The old Settee

My sister purchased an old house and needed to find furniture that fit her design ideas.  Now that was a challenge I could handle.  So we began looking.  My husband found these old pieces and we brought them home.  The frames were solid with hand carved detail.  I did not want to strip these pieces because I did not want to alter the detail.  I wanted to find a way to bring the finish back to life and get rid of the oxidation and damage that had occurred over the years.  In the process I got to learn some new tricks and apply some old ones.  

I can't give away all the trade secrets but I will tell you that Formby's is my best friend, stain gives life and you cannot work on furniture without triple ought steel wool.  The result?  Amazing!  The wood came back to life, every detail was spared and the normal wear just enhances the age of the pieces.  They are now timeless pieces that will grace a home for years to come.  In the final picture you will see that the owner has decided to re-upholster these pieces in tartan plaid...from Scotland.