My mom's Kargis lingerie chest

Laura
by Laura
my Mom recently suffered a stroke and had to be moved, so I have inherited her very expensive Kargis lingerie chest. It is at least 30 yrs old, and has yellowed terribly. I'm thinking of painting it, but kind of nervous. Suggestions?
  26 answers
  • Terry Sheen Terry Sheen on Nov 25, 2015
    That is a beautiful piece of furniture. Not sure I would paint over it unless there was a lot of damage that could not be repaired. I`m not opposed to painting wood in some cases, but I think this is one that could be cleaned rather than painted. Not sure what to use to clean it though.
  • Darlene Lohrman Darlene Lohrman on Nov 25, 2015
    Personally The Yellow Just Shows It's Beautifully Aging... The Trend Now Is Painting Everything.... My Opinion--- Love It Just The Way It Is... It's Beautiful.. Nothing Like Regret!!!!
  • Tammy perrin Tammy perrin on Nov 25, 2015
    Never paint an expensive piece of furniture. I have had antiques for 40 years and that is kind of a rule, not to mention it devalues the piece.
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Nov 25, 2015
    I am sorry for your Mom. I will say that is a beautiful piece of art you received,however I would not paint it.I see the yellowing and my suggestion is to speak to a antique dealer as to how to tone the yellowing down and enjoy it.
  • Laura Davis-Miller Laura Davis-Miller on Nov 25, 2015
    Terry I agree except...she smoked and it has yellowed badly. It used to be white with silver trim. I've tried Murphys oil soap but I think the nicotine has gotten into the white paint 😯
  • Laura Laura on Nov 25, 2015
    It still smells like Mom inside 😢
    • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Nov 25, 2015
      @Laura Thats ok . Its your mom. Hold on to whatever keeps you going.I think maybe just put baking soda inside for the smoke and leave everything alone for now.
  • Laura Laura on Nov 25, 2015
    Thanks Janet. There's no smoke smell inside, only smells like my Mama. She kept her favorite smelling soaps in there.
  • Julie Julie on Nov 25, 2015
    So sweet, and how special! But please don't paint it! It will definitely devalue it. Ask an antique dealer what to do to treat the yellowing.
  • Patricia Patricia on Nov 26, 2015
    It's a beautiful piece. I've seen a lot of older white pieces that have a naturally aged to a yellowish patina. It has something to do with the oxidation process depending on the type of paint and varnish the manufacturer used. I would try living with it for a while and see if the color grows on you. If not then painting is certainly an option. If your skill levels are up to it then certainly you can do it yourself; otherwise, you could hire a professional painter. Either way it's beautiful and the sentimental value it gives you is priceless.
  • Victoria Larsen Stencils Victoria Larsen Stencils on Nov 26, 2015
    It's beautiful! If you do choose to paint it, wipe it with pure white vinegar to neutralize the odor and also give some "tooth" to help the primer and paint bond to the surface. But like the others, I think painting will devalue it if you plan to sell it.
  • Laura Laura on Nov 26, 2015
    Will never, ever sell this. I appreciate all the kind words. I think I'll probably just leave it the way it is.
  • Phyllis Phyllis on Nov 26, 2015
    Before you do anything, wipe the chest with a solution of 1/2 cup vegetable oil and 1/4 cup white vinegar. The results will be a splendor.
  • Laura Davis-Miller Laura Davis-Miller on Nov 26, 2015
    Curious Phyllis?
  • Sandy Hartnett Sandy Hartnett on Nov 26, 2015
    I don't know what it's worth but I would paint it black and gold and then appliqué it if you like I think it would be stunning ...hugs
  • Neva Dew Neva Dew on Nov 27, 2015
    My vote is to treasure it just like it is - maybe clean it a little - but don't alter it. That would take away the connection to your Mom
  • Trying cleaning it with TSP. Just follow directions. It might help clean the nicotine staining. or some white vinegar, baking soda, water and a bit of dawn dish soap. It's really up to you what color you want. If you will never sell it, then it doesn't matter what you do to 'devalue' it. Do to it whatever makes you happy or whatever goes with your decor. It's your memories that make it special.
  • Hb Hb on Nov 28, 2015
    Looks like a wonderful piece of furniture . However altering it could also alter its value . You may want to have it evaluated by an antique dealer .....then if you find out it is valuable you havent destroyed the value by fiddling with it . If it isnt worth great sums of money then you can do as you see fit , clean it, paint it whatever . There have been so many valueable pieces totally rendered valueless because someone took the finish off or altered it in some way . Do your homework first before deciding to alter it would be my suggestion.
  • Laura Davis-Miller Laura Davis-Miller on Nov 28, 2015
    Kargis furniture is expensive. Even back in the day. She paid $8000 for this piece.
  • Suze Suze on Nov 28, 2015
    Wouldn't change it. Just clean or maybe " restore" a little.
  • Phyllis Phyllis on Nov 28, 2015
    Believe me, this really works. Put this on a terry cloth towel, rub in well then buff with a clean cloth and you will be surprised.
  • Pat falk Pat falk on Nov 29, 2015
    it's simple. if you don't care for it and could use the money, sell it. if you like it or love it, then decide if you also like the paint. if not, chalk paint it and enjoy it's lovely shape! either way, you win! enjoy it!
    • Laura Laura on Nov 29, 2015
      @Pat Falk of course I care about it and as I said above, I'll never sell it
  • Pat falk Pat falk on Nov 29, 2015
    laura, i hope you weren't somehow offended by my comment. you didn't say you'd never sell it or that you loved it, you only said it was 30 yrs. old and you inherited from your mom. i hope she is doing ok. i know well what you are going thru. st regards, pat
  • Laura Davis-Miller Laura Davis-Miller on Nov 29, 2015
    @pat Falk, you must not have read any of the comments
  • Phyllis Phyllis on Dec 04, 2015
    Karen, "this" is a great cleaning product for old furniture, (and new as a matter of fact). It is simply equal parts of vegetable oil and white vinegar. Try it!
  • Ksw2568271 Ksw2568271 on Dec 06, 2015
    I think it is absolutely beautiful the way it is.
  • Laura Davis-Miller Laura Davis-Miller on Dec 06, 2015
    I'm just going to keep and cherish it just the way it is. Thanks Ladies