Secure your privacy with Surfshark! Enter coupon code MADCITY for an extra 3 months free at surfshark.deals/madcity HELLO EVERYONE! Many of you have asked for this kind of video, but I was afraid to just recycle old videos that so many faithful viewers have already seen. So I started over completely with the raw footage and spent days creating this restoration video. I wanted the work to speak for itself this time, and for the video style to be both satisfying to watch, and relaxing to listen to. I do aim to please my audience, but more importantly, the joy in restoring old furniture and creating content comes from piecing together videos that will allow you to FEEL some of the same raw emotions that I feel during these challenging projects. There are often so many discouraging moments; moments when I feel like a piece is "too far gone", and I have wasted my time. But then, there are those moments of triumph, when a plan comes together and I'm left feeling a special connection to a project that has so much historical value. One of my favorite parts of this journey has been reading so many of your own memories that you have shared with each video release. I can't thank you enough for all your support while watching these furniture restorations. Barry

@LeNaSmileyStar

4 ай бұрын

This was an amazing video Barry! You continue impressing me with your work/-work ethics. Trust me, I think we can handle watching excerpts of good things on repeat ;) Thank you for saving these treasures. Gives me hope and inspiration 💗

@kelleyhawk6595

4 ай бұрын

I don’t think we will see any increase in respect to those old pieces and their history. These younger generations have NO respect for anything because of their parents overindulging them. And teaching them entitlement. 😔😡

@tuesdaycharlie159

4 ай бұрын

Dear Barry, the videos are amazing as is the restoration work. Is closed caption or subtitles an option KZread would allow you to offer on your videos? (Forgive me if the option does already exist on your videos and I'm just not finding it.)

Barry, your video moved me to tears. I'm am almost 76 year old female who has refinished a few pieces in my lifetime. How I wish I were 40 years younger and had you videos. Instead, I will like vicariously through you. Thanks so very much😊

@joann5157

4 ай бұрын

Me too. I'm 77 and can no longer do the physical work of refinishing, but I LOVE watching Barry bring pieces back to their former glory!!

That last buffet definitely takes the “Why in the heck would you over this up?!” prize . I enjoy all of your videos and am pleased to see that you have more lined up for this season. I hope your business is going well, too!

@MadCityModern

4 ай бұрын

Thank you

@RevdUp.Art.Fotografer

4 ай бұрын

I can only guess (or hope) that when these pieces were painted they did not look like what you see now. They were probably were in sad shape as far as finish is concerned and they, perhaps, didn’t have the bandwidth to refinish them.

About 2 years ago during the height of the chalk paint craze i saw a video by some type of furniture "expert" that advised people to paint their furniture, that nobody wanted to look at wood anymore. I almost fell down, because I absolutely love the look of wood grain. Chatoyancy is incredible. Well I felt so bad thinking of people destroying beautiful furniture. Thank you for bringing dignity back to these pieces.

It just blows my mind that people choose to paint over such beautiful wood grains on these incredible furniture pieces. You have done an amazing job bringing them back to their previous glory!! Fantastic job on all of those pieces.

@eily_b

4 ай бұрын

Exactly! Why not paint over some cheap Ikea pine stuff (they don't even have that anymore now) but nooo, people choose walnut and art deco pieces. I just can't .... 😱

@DawnDavidson

4 ай бұрын

This one (whatever came right before the rainbow-color block one) is especially baffling. The grain is GORGEOUS.

@annafox7474

4 ай бұрын

Some people don't have the skill or funds to do restoration of furniture. They might be just trying to get by but want a decent piece of furniture so they paint it.

@shellydehart8217

4 ай бұрын

You took those meaningful n appreciated words right out of my thinking. Today the younger generation doesn’t appreciate the beauty of different types of wood so they go n paint right over n sometimes using ugly colors too. ♥️😊👍♥️

@nickimontie

4 ай бұрын

The 70's were a strange time - colorful clothes, colorful furniture. 🕺

You’re like a furniture detective, Barry. Not only discovering what’s beneath the paint, but also finding out the history of pieces.

