Antique Clothes Chest Restoration

Another of Melanie's family's relics is this pine clothes chest. After more than 100 years of use and abuse, this chest was in dire need of restoration. Construction is very low density pine, with dovetailed corners. Finish was a clear varnish with no stain. The bottom, back, and inside had no finish at all. Restoration consisted of knocking apart and re-gluing most joints, sanding, and filling in the multiple dings and scratches where they were really deep. Minor imperfections were kept for the sake of character. Minwax dark walnut stain was used inside and out, and allowed to dry for a week. Then, two coats of Deft satin clear were brushed on with 320 sanding and 0000 steel wool between coats, then three coats of Deft spray clear satin were applied, with 0000 steel wool between coats. Finally, 1/4" cedar was installed in the bottom and on the underside of the lid. A heavy brass piano hinge replaced the two door hinges on the original, and a length of black chain keeps the lid from opening too far. Project Time: 3 months.

Antique Clothes Chest Completed w/Lid Closed	Antique Clothes Chest Completed w/Cedar Lining	Antique Clothes Chest Before Commencing Restoration
Antique Clothes Chest Before Stripping	Antique Clothes Chest Internal Storage Bin	Antique Clothes Chest Latch Cutout
Antique Clothes Chest Bottom Before Stripping	Antique Clothes Chest Left Rear Foot (repair needed)	Antique Clothes Chest Right Rear Foot
Antique Clothes Chest Top Before Stripping		Antique Clothes Chest Inside Before Stripping

Posted October 19, 2014