The Most Satisfying Repair - Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration
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- čas přidán 20. 07. 2023
- Tom Johnson of Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration in Gorham, Maine restores the 200 year-old front door to his 1790s colonial home. Tom has been restoring furniture professionally since 1979. Visit our website at www.thomasjohnsonrestoration.com, call us at (207) 222-2266, or write us at thomasjohnsonrestoration@gmail.com. And for those on the west coast looking for custom framing, be sure to check out Tom's daughter's shop, www.emcollier.com (@emcollierframes on Instagram).
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As a new woodworker, I am guilty of looking down on pine for projects. And here is a beautiful pine door that has survived 225ish years and will likely last 200 more. After watching your beautiful restoration, I won't take pine for granted so much.
Thanks! Very true! Pine can be very strong and beautiful - there are so many types though. And it can be difficult to stain
Maybe very large old trees without knots were used then?
Gorgeous work. I have a weakness for old doors, and think they’re really worth saving despite the heavy effort involved. Not many people would put 80 hours into something like that. You’re making the world a better place, Tom, one project at a time.
Thanks! Yes, me too. I hate it when I see an old house with one of those cheesy Home Depot doors
@@johnsonrestoration All our interior house doors were covered in 1960s hardboard, which covered beautiful original oak. It was a real challenge to remove the dozens of brads, fill them so they were invisible, and refinish. Got there in the end, but I wish I even had one tenth of your expertise!
@@nacekozo 😱Oh that is a crime against architecture for sure! I am very grateful that there aren't too many "upgrades" in my 1910 house, though there were some questionable repairs done over the years.
Zawesome refinish and fix! You are a trusted professional for all of todays video. 80 hours of meticulous care! Thank you for sharing!
You just gave that door another 100 years of life. Outstanding work Tom. I doubt there is a door on earth that has had this much time ,effort and dedication to excellence spent on it. Once again Tom I take my hat off to you.
Thank you! That's nice
epoxy resin and restoration... is this serious? The door functioned for +200 years, epoxy will not last that long.
The time and patience it took to bring this door back…PRICELESS!😊
Thank you!
It's so incredible to think about when that door was made!! George Washington died in 1799, and that door could have been made a year or two after that date!! As usual, you have done an exemplary job. Your neighbors are lucky to have you nearby! Still miss your puppy :(
Thank you! It is amazing! I miss her too!
“The cobblers kids go barefoot” That’s what came to mind when I saw that door. I loved the patina, but you made it good for another 100 years and it looks beautiful!
😊 thank you! That's what my wife has been saying for years!
Unbelievable transformation. This door looks stunning. Better than some brand new. And it's over 200 years old. Great job, Tom.
Thank you! It did come out nice!
This was truly a labor of love. What a patient and sympathetic restoration of this beautiful, old door.
Thank you Brenda! We love it!
"The doors we open and close each day decide the lives we live." -Flora Whittemore Thank you Thomas for another beautiful job and the extra hard work it takes to properly video them. May you continue to blessed beyond measure. John here, from the back-roads of Northeastern Tennessee.
Well Said.
Hi John, I like that! Thanks
Yes!
You have the patience of a saint, Tom!!! What an amazing detailed job you did to preserve that door for as long as possible into the future! 🚪
Thank you!
Glad to know that we are not entrusting the restoration of the Val de Loir castles to people like you.
guys ! you make something new out of something old.
the burden of the years which make the nobility of this door is lost.
Even the irons are painted! Ridiculous.
Who painted door irons 200 years ago?
@@lecouflearthur7169 Thomas revived the door to life, a better one than it originally had, gave it strength and protection to live another 200 years, something you Frenchmen know nothing about.
Beautiful door, made for generations to come. Tom has renewed that legacy for another 200 years. Thanks for bringing us along.
You're so welcome! Nicely said!
It's hard to believe that door is over 200 years old. Well done.
