Vintage vs. Modern Updates:
When to Restore and When to Paint

In the world of furniture refinishing, there’s always a bit of a dance between honoring a piece’s original design and giving it a fresh, updated look. The big question? Whether to restore a piece to its former glory or add modern touches with paint. Over the years, I’ve found my rhythm when it comes to deciding between the two, but each piece still presents its own unique challenge.

My Philosophy: Value, Condition, and Character

When deciding whether to restore or paint, I start by looking at the value of the piece if it were fully restored. For example, if I’m lucky enough to come across a Mid-Century Modern (MCM) piece from a recognizable maker—one of those gems with beautiful lines and craftsmanship—I’ll usually go for restoration. Even if it’s been previously painted, I’ll strip it back to reveal the wood, as long as there’s little to no veneer damage. This way, I preserve its history and showcase what made it valuable in the first place.

But what about those pieces with some not-so-charming battle scars? If there’s moderate veneer damage, I do my best to only paint the affected areas, after filling any gaps with Bondo. This allows me to keep as much of the wood exposed as possible. Take this piece, for example:

This buffet had moderate veneer damage and even a hole on one side that looked like someone had given it a good kick! After patching up the damaged areas with Bondo, I used paint to blend those spots seamlessly with the rest of the piece. The green accents not only cover up repairs but also add a pop of modern color that complements the original design.

When Painting Makes Sense: Adding Value for Today’s Market

If a piece isn’t a known maker or a particularly popular style, I feel more freedom to be creative with it—after all, if it doesn’t have historical significance, I can make it into something that today’s market will value. This means accenting any intricate veneer or wood details and painting the more plain, utilitarian areas. In these cases, I choose colors that both complement the piece and appeal to my buyers, like muted earth tones, deep navy, slate, and warm creams.

Fully Restoring a Treasure: When Wood Speaks for Itself

Then there are those pieces that just demand a full restoration. Recently, I worked on a solid cherry wood buffet—no veneer here, just pure quality wood. With its arched door panels and elegant hardware, this piece was all about craftsmanship and rich cherry tones. Restoration was the obvious choice; with wood this beautiful, paint would have felt like a crime.

For pieces like this, I keep the natural wood as the main star, using products like wipe-on poly or spray-on shellac to enhance and protect the wood. A high-quality finish brings out the depth and luster of the wood, giving it that timeless look that fits any space without needing trendy updates.

The Decision-Making Process: Balancing History and Popularity

The biggest challenge, honestly, is in the decision-making. I’m personally a sucker for wood grain, but not everyone shares that love. Finding a balance between what a piece’s history calls for and what today’s buyers want can be tricky. There’s always that temptation to add a little something extra, but I’ve learned to step back and let the piece “tell me” what it needs.

Tips and Lessons Learned

Of course, I’ve made my fair share of rookie mistakes. One time, I didn’t rinse off my cleaner thoroughly, which led to my primer flaking off—a quick lesson in taking your time with prep work! Over time, I’ve gathered a set of products that help me get professional, durable finishes every time. Here are some of my go-to tools:

• Bondo – Perfect for filling veneer gaps, dents and holes in wood.

• Primer – Essential for getting paint to adhere, especially after cleaning and sanding.

• Electric Sander and Sanding Discs – For smooth, even surfaces.

• Spray-on Shellac – Great for sealing wood that will bleed through paint.

• Wood Touch up Kit – For touch-ups and small imperfections in veneer or wood grain.

• Wipe-on Poly – For a subtle, hand-rubbed look on restored wood; I like a satin finish.

Final Thoughts

Each piece of furniture has its own story, and part of my job is to decide whether that story needs a new twist or a simple polish. For me, refinishing is about balancing respect for history with an eye for today’s tastes. And if you’re ever faced with the decision to restore or paint, just remember: there’s no wrong answer, only what feels right for the piece and for you.

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