by the way you don't take short cuts. You take everything apart and clean it and paint it and put it all back together again. I love to watch your show!
Thank you! 😊
I think this is beautiful work with such care and attention to detail. Thank you for sharing your work.
Just found you...and loved this video. Have seen so many redos using paint. Some of them I do love, if there looks no way to save otherwise. But it's so refreshing to know there is someone still willing to restore instead of redo. Love the antiques restored.am sure your Dad is so proud!
I agree. I don’t mind a nicely painted piece either. Cheers!
@@robk1310 The beauty of wood is that the paint may protect it to a degree, and it can always be removed at a later date. I find wood to be incredible like that- no matter how old and dirty it is, brand new fresh wood is still underneath. Cheers👍
@@lindagardener855 Very true about paint protecting the wood underneath. She is talented-no doubt there! But she had some well preserved beauty beneath that ugly, caked-on black paint to bring out for all of us to appreciate.
"Beautiful" doesn't even begin to cover it. The legs are amazing and I love how you carefully touch them up. And those lovely drawers you can see with the top lowered. Amazing, truly.
Amazing. Your color blending skills are spot on! Beautiful job that will give years of enjoyment to others.
Felicidades exelente restauración 💯💐👌
I would love to know the final cost of restoration on this outstanding piece that you did . What ever it was it was well worth it. Absolutely stunning.
I love working on antiques bringing them back to the normal State I hate it when somebody paints an antique I love the way you work I love your Channel you're putting it on I'm 65 I'd love to do what you're doing
you are truly an artist Trena! Once again your color matching/blending is perfection
Oh my! You’re a true craftsman! That’s just beautiful and shows how much work goes into truly restoring a quality piece of furniture.
Absolutely excellent work! ❤
My antiques-loving heart bleeds every time I find a stunning piece of furniture caked in paint.
I'll bet they cried! I wish I could've seen their reaction!
What incredible workmanship I'm convinced - new subscriber right here❣️
What a beautiful transformation. My late Dad was a carpenter so I love watching furniture being made and restored. Call me old fashioned but I love the ball and claw feet. Great job 👏🏻 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
These require so many skills along with patience and respect for the piece. Cleaning up the original hardware may be the most tedious. Well worth it in the long run for the integrity of the piece, the satisfaction of the craftsmen, and the delight of the customer. Much respect to you and your trade.
Thankyou Greg
You did a beautiful job. I hate it when people paint over these antique pieces, especially "farmhouse" white. Yuck. Your stain really brought the piece back to life.
What I hate the most is when they paint it “shabby chic” ugh.
You're brilliant. It looks brand new!
The work done is painstakingly tedious. One must have great patience. You did a great job Trena!! You are a master in your craft!
I just found you this evening. OMGosh! You do amazing restorations!!
Beautifully done... especially the color matching and blending. You're very good at restoration and your finishing and coloring skills are very well developed.
I would have loved to see your customers reaction when they saw this resurrected piece. I'm sure they were thrilled with it.
WOW!!!! Your expertise and craftsmanship brought this beauty back. Thankyou,
The piece looks beautiful. It might be rewarding to let the viewers see customers’ reactions. Just a thought.
I was looking forward to seeing the customer's reaction. But, the end product was absolutely beautiful.
I would love to but most of them are too shy. 😕
@@johnsfurniturerepair try to encourage your customers as I would like to see more myself
@@johnsfurniturerepair I can understand that. For those who may give permission, might be cool to include. Love the channel. Loved this piece. Lots of attention and care to detail. I"m sure the owners greatly appreciated.
I thought the same thing as well.
It's nice that there are still craftsmen who love their job and also have the skills to do it. You did a really great job and you can be proud of your work.
Many greetings from Salzburg. (Austria)