I know! Thanks
Marvelous job Thomas - every minute worth it! I did something similar to my own from door here in Manchester - made in the 1890's. Nightmare. Took me weeks. Layers and layers of indestructible paint - lead - fumes - no modern paint stripper worked - one layer smelled of grilled fish - ended up with razor-blade scraping. But now it is sound and solid and weather-resistant - it rains a lot here - and pine comes up a great glow after a few loving sandings and waxings. Keep up the good work!
Wow! I feel your pain! Congratulations on sticking with it. All the best...
Mr. Johnson, you are always true to the projects that you work on. This was no exception. The door will be a warm welcome for all that enter for many years. Great job!
Thank you!
I love the way you took a "dead as a door nail" door and gave it new life! Another beautiful restoration .
Thanks! I like that - could have been the title
Another great restoration. The door wouldn't have lasted much longer without a lot of TLC, now it's good for many more years.
I think so too! Thanks!
I knew you would totally transform the door - you did not disappoint me! “Looks pretty good!” 👍🏼
😊 thank you!
I really thought there wasn’t going to be much you could do, but you saved almost all of it. This was an excellent restoration.
Thanks! I was wondering too!
Glad to know that we are not entrusting the restoration of the Val de Loir castles to people like you.
guys ! you make something new out of something old.
the burden of the years which make the nobility of this door is lost.
Even the irons are painted! Ridiculous.
Who painted door irons 200 years ago?
As much as I enjoy your furniture restoration videos, this exterior door was a nice change of subject. Well done Tom.
Thanks!
I'm amazed at the patience you have in taking such meticulous care in your work. I look forward to your videos and appreciate the effort you take in making them.
Thank you very much!
It's so nice to see you tackle something as 'mundane' as a door. How beautiful it looks now, and how very weathertight.
Thanks!
A masterclass, Thomas. Outstanding work.
Thank you!
Your patience and discretion in restoring the woodwork is an inspiration. Thanks as always.
You're welcome!
What a beautiful old door which got the care and attention it needed. It will good for another 200 years after this amazing restoration 🙂
Hope so! Thanks!
Superb job Tom! Total perfection. Perhaps you could do a video on your plank storm door?
Thanks! I intend to!
Wow. Amazing restoration. Should last at least another 200 ++ years. ❤❤
I would say the owner will be OH so happy. Fantastic job and finish. Me johnson. 👍🎓
Beautiful outcome. I still can't get over how relaxing it is to watch a master at work!
Thank you!
When you approach that front door, you know that a master craftsman lives here.
80 hours of intensive work and knowledge is displayed to all!
I like that! Thanks!
Tom,
Nothing but pure a-door-ation for your meticulous work!
Good one! I might use that! Thanks
That was an extremely fussy project. Yes, your patience is amazing. For a door that old, your knowledge and experience has made such a difference. Thank you for sharing with us.
You're welcome!
As always, your patience to explain in detail what you are doing, why you are doing it, and what you expect to happen makes this a truly inspirational video. Thanks so much for what you do.
You're very welcome!
Yes. What you are doing and why.
I really didn't think you were going to be able to restore that door. NOW, it's beautiful once more!
Thanks! It is!
This door came out beautiful. The before and after don't even look like the same door. Your timing to upload this video is perfect as I lay in bed recovering from rocky mountain spotted fever. Check yourself and your critters often for ticks!!
Thanks! Wow! Sorry to hear that! We're very aware of ticks - New England is Lyme Disease central. Not to mention all the other diseases
This project may have motivated me to tackle my front door. Although mine was built a mere 40 years ago, it was custom built for me out of old growth quarter sawn Rocky Mountain Douglas Fir (24 grains per inch, so the wood may well be hundreds of years old) by a sash & door company founded in the late 1800s out in Oregon. It is in much better shape because of the material used but it needs to be refinished on the exterior after 40 years of Appalachian Mountain weather. Now if I can just remember the stain blend recipe I used. 🤔 The topcoat will be Waterlox Satin Marine Finish. Thanks Thom.
