A long time ago, when my mother’s father (Grandpa Nat) moved out of his apartment into assisted living, all the grandchildren came to collect his things. Some took many items: his organ, couches, dishes and bedroom sets. I remember taking just four things: A set of candlesticks, his encyclopedia, a small notebook with his hand-written notes from being an aircraft mechanic, and his old flip top style desk. The desk was run-down, but charming, with a bookcase above, flip down writing surface and some organizers slots, with drawers below.
I used the desk for many years – in my bachelor pad it was the place I organized and paid my bills. Each time I would use it, I would think about my grandfather, who was a gentle fellow, always thoughtful and caring. He taught himself to play violin and organ, and was truly a nice man. He did not hear well, but was inventive and curious. There’s no doubt that my willingness to try new things came from his DNA.
The desk was in our guest room when we lived in Larchmont, but has languished in our basement since we moved to White Plains. Cam moved into an apartment in Philly this year and asked if she could use the desk. I decided it would be a great family project to fix it up. The desk contains both mahogany and veneer, and I have never attempted to refinish a veneer before. The last few weeks were spent rough sanding the drawers, and today Cam and Ali assisted me in some additional rough sanding of the base, removing hardware and preparing it for a refinish. We’re basically taking it down to the bones.
I will follow up with progress as we go!
Update: 3/28/25
Update: We have officially completed all the sanding! Starting with 100 grit, then 120, 150 and finally 220 making the mahogany smooth. It feels great!
Cam and I also checked the stain color on a recent visit, and it looks good. We are all set to clean the shop and start the finishing process!
Update 5/6/2025
I was able to make great progress in the last two weeks. Sherry and I plan to see Cam for Mother’s day weekend (which is shortly after her birthday), and it would be a great to delivery the completed desk at the same time. So, the project has gained some urgency.
After removing dust from the workshop, giving the piece a thorough cleaning, I began the staining process with Minwax wood stain “Espresso” #273. At first, it looked a bit blotchy and I was concerned. But once the first coat dried overnight, the colors evened out and I really liked the tone. A second coat, brought it to exactly what I was hoping for.
After the stain set and dried, it was time to provide a finish coat. I considered a number of finishes. Since the desk is so old, I ruled out polyurethane because it would have a plastic look and feel. After a bit of research, I decided to try a hand-applied lacquer as the top coat, and began the very smelly process of applying 3 coats to each surface. This was my first time working with lacquer and I really like the results.
The desk is now together awaiting a couple of finishing items. I am proud of how it came out! Enjoy the pictures.
