“Weekend Project” my newest hobby of restoring my antique/vintage finds.

I got over paying retail for my antique/vintage finds and decide to hit up a lot of garage/yard/estate sales and flea markets. There are some upsides and downsides going down this path.

UPSIDE: Restoring my finds and tailoring them to my taste. One of my “Weekend Projects” was a pair of vintage school chairs. The metal surface was worn on the legs and frame, but the wood was in great condition. I decided to sand down the wood and frames and went for a turquoise/teal paint on the frame and black paint on the wood.

DOWNSIDE: My taste may require a lot of restoration work. I purchased a Royal typewriter dated around 1918-1920s. Now I’m starting to realize it may require more than just me replacing a few labels on the keys.

UPSIDE: Having a new hobby to do on the weekends. I’ve had a lot of hobbies in my life, but this one seems to be really sticking.

DOWNSIDE: Restoration resources (i.e. paint, hardware, fabric) costs could get costly. So far I’ve been lucky and haven’t had to buy any more items than what I have. Strongly suggest picking up a can of Bar Keepers Friend for removing rust on hardware. I found a pretty cool vintage suitcase at a flea market this weekend. The inside was amazing condition, I just had to clean the outside. Sprinkled some BKF with water on the hardware. Then I gently scrubbed with a toothbrush and it came right off.



UPSIDE: Focusing on a project and not giving up. Restorations can get overwhelming but I think it’s the feeling I get after completing the restoration that makes me not want to give up.

DOWNSIDE: Getting frustrated if it doesn’t come out just right. I know there will always be slight imperfections, but I have to realize that’s the beauty of it and to just enjoy its patina.

To see more of my “Weekend Project” restorations. Follow me on Instagram.