You're welcome! Yes, definitely save that door! I want to try the Waterlox Marine
You must have the patience of Job !! You obviously love your work and your results are always beautiful. I enjoy you videos, thank you.
You're very welcome!
50 minute video and I couldn’t fast forward it once. What a privilege it is to see a true master at work. You sir are a living legend!
Thank you! That's nice
Pine is NOT supposed to last like this when exposed to the elements. I'm amazed by the quality of both the original materials and of the restoration. Kudos, Thomas!
Thanks! Yes, but that top layer of wood had certainly deteriorated quite a bit
I learned duct tape can be used on wood. I would have feared tape glue getting into wood grain.This was another video from you where my eyes never left the screen for a moment. I didn't know Acetone can be stored in plastic bottles. The door now looks like it will last another 200+ years. 👍👍👍
Thanks! I hope so! The problem with duct tape is that it can rip out grain when you're pulling it off. I use paint thinner to release it. I've been keeping acetone in a plastic squeeze bottle for years
I am glad you used this format. I think your vids are like hanging out with a friend. It is relaxing and informative. We all need a friend we like even if it's a youtube friend. Lol
Thank you! That's very nice...
Yep, that's more sanding than I've ever seen you do. An artist's gotta do what an artist's gotta do.
Oh yeah! Thanks
It turned out fabulous, Tom. I'm sure I'm not the only one hoping for a follow-up showing the plank door.
Thanks! I intend to do that
All I can say is WOW! You are an amazingly talented artisan....this was a true labor of love and the homeowners must be over the moon with gratitude to you!
Thank you! They are!
Mr TJ - You give much pleasure & satisfaction to your audience enjoying quality materials being improved with quality craft, patience & knowlege. Thank You.
You're welcome!
Stunning .Good for another 200 years.
Yes! Thanks!
An incredible transformation, Tom! The door really needed your attention, and with Fall and Winter approaching soon, I know you're going to benefit from have a door that's properly sealed. The fact that it looks so good now, is just the cherry on top!
Thanks! Yes, I still have to do the weather stripping
You have the patience of a saint. I'm always amazed at your attention to detail. Beautiful result.
Thank you!
"I think it looks pretty good" Thats the understatement of the century, Thank you Thomas.
You're welcome!
The spirit of that door will be smiling on you, Tom, long after we are all gone. Excellent work!
Thanks Bill!
An expected WOW! From the beginning of disassembly and crud removal to the final, "That looks pretty good" the sure-handed skill transforms junk to jewel. Thanks!
You're welcome!
Excellent work Tom. Your patience and commitment to detail are amazing 👏👏👍
Thank you!
It is such a privilege to be able to watch this man work.
Thank you! That's very nice
I couldn’t have imagined how much work would go into restoring this door!
Thanks! Neither did I!
Excellent job.I must say the odd bits weve seen of the interior of your house looks stunning.Great vid please keep them coming
Thanks! We like our house!
The decoration behind you on the wall; is it original? Is it wallpaper, or paint?
FANTASTIC Tom - obviously ! All that work, even with those mouldings and all the patience you have in restoring an old door. This was a great change for you, and us - not a beautiful piece of furniture, but an old door, and what a job you did. It's stunning . Thank you for sharing your skills with us, you are a fascinating man to watch. Take care 🙂
Thank you Michael!
This brought back memories of my childhood home. I grew up in the family house (my Great Grandparents built in 1902) My Great Grandfather apprenticed with a Master carpenter and cabinet maker in Copenhagen in the 1880s. Thanks for the reawaken of wonderful memories.
You're welcome! That's great!
80 hours of work, eh? Looks like 200 hrs! Marvelous result, thank you Mr Johnson!
It felt like 200! Thanks
It looks incredible. Have you ever looked into who has lived in your house since the 1700’s. Just watching you doing the door makes me think of how incredibly good the carpenters were in the day. Being subject to weather changes over the centuries, the door has lasted extremely well underneath all that crud. 👍🏻😁👏🇦🇺
Thanks! We have some names and dates, but I need to look at the census records. We often think about the history...
