Ascension Furniture

05/18/2023

12/14/2022

Another product post!
Here's some things that I use for cracks and splits that can't be glued or manually adjusted.What I use depends on the size of cavity I need to fill. From smallest to largest it's: wax, wood filler, and then epoxy putty.

The wax has a bit of flexibility as there's two ways to apply it. The ones on the right of the picture that look almost like crayons are meant to be rubbed vigorously into a crack. They are a medium hardness.

The long thin sticks are a much harder wax, and can't be rubbed in. There's different tools to melt and apply these waxes, but I just use a small flat metal applicator, hold it over a candle flame to heat it, then use it to melt wax into the cavity and spread it evenly.

Love wax! More about it soon!

12/12/2022

Touch up product time!

When the client wants to keep the finish as is, and not strip for a new finish altogether, but there's color that's flaked off or scratches that need to be corrected, touching up color is the way to go. So as I did before, here's the next post about some of the things I personally use and have found to be the best fit for me. Wax is also important for scratches and cracks, but I'll post about that in the next few days

I hope this gives you some insight on a direction you could try to help get through touch up jobs quickly.

Good luck all, and questions are always welcome!

12/08/2022

So here's another piece with everything I used. So it was just a simple refinish with a couple minor structural repairs. But just doing a clear coat and calling it quits is something I can't make myself do, I can't help doing more!

So from left to right, a mixture of 3 different dyes were used for the sides. All front is walnut, but sides were poplar, so had to dye to match.

After lacquer, did the glaze on a few pieces on the doors that were a totally different tone. That helped bring the color closer together.

Then the black shadow toner to help the colors match even more.

Then steel wool with l**e, then oil/wax on that. I usually just use wax and/or oil when rubbing the finish, but broke it into two steps for this piece.

So when people say they restore furniture and you think it's just a simple strip and spray, that couldn't be further from the truth!

Hope this helps!!

12/07/2022

I've had a few people asking me to post some of the products that I use, and I thought that was a great idea! When I was starting out, it was very hard to know which direction to go as I was self-taught, so hopefully I can help a few people.

One thing I discovered (and am hooked on!) was Japanese saws. Western/English/European saws all cut on the push stroke, but Japanese saws cut on the pull. This allows way more control for delicate cutting, and also allows the width (kerf) to be extremely thin. With restoration comes a lot of damaged and missing parts, and these are a staple in fabricating new pieces. Below is also a closeup of and English saw and a Japanese saw. The teeth on the Japanese saw are so small, precision is their specialty!

12/03/2022

Had to refinish this badly damaged top. Dye and glaze to color match and good as new!

12/03/2022

Refinished with a slate gray color. This is a first for me, but I think it's a great look.

11/05/2022

This table had a lot of damage to take care of. The top was broken into 4 pieces, all warped, and there was damage all over, including the legs. I think it turned out quite well!

08/06/2022

Had a helper at the shop today!

08/06/2022

I don't use paint often, but I thought this was a great look.