Restoration 101

Restoration 101

Restoration 101: Breathing New Life into Vintage Treasures

At Ohio Vintage, restoration isn’t just a service—it’s the soul of our business. Every vintage piece we find holds a story, and our mission is to revive that story with authenticity, respect, and craftsmanship. Whether it’s a water-stained walnut credenza or a Danish chair with a wobbly leg, we treat each project like a work of art.

Step-by-Step: Our Restoration Process

1. Initial Assessment

We begin with a thorough evaluation. Our trained eyes look for:

  • Structural damage like broken joints or unstable frames

  • Surface issues including deep scratches, fading, or water rings

  • Any previous repairs that need correcting or improving

Each piece gets a tailored restoration plan—no shortcuts, ever.

2. Careful Disassembly

We methodically take the piece apart to access joints, hidden hardware, and veneer. This gives us a clear path for repairs and ensures we preserve as many original components as possible.

3. Surface Restoration

This is where transformation begins:

  • Hand Sanding: We gently sand to remove old finishes while protecting the original wood integrity.

  • Stain Matching: We mix stains in-house to match or elevate the original tone, depending on the piece’s character and history.

  • Finishing: This step seals the work and brings out the wood’s natural beauty.

4. Structural Repairs

We reinforce frames, reglue joints, and replace damaged wood only when absolutely necessary—always with period-appropriate materials. Our goal is to keep the piece as original as possible while making it sturdy and functional again.

5. Final Polish & Quality Check

Once rebuilt and finished, every piece is thoroughly cleaned, polished, and inspected. The result is a fully revitalized heirloom ready for a second life.

Tools, Materials, and Mastery

We never compromise on quality. The tools and finishes we use are industry-standard for a reason—they help us honor the original craftsmanship while ensuring each piece is built to last:

  • Mohawk Professional Finishes – Our go-to choice for midcentury modern furniture. They deliver the authentic look and long-lasting protection true to the era.

  • Other professional coatings – Used for traditional and specialty restorations, carefully selected based on the specific needs of the project.

  • Festool Dust Extractors – For clean, precise sanding and a safer work environment.

  • Precision Hand Tools – Including chisels, clamps, and scrapers used for fine woodworking and structural repairs.

  • Wood Glues & Fillers – Chosen to match original grain patterns and strength, ensuring seamless repairs.

Paired with skilled craftsmanship and a deep respect for design history, these materials help us bring each vintage piece back to life with integrity.

Why Restoration Matters

Restoring vintage furniture is about more than just making it look good—it’s about preserving history and bringing timeless design into the present. Each project we complete is a tribute to the original maker and a sustainable alternative to mass-produced furniture.

When you purchase a piece from Ohio Vintage, you’re not just buying furniture—you’re investing in something meaningful, built to last, and full of character.

Let’s Restore Together

Have a piece in need of restoration? Want to learn more about our current inventory or custom work? Contact us or follow us on Instagram for behind-the-scenes looks, project updates, and midcentury inspiration.

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