Antique Tool Box Makeover

Tool Box After

Tool Box Before

This was an interesting refinishing project that Jim had. Our customer had inherited this antique tool box from her grandfather. Jim had researched this toolbox to get an idea on its age and determined it was approximately one hundred years old, possibly more. It had seen better days for sure but Jim was up for the challenge. Made of durable, sturdy tiger oak, this toolbox would be repurposed as a jewelry box. 

Someone had used old floor tiles to line the drawers, so Jim was concerned that they may have used asbestos tiles, so we had it tested and it turned out to be safe, no asbestos. Once that was determined, he began the tedious process of removed all the hardware and carefully peeling off the old tiles to expose the interior wood. It was in rough shape, but the goal would be to line it with burgundy felt which would protect the jewelry it would hold. 

After he had the wood refinished, he installed the newly polished hardware which turned  out beautiful. My job was the line the interior with the felt, carefully applying it to cover the old wood. The color was the right choice and it was transformed to a lovely jewelry box which will last for generations to come.

Antique Jewelry Box

Jewelry Box Before

Jewelry Box After

This mahogany jewelry box had been in this man's family for many years as it had belonged to his grandfather. It had seen some use and it looked like someone tried to repair it, but wasn't very successful. With masking tape on top, this lovely old piece crying out to be refinished.

This wasn't my typical refinishing job, but I'm always up to a challenge, so I gave it my best attention. I actually enjoyed this "table top" restoration, which was a refreshingly small job compared to some of the monster jobs I've done in the past years. The years had taken their toll on this box as it had darkened with oxidation and wear.