Finish By Design

Once upon a time there was a 1950 dated dresser set with a blonde finish that was in need of an update. But in this case we did an old school process using a vinegar/steel wool aging solution. It cast a gray worn look and then gets a coat of Sherwin Williams fast dry catalyzed sealer, with a finishing coat of catalyzed lacquer. Notice all the different tones in the wood creating a beautiful contrasted appearance. I also added a picture of what's called a story board showing the process.

This project was a two part effort with some help from L.E. Phillips Career Development Center. If you need hand weaving, that's the place to go. Afterwards it came back to my shop for additional love and cleaning. The goal was remove the dirt but keep the patina. Last was a fresh clear sealer and finished with catalyzed lacquer.

In today's moment of cuteness we finished up restoring this pony rocking chair. I don't know how many generations have sat pretending to play cowboys or how many little ladies won the barrel races. I am glad to say many more will enjoy their next adventure in just being an innocent child. Innocent children have the right to remain innocent in this God forsaken world.

Sometimes the fun begins with finding just the right piece, then playing around with a little black dye, sand paper and clearcoat for added moisture protection. It had a cheap finish, but received a serious upgrade to vinyl sealer then top coated with catalyzed lacquer. This will have a new home in my bathroom.

Sometimes we do doors, and then there are mega doors. Here is a little bit of the process involved in restoring one along with a few favorite tools Notice the smaller door next to it. That's a standard 36" door

Where are all the DIY people I have way more projects and ideas than time. Come take a look at my junk, and take a stroll through the store. It's time to clear out and make room dressers, buffets, piano luds and legs. A gentleman's dresser. Metal pulleys would make a great table base. Located at 111 west spring street chippewa falls 715 723 6400

Another project finished. Solid oak commode stained with Sherwin Williams dark oak then washed with vmp naphtha. SW fast dry vinyl sealer then top coated with catalyzed lacquer. I like to leave some of the patina on the original hardware, it brings out more detail.

Today's cool looking one of a kind. Originally these were part of a dressing table, but now there are a set of matching end tables. I started with gluing down the loose veneer, black dye, gray washout and finished with catalyzed lacquer. $125

Today I wanted to feature a few items up-cycled from old chairs. Simple but elegant parts framed for fun. Come take a look there are still plenty of item in the store for sale

I have a store full of stuff that needs a new home. Time for a sale. If you see something you like, stop in and make an offer.

Sometimes it takes awhile to figure out what to build from salvaged furniture. Can you guess what this was built from? Parts of it are solid maple and others are walnut. The finish is a brown dye, vinyl sealer, then a finish coat of catalyzed lacquer. Solid mounting using a steel wall bar. They are the metal version of a french cleat. This is up for sale at $200

A little piece of history we did for a client. This is a poured epoxy end table. This was an end cut of one of the white pines they took at old hope cemetery a few years ago. Notice the aluminum bow ties used to stabilized the wood after major cracks formed as it dried.

For years I have walked by this sign. My business in many way is a part of preserving the past. It was time to give this sign some love. We all appreciate the trail through the woods. RIP Mr. Thaler

Its been a rock around the clock weekend.

Today we are working on a project for the Chippewa Falls Library and I want to extend a special thank you for all who donated their gum to the bottom of the table. I hope I made someone smile and maybe stirred a few memories for all who loved the taste of Double Bubble, Orbit and of course Bazooka Joe...HAHAHA

Another project is completed. It had a few veneer issues so I used a stain first and then a brown dye around the edges. Elegant is the word in my opinion that best describes the finished piece.

Queen size headboard with matching bedside tables. Comes with a metal frame. $150 takes it home

Just a few things for sale in my DIY section. I think the white piano parts could make a one of a kind coffee table. And those end tables need a paint job to become matching side tables

I think this old cabinet came out looking pretty cool. It was re-glued and the top crown needed some love. Painted with Opex and has a slight distressed finish.

The time has come to disperse the treasures I have been working on. In other words I am having a sale starting tomorrow September 25th and 26th starting at 9AM. I also have plenty of junk collectors specials for the DIY crowd. Please come shopping so I have less to dust.

In the land of sanding dust and paint fumes, I have a confession. I have been a Messy Marvin! I am happy to announce the show room has reached an all new level of dust thickness and has been closed for several weeks. But on this very rainy day the ladies from "A Knack for Cleaning" will be put to the test. There are spiderwebs to remove, dust, debris and clutter, not to mention a clan of mice have left little turds on my desk. Yuck! My wife would be ashamed but not surprised. The store will be opening soon and I will be having my summer sale with in the next few weeks. But first let the cleaning begin!

Once upon a time little children sat in these desk, placed bubble gum under the seats, passed notes, and said the pledge of allegiance. Now they can again

This was a fun project. The table was finished with a cream colored washcoat effect and then conversion varnish. The base has the same finish in dark gray.

Recently I created a few new lights of my life. The warmth of the glow could become a nightlight or just a one of a kind lamp for ambiance. They once were used as oil heaters but now have a different purpose. Copper and black or rusty red to pick from.

Once upon a time a dude picked up an old crate sitting along the road by Four Corners in Chippewa, and with a paint splotch here and a little sanding there it became a bookshelf

The story continues. This beautiful table is about completed. The last change is to add a 2.5 inch block between the table slides and base to raise the table to a standard height of 30 inches. 52 inch round with 5- 9 inch leads grand measurement of almost 8 feet and plenty of seating for family and friends.

Welcome to my colorful chemical kitchen. Today we are using three colors to custom match a stain. Two of the colors are stock Sherwin Williams wiping stains and the third is a yellow custom tint. The project being finished is a 52 inch round oak table with 5 leafs. I will post the finished table at another time. Notice the soup ladle, that my friends is my new creative way to not make a big mess pouring stain from the gallon containers.

After much repair, love, stain, and a few coats of conversion varnish I present to you. Miss Mega Table. I am working on another table this week that is larger. .

This cedar chest was a rough one before I decided it needed my love and attention. Most of the veneer was ruined and peeling away but I had to save the walnut burrel that is front and center. I added a pop of color, distressed, and finished it is Sherwin Williams catalyzed lacquer. Its on display for sale in my showroom.

Dearly dissambled today as we gather in the land of sawdust and fumes we bring back to life these chairs with wood glue and clamps. May they never be wobbly again. Can I get an AMEN.

Today we have been finishing a very ornate bean shaped bench. Although I am not sure of the manufacturing date I do believe this was hand carved.

I wonder what stories this desk could tell? When it came into the shop it had some rust issues and was in need of some love. I wonder how many children have sat on the seat? What school was it in? Who was the teacher who helped the child to learn? What books were placed inside? Now with this new retro black and white paint job, it will soon be placed in the room of another student and it has a new chance to have a child sit and read a book or solve a math problem.... Homework once again...

Here is today funky finished project. The cabinet has a water base color, then it was distressed and clear coats were applied to add more protection.

Total rebuild. Guessing late 1800.

Finish By Design

A friend of mine was cleaning wood scraps and other odds and ends out if his basement hmm what can I make with this stuff? So I decided to apply a little creative thinking and design. This is what I came up with. I think its called a shelf? And my sarcastic love's the box details of the wood joints and distressed finish.

Some projects require toothbrush work to exploit and clean the details. For the love of mahogany I hope you like this table

Today we are rocking the shop. We just finished restoring this vintage RCA Victor radio. We be jamming. Classic player booming classic rock.

Finish By Design's cover photo