In this blog post, we'll delve into a fascinating furniture restoration project captured in a YouTube video by The New Janky Workshop. The video, titled "Salvaging a Secretary Desk | DIY Furniture Restoration," takes viewers through the intricate process of restoring an old, worn-out secretary desk to its former glory.
The Initial Discovery
The desk, a beautiful piece with a hidden drawer and a broken shelf, was discovered at a yard sale for a mere $10. The desk showed signs of wear and tear, needing a complete refinishing. The first step was to clean the desk, removing dirt and grime that had accumulated over the years.
The Restoration Process
The restoration process began with the removal of the old paint and hardware. The carbide paint scraper proved to be an invaluable tool for this task, efficiently removing the paint and revealing the beautiful wood underneath. The discovery of brass hardware led to the decision to use brass for all the new hardware, maintaining the desk's original character.
Choosing the Right Finish
One of the crucial decisions in any restoration project is choosing the right finish. The creator of the video decided to consult the experts at Sutherland Welles, a company specializing in tongue oil finishes. After a detailed discussion, they recommended using Murdoch's Hard Sealer and Hard Oil to finish and protect the desk.
Applying the Finish
The application of the finish was a multi-step process, starting with the hard sealer. The key was to achieve full saturation, ensuring the sealer soaked into the wood. After the sealer dried, the hard oil was applied, providing a durable and beautiful finish.
The Final Result
The restored secretary desk was a testament to the dedication and craftsmanship of the restorer. The desk, once worn and neglected, was now a beautiful and functional piece of furniture, ready to serve for many more years.
Conclusion
This DIY furniture restoration project is an inspiring example of how an old, discarded piece of furniture can be transformed into a cherished item. The video provides valuable insights into the restoration process, from choosing the right tools and materials to applying the final finish. If you're interested in trying your hand at furniture restoration, this video is a great place to start.
I hope you enjoyed this blog post! If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below (or even better, on the video!)
Thank you for reading!