🌟 Heritage Chest Make-Over
Mahogany Blanket Chest Restoration
A family-heirloom blanket chest arrived in our workshop looking tired and blotchy after decades of heat, humidity, and an unfortunate planter-pot spill. Today it's a deep, glass-smooth showpiece ready to anchor our client's guest bedroom.
The Starting Point
Water & Heat Damage
Water & heat stains had etched cloudy rings across the entire lid
Sun Fading
Sun-faded panels left the frame two full shades lighter than the top
Surface Damage
Fine-surface scratches & dents dulled the once-lively mahogany grain
Hardware Issues
Drawer runners were binding and the handmade pulls were caked with wax
What We Did
Finish Removal
Process:
Hand-scraped the old shellac, followed by eco-stripper & a nylon brush
Purpose:
Exposed raw timber without raising the grain
Progressive Sanding
Process:
100 → 150 → 220 grit on the top, plus detail sanding inside mouldings
Purpose:
Erased water marks & levelled decades of uneven wear
Grain Revival
Process:
Wet-down & final 320-grit 'slurry sand' to minimise grain-raise
Purpose:
Left the surface silky pre-finish
Custom Dye Stain
Process:
Warm cherry-mahogany mix hand-rubbed in two coats
Purpose:
Restored uniform tone while highlighting cathedral grain & knots
Oil-Based Sealer
Process:
Flood-coat of tung-oil/poly blend, burnished between coats
Purpose:
Locked in colour, added depth, hardened the surface
High-Build Satin Varnish
Process:
Three sprayed coats, de-nibbed to 800 grit, then a final rub-out with micro-mesh
Purpose:
Created a low-sheen 'piano-smooth' top resistant to spills
Hardware Refurb
Process:
Pulled, stripped & French-polished original timber handles; lubricated runners
Purpose:
Drawers now glide softly and keep their vintage charm
The Transformation
Stunning Visual Appeal
Deep ruby-brown lustre reveals swirling heartwood and a striking knot feature – no more cloudy haze.
Perfect Color Match
Uniform colour match between lid and panels restores the piece's architectural lines.
Piano-Smooth Finish
Silk-satin finish repels water rings and cleans with a single wipe.
Vintage Functionality
Whisper-smooth drawers retain original keyholes for that classic period look.
"I never realised this chest was hiding such beautiful grain. It looks museum-ready!"— Client reaction
Expert Techniques Used
Hand-Scraped Removal
Careful removal of old shellac without damaging the underlying mahogany
Progressive Sanding
Multi-grit sanding process from 100 to 320 grit for perfect smoothness
Custom Color Matching
Hand-mixed cherry-mahogany stain to restore original color depth
Tung Oil Sealing
Deep penetrating oil seal with poly blend for durability
Piano-Smooth Finish
Three coats of varnish with 800-grit de-nibbing and micro-mesh
French Polish Hardware
Traditional French polishing on original timber handles
Have a Family Heirloom That Needs Restoration?
Transform your treasured furniture with our museum-quality restoration services. We specialize in heritage pieces and antique furniture restoration.