I am watching from northern Indiana. The "mystery purple piece" blew me away. Someone looked at that stunning bookmatched grain and actually said, Yep, some house paint is just what this thing needs! 🤪 Good Lord Almighty, thank you for bringing that one back. They're all professional grade, master class restorations, but that one really got me. 💜

My husband is a fine furniture builder. I have helped on some of his products. You restoring these beautiful pieces is a joy to watch and a thrill to see the fine wood grain and lovely craftsmanship under all that mess. Thank you for giving these stately pieces the attention they deserve. From Reno Nevada, USA.

I don't understand why people paint beautiful furniture. But I love seeing it come off. Loved this video. Adelaide - South Australia.

Every one of those pieces turned out stunning. It was a relaxing video, the quiet music, the birds singing, the methodical way you bring a piece back to life. Ahhh....this video soothed my anxiety today.

Such wonderful comments I read n I have to agree with most of them. I’m a 73 yr. old lady who loves to refinish n restore old painted furniture. Watching your videos I’ve learn much, that I was doing somethings wrong. I appreciated every piece you did in this video n each one turned out gorgeous. To see the different types of wood to😢😮nes for example the small sideboard/Buffett. I was just blown away, period! You n I think much alike when you think about all the stories a piece of furniture could tell if it could talk. That waterfall hope chest, another great beauty. All in all you did an amazing job on each one. You gave them the respect they deserved. I do hope you will do more of these type of videos. God bless you for loving what you do. ♥️♥️♥️😊👍👍👍🌟🌟

I enjoyed this revisit because it just proves that paint is temporal and can be reversed. I never would criticize someone's aesthetics to paint a piece if it brings them pleasure in the environment the furniture exits in. You take great care to restore the wood to be appreciated again, and I do enjoy seeing the steps to awaken the furniture back to how it was intended to be.

@eily_b

4 ай бұрын

I would. Just paint over some cheap ugly stuff and not beautful wood

@cynthiafisher9907

4 ай бұрын

keithhaggard Very well said! I agree.

My favourite piece was the Art Deco dresser. It is truly beautiful. Thank you for saving it. You transformed it from a crappy yellow cheap piece of neglected furniture into a superb tasteful and highly desirable decorative but useful piece of art.

Current subscriber from San Antonio, Texas. I love watching you restore beautiful pieces of furniture to their glory.

@MadCityModern

4 ай бұрын

Thanks for subbing!

Man, the hope chest one is so thought-provoking. I forget sometimes to be thankful for what others sacrificed for what we have today. Great upload, and I can't wait for a new restoration. Thank you from Maricopa, AZ.

Southern Oregon here, love natural wood. I live in a log cabin from the 40's, it's like living in a jar of honey when the sun shines in.😊

It's so exciting and satisfying to see the beautiful wood revealed after it had been hidden under all of that horrible paint. I love this compilation video! Watching from the central coast of California. 🌊

Your time, talent, tools and skill come together restoring these great pieces of furniture for another generation to enjoy. Many years ago I almost gave in to the trend of "antique" finish paint on furniture that my parents purchased for me in the 1950's. In the end I kept the original finish. My son and his kids are using it now.

Thank you for rescuing and restoring old pieces of furniture that have been so abused! All of these pieces are just gorgeous! You are truly talented!

Im in the U.K. and I think #1 is so beautiful. All your work is amazing I love watching you. I'm a 70 year old lady and have upcycled quite a lot of furniture usually to its original state. I've had to live on a budget a lot of my life and that's one way to manage.

WOW! What an incredible transformation of the MYSTERY PURPLE piece! The grain was just beautiful! As always, you take a disaster to absolutely beautiful again! Thank you for giving life back to these pieces!💞

@medicbabe2ID

4 ай бұрын

Someone looked at that stunning bookmatched grain and said, Yep, some paint is just what this thing needs! 🫠

@christiemay4444

4 ай бұрын

@@medicbabe2ID Why would anyone do that? Totally beyond me🥴

I love how you bring the natural beauty of the furniture back to life. I refinish furniture and I can’t bring myself to paint and “distress” some pieces of “history” and beautiful wood. I, nicely, refer the client to another person who will paint and hit the wood with a chain and sand off some of the edges. Keep up the wonderful work that you do.

I remember every one of these pieces and to this day I can’t even fathom what would possess people to paint these beautiful pieces of history. Thank you Barry for bringing them back to all their glory.

