Restored Walnut Vintage Sideboard Credenza

I restored this beautiful vintage walnut MCM sideboard / credenza in a hemp oiled finish to bring out the gorgeous grain.

This vintage piece did not fair well in storage, there was some water damage on that front edge.

The MCM walnut beauty served us well in our last home but there was not a space in our new house. However I will restore it to its former beauty.

Hardware was removed and everything was wiped clean and left to dry.

I started the restoration by using my handy carbide scraper from Richard tools to remove the loose old finish. (video above)

The scraper did good work on the top.

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The drawer and door fronts required stripper to remove the original intact finish.

I grabbed my jug of EZ Strip paint and varnish stripper and gave it a good shake up.

Using a Dixie Belle chip brush I applied the EZ Strip paint and varnish stripper in a thick layer all over the areas. I allowed it to do its thing for awhile.

When it started to lift I scraped the goop off and wiped down with clean water and a cloth to neutralize it.

The surfaces were then power sanded smooth.

Again out came the EZ Strip paint and varnish stripper for the sides.

This time clear recycled plastic was used to cover to help work better and not dry out as fast.

The one side worked well and once the goop was scraped off it was neutralized with clean water and scrubbed with a green scotch brite pad to remove the remaining finish.

The other end was more stubborn. The scraper worked on the top but the stubborn old finish even after striper was applied did not work on all areas. After neutralizing and let dry it was power sanded smooth.

All surfaces were then power sanded smooth with finer grit paper. All was gone over with a Dixie Belle sanding sponge to go another step smoother.

I chose a natural option for the new finish; Dixie Belle Howdy Do Hemp Oil. It was applied with a blue shop towel. Look how it brings out the amazing walnut grain on the right drawer front!

watch this application video and see how is absorbs and instantly brings out the gorgeous grain.

Links to the Dixie Belle products are for your convenience. My affiliation with this paint company does not increase prices on your end, your purchases via my links do however provide a small subsidy which allows me to keep providing these tutorials. Thank you!

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All surfaces including the back and inside were hemp oiled as well. Allow to absorb for about 20 minutes and wipe off excess with a clean blue shop towel.

Over the next week 4 coats were applied until the wood no longer accepted the oil.

The backing had old nails removed and new ones added to secure everything properly.

The unique original hardware was scrubbed, dried then polished with metal polish to bring out the shine.

The hardware was put back on and it is complete.

My husband helped me hauled it in to be staged

Links to the Dixie Belle products are for your convenience. My affiliation with this company does not increase prices on your end, your purchases via my links do however provide a small subsidy which allows me to keep providing these free tutorials. Thank you!

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