Green Restoration: Elevating a Pine Dresser for Environmental Good
In the small town of Erligheim, where history breathes through cobblestone streets and the Grüne Baum (Green Tree) Inn stands as an iconic relic of the past, a piece of furniture with its own story was given a second chance. Recently I had the privilege of meeting the owner of this solid piece as they embarked on the emotional journey of clearing out their family-run business, which had served the community for over 90 years. The purpose behind this endeavour? To pave the way for their well-deserved retirement plans.
The Grüne Baum Inn, a place that had nourished both the hungry and thirsty travellers for countless years, was filled with remnants of the past. Furniture that no longer had a place found itself in limbo. Amid this poignant process of transition, a few gems managed to survive. I claimed a couple to work on independently but one treasure, this pine chest of drawers was earmarked for a new role in their new home.
The Journey of Renewal Begins
Like any restoration project, the process started with a thorough cleaning. A gentle treatment with soap and water washed away the dust of time, preparing the canvas for transformation. The surface was then sanded meticulously to eliminate any remaining stains and achieve a clean, smooth foundation.
The porous nature of pine and its tendency to bleed, particularly around knots, prompted the application of a blocking layer. Yellow Chair’s Isoliergrund came to the rescue, ensuring that the piece’s history did not leave behind any unwanted odours.
A Vision for the Future
Given the creative freedom to chart a new story for this dresser, a vision emerged. The piece was to embrace darker tones, evoking an antique and vintage charm. To achieve this look, a dark water-based stain by Clou was artfully applied to the top and two drawers. Subsequent sanding balanced out the colour, allowing the golden undertones to shine through. For protection and an exquisite sheen, Gilboy’s Antique Gold wax was selected, polished to perfection with an Oli Natura white polishing pad typically used for massaging oil into wood. The result was so captivating that it left me intrigued about the possibility of employing this technique in future endeavours.
Bringing the Vision to Life
The body, feet, and remaining drawers of the chest received a fresh start with Homestead House’s Milk Paint in Coal Black. The aim was to achieve a rustic, aged appearance with carefully distressed edges. After the initial coat, the surface was treated to a dose of Hemp Oil by Fusion, followed by a meticulous wet sanding. While this nourished the wood, the finish was not quite what I had in mind. The final touch was a coat of wax, enriched with a hint of Black pigment to deepen the tone and enhance the sheen.
Attention to Detail
No restoration is complete without tending to the finer details. Loose screws on the drawer slides were tightened, and the drawers received a generous waxing. To encapsulate the final image, the old wooden knobs were replaced with new bronze patina metal hanging rings. These details played a pivotal role in creating the work of art you see today.
To be honest, I wasn’t entirely sure how this rather unassuming piece would transform. But the result is undeniably satisfying. The greatest challenge lay in staining the top to achieve that timeless, aged look, but every ounce of effort has proven worthwhile.
The Grüne Baum Inn’s pine chest of drawers has been reborn, carrying with it a piece of history into a new era. It stands as a testament to the power of restoration and the beauty that can emerge from the union of the past and the present. As I gaze upon this impressive piece, I can’t help but wonder about the stories it holds and the stories it will inspire in its newfound home.