Wow! Incredible! Excellent video. Loved the close-up before and after shots, such as showing the sanding detail. Only under your expert hands could those tragic molding pieces have been restored. They looked destined for the trash bin to me. The staining and top coats were so satisfying to watch. Even with all the sanding, the beautiful aged character of the wood is still there. Thank you for putting in the effort to record and share your work.
You're welcome! I appreciate that!
I wouldn’t be surprised if you got a lot more antique doors to refinish if people see this video…absolutely exceptional work as always!!!
Thanks! I hope not! It was tough enough doing my own!
Your videos inspire me to fix/restore/save old wooden items I own. Thank you for Every video you produce. They are a wonderful resource for me. 👍
You are so welcome!
A very interesting project with an amazing result. So nice that the shoemaker's children have good sound shoes now!
Thanks! Yes, it's a good feeling
Never thought it would come back so beautifully. Wood is an amazing material. Great work.
It sure is! Thanks
Fabulous job. The original maker(s) of the door would be well pleased with your work.
Thanks! I hope so!
What an honor to restore a piece of history!
Thank you! I feel the same way
As much as I love your furniture videos, this one has to be my favorite video so far. I work in historic preservation, and I work with a lot of old window frames and doors. Your door looks amazing! One question: did you consider using linseed oil based paint with organic pigments? That would have been truer to the period-and quite durable-but were you more concerned with longevity? Awesome channel. I hope you’ll continue sharing personal project videos well into your retirement!
Thanks! There are so many ways to go with the finish - so far I'm liking this one. It's south facing - no protection - I'm not sure linseed oil could hold up
That is absolutely beautiful! Never would I have expected such a complete restoration to be possible.
Thank you! I was wondering the same thing!
Mr. Tom, you've outdone yourself again. Thank you for sharing this with us!
You're welcome!
You are a real Maine-er!! doing the hard stuff and not giving up,,, Great job,,,
I appreciate that! Thanks!
Bravo! You did an outstanding job with this door. What an amazing transformation. It’s so refreshing to see a craftsman like you take the time to really get the job done properly instead of the fastest superficial way in order to crank out more videos like other channels do. I don’t comment very often but your work ethic is very much like the one my dad had. Great job.
Thank you! I appreciate that!
this....... ladies and gentlemen is what it means to be a master of your craft.........stunning work
Thank you! That made me laugh
I think it looks much better than 'pretty good'...wonderful job!!
It's a joy to watch you work..patient, calm and meticulous.
I hope your channel is watched by many and inspires others to follow in your footsteps.😊
Thanks! I hope so too!
what a task, thomas, made the job look easy again.
Thank you!
I am always amazed at how you can take something old and dilapidated and turn it into something wonderful. In the case with this door I don’t think it should be called a restoration it’s more of a Resurrection
I agree! Thanks
With a south-facing door behind a glass storm door, I’m surprised it held up for so long. Your restoration is fantastic!
Thanks! I hope it does better going forward!
That storm door needs to go. It will continue to be a detriment to that lovely door.
Brought back from the brink! Excellent Tom.
Thank you!
I have a door almost exactly the same in my circa 1800 home that needs to be refinished. Thank you for this video so I know what to do.
You're welcome! Good luck!
I agree with the other comments. You are so patient! The touch of a master’s hand! What a joy to watch.
Thank you!
This is the most stunningly beautiful restoration of a handsome antique door I have ever seen! I used to watch my grandfather, a cabinet maker, in his shop when I was a young girl and was mesmerized by watching him work. I am 75 years old now and watching you lovingly care for this piece touches my heart.
Thank you Annette! I'm happy that I can somehow help stir those wonderful memories!
Beautiful!! You have really made me interested in restoration. I love that you do your best to restore and not replace, even using the same nails and screws! This door is a piece of art!
