A Properly Restored Antiquated Deco Vanity
by
Mary
I'm going to get this off my chest: I hate paint on wood. Hate, hate, hate it. It is my biggest pet peeve when it comes to decor. To a true blue carpenter, it is their idea of original sin. I treat these great pieces from yesteryear as endangered species worthy of proper restoration. I find that any furniture fashioned from cheap, composite or particle board is better suited for painting, but why ruin the beauty of wood grain when it ought to be accentuated and appreciated?
Of course, the ongoing feud of to paint or not to paint is all a matter of opinion, which I've observed is often debated on this particular site.
Of course, the ongoing feud of to paint or not to paint is all a matter of opinion, which I've observed is often debated on this particular site.
This is the poor, used and abused, deco vanity I rescued during last spring cleanup. It sat on the curb, in the rain wasting to further damage. I quickly snatched it up before it met the wrath of the garbage truck and brought it to my shop where I immediately evaluated the damage: warped panels, peeling veneer, water damage, chewing gum so solidified and indelibly adhered that it took an angle grinder to remove it. Thus began the long process of preparing it for my next step..
I gave the vanity a complete overhaul, restoring it to the deco glory it deserved. I made up my own deco patterns and applied them using the marquetry technique. To give it back it's purpose as a vanity I built this mirror to compliment the deco theme.
I'd be pretty curious to see the reaction of the folks who deemed this great antique as worthless trash.
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2 of 402 comments
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AMAZING JOB! This proves that you should never paint wood.
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Stunning!♥️
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One of the most stunning restorations or perhaps restyles I have ever seen. If I had created this I would be over the moon. I do some refinishing and some restyling and painting furniture. Have loved wood since a kid. But still, you know, not everyone could do this. And perhaps painting is better than discarding?
What kind of wood did you use for the tile effect on the top?
Im curious about the veneer also. I have a piece that it's coming off on the curves on the top. I was told to use thinned elmers glue. Im thinking that's not going to save it.