Great video Barry. I know that there are reasons that someone may paint wood furniture but truly if wood was meant to be painted like that we would have a rainbow in our forests. It is beautiful to watch the pieces come back to life and natural. The yellow one was begging to be saved. lol They all were but that yellow one screamed the loudest. lol. Have a great day

Barry, this was a wonderful compilation as to how to bring beautiful vintage woodwork out from under paint. I smiled throughout the video. It was well worth it. Bravo!!

I love watching you remove the ugly paint and bring out the natural wood back to life. It looks so amazing!!! I am originally from Wisconsin but I am now in Texas and don't imagine going back.

Why do people put paint on these beautiful pieces.

@VioletJoy

4 ай бұрын

I have painted lots of furniture over the years, but I only paint cheaper, mass produced type furniture. It's a shame to paint pieces like this that have such gorgeous, natural beauty. It's somehow touching to see them restored to their original beauty.

@2Cambell

4 ай бұрын

Because they aren't as skilled like Barry. 😊

@loriclark3755

4 ай бұрын

It's my experience that people never paint beautiful pieces. They find furniture that has been neglected and worn and close to the end of its usefulness. They decide to paint it to give it new life. And they do. For awhile. Till a furniture restorer finds it and restores its ORIGINAL beauty. Thank you to all the restorers!

@blukatzen

4 ай бұрын

LAZINESS. LACK OF SKILLS. LACK OF CREATIVE MIND.

@lauralake7430

4 ай бұрын

Likely it was sad, dull, scratched. Only 30 or 40 years old, so not antique, just something someone had in their garage. The baby was due in a few months and they wanted the nursery to look bright and cheery, they had a zero dollar budget, but thought if they painted the dresser and sewed some curtains, it would look clean and pretty. Thats why. Now, a new phase is happening, and that is good, too. The person who painted it wasnt stupid, they were poor, or broke, and doing their best.❤

Now, PLZ! Let's GET this furniture restorating MAGICIAN to 100K 😄👍👍

Thank you i needed something to chill with. Edit: I'm from Poland ;) since you asked.

@VioletJoy

4 ай бұрын

That's interesting to know!

@tyraelpl

4 ай бұрын

@@VioletJoy oh :)? How so? Thx tho, cheers!

@VioletJoy

4 ай бұрын

@@tyraelpl I just think it's cool to see viewers from all over the world! 🙂 Hello from California. 🌊

I am from South Carolina United States. While I love to redo and refinish furniture pieces I myself do not paint over real wood I only paint over the fake stuff. The pieces you did turned out so beautiful just like when they were made. It's so nice and refreshing to see other's who only refinishes with, oil, stain, sealer , versus to paint that beautiful wood

So satisfying to see something being restored to it's original beauty 🌹 Love the removal process of old paint it's like peeling back & finding a treasure! For me, staining is so very satisfying it's like magic all the grain and color of the wood enhanced as it is rubbed in ❤ just soft and beautiful! Great video as usual!

I think we all can feel the love and care you put in those projects!

When you get to the part where you wipe off the excess stain, all one can say is oh my. So beautiful!

"It's both peaceful and interesting when you talk about your renovation projects. (You have a fantastic relaxed voice to listen to.) One never ceases to be amazed by the various styles that have come and gone, and the different colors the furniture has been painted with. I imagine many may have painted them over because it was cheaper than buying something new. And in a way, it shows a history of what the furniture has been through. And that too is interesting. But when the furniture comes to you, they are taken care of and restored. Thank you for sharing what you do. Jessica from Sweden."

Love that you reclaimed these pieces. They're really beautiful now.

- since I started watching your channel however-long-ago, I've found myself with my head constantly on a swivel looking for brass figures because of your impressively extensive collection.

The opposite of 'watching paint dry'. you're so relaxing, I love it.

You are a very hard worker. Seeing you give the painted nightmares some love really impressed me. Heaven knows they needed it. 😂 Thanks for doing such a great job and bringing old classics back into service, beautifully.

Barry, l am an old lady by today’s thinking and I could not respect you more for showing the beauty and grace of MCM furniture. It truly is ageless.

I believe beautiful wood never goes out of style. These are some amazing and beautiful restorations!