Thank you! It is beautiful, we're very happy with it
As always, top notch result! 👏👏👏
Thank you so much 😃
Thomas “Rembrandt” Johnson…not only a wood artist, but a magician. Another amazing restoration for a family to cherish for many years. Thank you Sir, it is both educational and relaxing to watch you work.
You're welcome! Such kind words!
The sound of your work is a beautiful symphony to my soul! Thank you!
Wow! That's nice! You're welcome!
Great save Tom. Good for another 200 years
Thanks! I'll gaurantee it!
I’d like to see the plank door. I’m very fond of them as part of any old home. Really enjoy watching Mr. Johnson work.
Thanks! I will make a video of the plank door
@@johnsonrestoration : Wonderful. When I was young, all of the older homes in the Village I grew up in had plank storm doors on every winter.
That was an amazing restoration. The door is now a beauty.
Thanks! Yes, we're loving it!
Tom I will never again complain about all the work necessary prior to finishing a project. Well done!
Thanks! Yes, you just have to accept that and get to work!
Satisfying indeed. You must have been wanting to get to this door for a long time. But it's like the mechanic always driving the junk car, the woodworker almost never has time to work on his own projects.
It came out beautifully!
Thanks! You'd get along with my wife!
I do hope the sunlight doesn’t require a frequent redo! My front door from the 30’s has a similar tough life in the sun. Needs a light sanding and painting every three years or so. One year soon I might decide to take it all the way back and start anew, like 20 years ago when I first bought the house. You are inspiring!
Thanks! Oh yeah, a yearly check up will be in order! I will build a "plank" door as a storm door in the winter, that's when the sun is most intense, so that will help
Superb Tom. It may not be a Queen Anne bureau but it's a historic piece and worthy of being looked after.
Thanks! I think so too
Another home run! And so much care in this project!
Thank you!
That lifts the whole front of the house. Great job. Great workmanship!
Thanks 👍It really does!
That door knocker is to die for. So happy this beautiful door was saved!
Me too! Thanks!
I think your 'Customer' will be extremely happy with the result. And if they watch your video, and the work you put in, even more so 🤪😊 Great Job Tom.
Thanks! Yes, she's very happy!
What a incredibly beautiful house you have, mr. Johnson! I bet that if it could speak, it could tell some stories…one day the kitchen was bragging about its new countertop, when it found itself being interrupted by the wise, old frontdoor. “That is nothing, my dear kitchen…let me tell you about the day he lifted me out of my hinges….” Jokes aside, this was a fenomenal job. Thank you for the videos, i enjoy every one of them.
Thank you! I like that! We often try to imagine the lives that have been experienced in this house - and feel privileged to live here
The magic happens at 36:41. SO SATISFYING!! My day stress is gone. It's Monday.
Thank you! That makes me happy
Nice work, Tom. When we put a nice new (fir) door on our old house, I worked with my husband to get exactly the color and finish we wanted, and we’re happy every time we use it or even just look at it. Like a water cooler, a dining table, or a fireplace, the symbolism of the front door of your house is inescapable and vastly important.
Thank you! Well said. When we bought this house the front door and entire front yard were a mess, the front door clearly had not been used in sometime. We've got it operational now, it says "Welcome!"
You, sir, are a true artist! Cheers from Minnesota.
Thank you! Cheers!
I would have written that door off for gone but you brought it back. It looks excellent sir. Bravo.👍
Thank you!
Hy Tom you have inspired me so much I have just bought my first project A tilt top table. I am 76 wish me good luck. Matt
Wow! That's great! Yes, good luck! Email photos if you need any advice: thomasjohnsonrestoration@gmail.com
So great to see someone take the time to do a high quality job that will last well beyond ones lifetime. Shows true character and commitment to the the right thing.
Also blows me away that this door is as old or older than any door in my country, since we only have European settlement for last 175 years or so. Obviously before that the indigenous Maori had doors but they were not made to resist the elements / not rot so have passed away.
Thanks! Yes, we are always amazed to be living in a 252 year old house!
You have the patience of a saint. 😊 Another beautiful video.
Thank you!