Re-creating a Shaker Finish
To match a 200-year-old finish, an expert uses common tools and techniques
Synopsis: Linda Coit specializes in antique restoration and repair, but she rarely gets the chance to duplicate an entire piece. So when Chris Becksvoort enlisted her shop’s aid in reproducing five exact copies of original Shaker furniture pieces, she was eager to take the job. Follow along as she combines various finishes, stains, and dyes to re-create an old finish with all its subtleties. The techniques and materials illustrated here will coming in handy when creating custom colors for your own furniture.
From Fine Woodworking #203
When Chris Becksvoort enlisted our shop to do complete reproduction finishes on his five exact copies of original Shaker pieces (commissioned by a collector), we jumped at the opportunity. Most of the work we do at East Point Conservation Studio is matching small repairs to the rest of an antique. This time, we were to match an old finish with all its subtleties—nicks, dents,…
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