Thread: 1930's Art Deco Kitchen Dresser

I have my eye on a couple of simple Art Deco Lowboys.

Big trouble is the interiors have been absolutely butchered.
Still, I may be able to tidy them up enough in that regard
to make them saleable. The exteriors simply need stripping
shellacking. Would have to also make my own Art Deco handles
for each unit. I'm going to check them out on Saturday.

Some more updates ....

The veneer patch.
Not perfect, but it's hard to get them perfect
It doesn't seem to draw the eye.

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The top has had it's first coat of shellac.
This is a lovely board. Cherry I think. Great figure.
It's a shame that you would have to be 6 1/2 foot tall to really appreciate it

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Tweaking the drawer runners.
I ended up just turning the originals upside down.
It's interesting that there is only one case runner for each drawer. On alternate sides.
Manufacturing shortcut I suppose.

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Soaking the cane moldings prior to fitting.
I've pre-drilled the ends to prevent splitting. Also I'll tap (flatten) the points of the pins I'll be using just in case.

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I've given everything a coat of shellac now. I'll give it a rub back with fine steel wool, and re-coat the drier areas.
I've cleaned the shelves and will probably just give these a wax.

Off to fit the moldings now.

Cheers all ....

Just about done ....

The shelves have been cleaned and waxed. All the rails have been polished.
The sides will need more rubbing.

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I do have some help occasionally

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I've fitted the doors now and adjusted the catches.

Apart from more polish on the sides and an overall wax, we're just about there.

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I'll post a final glamour shot when completely finished.

Cheers all ...

congratulations on a job well done, did you keep track of how many hours it took?

lovely

Originally Posted by shedbound

congratulations on a job well done, did you keep track of how many hours it took?

Thanks.
Not really. A job like this is almost always a write-off. You couldn't charge an reasonable hourly rate and expect to be paid
This was for a friend in any case.
I don't mind restoring furniture for myself, but I don't think I could make a living out of it.

Originally Posted by NCArcher

lovely

Thank you ....it's had it's fun moments.

bravabrava

Great restoration!! The sheen is just right!!!

Originally Posted by artme

bravabrava

Great restoration!! The sheen is just right!!!

Thanks artme

The sides will need a bit more nourishment.

A buffed waxed look is best.

cheers

Nicely done! I'm not overly keen on that style of cabinet myself, but you've certainly done a great job of refurbishing it!

Now, all we need are a few side-by-side "before & after" pix in the same msg, so we can properly appreciate the improvement w/out needing to flick back thru pages.

Originally Posted by Skew ChiDAMN!!

Nicely done! I'm not overly keen on that style of cabinet myself, but you've certainly done a great job of refurbishing it!

Now, all we need are a few side-by-side "before & after" pix in the same msg, so we can properly appreciate the improvement w/out needing to flick back thru pages.

Thanks ...

Deco is not my thing really, but it's a useful piece of furniture.

I'll post side by side when I take the final photo. The last photos were a bit rushed, and I didn't have standing room to take a full frontal shot.

Watch this space

Thumbthumper... a lovely job and a truly nice piece of furniture... well done.

Mick.

I've just watched the cabinet driving off into the distance.
Back home to stay.

Before ...

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After ...

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Thanks to all that had a look.

Now off to find another project.

Nice job!
I love the shine you got on the timber.

Stewie

What a great thread and an excellent refurb, hats off to you!

Out of curiosity how long did it take to complete?