Updates have been kind of slow lately – the last part of winter wasn’t very active for restoration projects but spring has brought back the many yard sales, auctions, and antique shows where I typically find things to rebuild. So far this year I’ve scored a set of penny scales and a goat wagon – none of which needed any major restoration. I also got a candy store-sized brass cash register which will be the subject of a future post (when I find the time!)
Yet again though I bought myself a blanket chest – only this time it’s a domed top. I’ve not seen one of these before and certainly don’t own one. It was a perfect size to be a toy box for my son. It features hand carved dovetail joints, wood nails, and is made from yellow pine (my favorite).
I found it at an antique show where I bought it off a guy who was packing up for the day. It was white painted over brown and the paint was in rough shape. Once again I was faced with the dilemma of leaving it “original” but I decided that since the chest was missing it’s original handles, hinges, and key – it was OK to ahead and refinish it completely. I paid $50 for it….
I bumped the sandpaper down to 60 grit and went to work…
After the first round of sanding….
Completely sanded. I finished up with 180 grit. About 2 hours total.
Two coats of Danish Oil (Golden Oak). I also added the rope handles so it could be moved around and the chain to keep the lid from falling back. I didn’t touch the inside of the chest…
T
Restoration on a Shoestring 