Desk refinish

[LuckyCharms]

My dad picked this up somewhere when I was about 7 years old.

The "before" picture doesn't really show how much the finished was messed up, but it looked pretty terrible. it has been in the family for over 60 years.

I consulted some experts and determined it did not really have any historical significance, nor was it unusually valuable, so I refinished it some years ago.

Stripped chemically, and hand-sanded. Replaced damaged back with hardwood lauan plywood. Mixed 3 stains together to get the color I wanted. 7 coats of wipe-on polyurethane. Replaced hinges. put knobs into a vice to bend them back to original shape. Heated knobs in a slow cooker to clean them. Had to drive 100 miles to have someone re-silver the mirrors, there was no one local who would do it.

Sorry if this is a repeat. I have no idea if I posted this before. if I did, it would have been years ago.

Before:


After:

[True Dough]

1. Do you

still have a VCR?

[LuckyCharms]

2. Noooo...I did this years ago.

Just going through my pics and came across these.

[True Dough]

3. Oh, I see

Well, nice job with the desk, Lucky.

I'm sure your dad would be impressed.

[WhiteTara]

4. you really improved its looks!

want to come refinish mine?

[LuckyCharms]

5. I would, White Tara...

but I never want to smell mineral spirits again!

I'm taking another look at these pics...

What appears to be splotches on the wood is just the natural wood grain.

The front lid is planks that are glued together.

The pics don't do it justice...it's a beautiful piece. I love the grain, especially on the top most drawer.

[WhiteTara]

6. I agree that the top drawer's wood grain

is beautiful and you really brought out its glory. Good job, my friend.

[Niagara]

7. That's a charming desk, Lucky

You did a fantastic refinish on this piece too! It's beautiful~!



There's a vintage secretary desk in my possession that has a messed up leg and needs help. It looks similar to yours but sans the mirror.


I have the information about this desk in one of my notebooks but I don't know which notebook it's in. The only thing I remember is that it was made in Rochester, NY. And unfortunately I can't physically get to the desk to look at it.

I know I have a digital photo of it too but I'd have to look for that too.

[LuckyCharms]

11. ooops...responded to your final post before seeing this one!

Edit to add...and thank you!

[debm55]

8. LuckyCharms, that is beautiful.

[LuckyCharms]

12. Thanks a lot, Deb!

[Niagara]

9. Found the digital photos much quicker than I expected to find them

It's a Brooks-Morley No. 222

[LuckyCharms]

10. Deleted, sorry, Didn't see your first response.

I'm dead tired and can't think straight!

[LuckyCharms]

13. I'm trying to find some info on it, Niagara!

Last edited Mon Apr 27, 2026, 07:37 PM - Edit history (1)

[Niagara]

14. No worries, Lucky

I don't believe the desk is worth anything as there's some damage to front right leg, looks like water damage.

However, it would be an unique piece and it would be fantastic if that leg could be replaced.

[Sanity Claws]

15. The wood is beautiful

You did a great job.

[some_of_us_are_sane]

16. OMG! GORGEOUS!!!!

Great job, Lucky!