Birth, death, resurrection. Barry, your gentle, loving restorative process exemplifies this bestowing of 'new life' to items that were (seemingly) destined for the furniture 'graveyard'. Resurrection blessings to you and yours from the PNW!🙏😊

Thank you from Vancouver, Canada 🇨🇦 Sunday afternoon, and I decided to sit down for a bit after a sunny walk in the forest and a some gardening on my balcony. It is late March and watching your videos inspires ✨️ me to do some reparations and freshening up around the apartment. Thanks for these painted videos... I truly think people paint these pieces as a quick fix to a worn out finish. Oh well. You certainly brought them back to life. ❤

Greetings from Virginia, USA! I really enjoyed this video, and I think I have seen most of your recent projects. I follow some other furniture restoration channels here, and I have to say that I am definitely NOT a fan of painting furniture, especially when it's a solid wood antique! It gives me great hope and comfort to know that you and others with your skills and talent are rescuing and restoring these furniture pieces to their original glory! Keep sharing your projects! I find them extremely satisfying!!! See you next time! 😊

Greetings from West Texas! It always amazes me when you strip a painted piece back to reveal beautiful wood or veneer. Each piece looks like it’s breathing a sigh of relief when you’re done. Great job 👏👏👏

I watch from northern Portugal. Love your content. Love wood and furniture. My praise is in the style of that of so many if your followers... Hope you can go on feeling happy and supported reclaiming mistreated furniture❤

I may be 68 yrs young and love purple in my older years, but appreciate you taking all these pieces and restoring them back to their original beautiful wood finish. My heart sings with joy how lovely they all look after your hard work. 👋🏻 Hello from Southern California 🌴

You have a dedicated fan base here in the UK Barry. I adore your work and listening to your narrative. It’s a very endearing and winning combination. Your voice is relaxing and restorative and I always feel in a good place after watching one of your videos. Thanks Barry for the hard work you do, to give your followers the content they love. You are very much appreciated . Looking forward to your next one xxx

WOW❕❕❕ Every one of those pieces turned out STUNNING. Watching from Port Angeles, Washington USA

They are breathtaking ❣️ You do such a wonderful job. Thanks for caring Barry.❤️

Hi from your neighbor in Michigan and I love your channel so much. You truly have a gift of rebirth to these beautiful pieces!!

@MadCityModern

4 ай бұрын

Thank you so much!

I'm in New York City. It's just so satisfying to see the reveal of the beautiful wood underneath the garish paint jobs that these beautiful pieces were subjected to. All of them turned out beautifully but that last blue spray painted piece was exceptional! As soon as you wheeled it into your workshop I knew it would turn out to be fantastic and it was....absolutely, amazingly, fantastically FANTASTIC! ❤😍👍🏾

All of this work results in the rescue of what turned out to be handsome pieces, but the first one and the last one are stunning. Glad all of them were saved

I live in Canada, and I love furniture restoration videos. I can see why these are your favourites. They are all beautiful, the wood grain is magnificent. Keep up the good work.

Number one deserved it-that after was STUNNING

Thank you for unveiling these beauties. I don’t mind furniture painting but sometimes the results are just painful.

Every one of these pieces, after your restoration, displays the care and appreciation you have for these treasures, and the work you put into restoring them. Absolutely splendid, Barry! I truly enjoyed this!

Hi Barry, I’ve been watching your channel for a while now, I’m always amazed at the finished project. I’m watching from Tennessee.

The tassel handles on the last piece are awesome. They match the light fixtures in my office

You do beautiful work, and the reveals are perfect. However, my favorite part of watching your videos is seeing how you store your supplies. I love that everything is so organized, and you can find everything you need so easily.

Hey Barry. I haven't commented in a very long time, but I'm still around and NEVER miss watching your videos. I love them all. The Spray Can Miracle was one of my all time favorite projects and I remember gushing over it in my comments on the original video. I loved that you took a rustic approach to the refinishing, leaving the broken veneer, dings, dents and bits of blue paint. The best part is we get to enjoy seeing it in your shop. I'm still in love with the color variations of the different wood species. It has that "coat of many colors" kind of vibe. lol

I've watched every one of those videos, so of course there is nothing new to me in this compilation. Just the feeling I've enjoyed a walk down memory lane with an old friend. I'm glad you did this type of video, Barry, and I'm very excited to start seeing the 30 projects you have lined up for us in the spring!😊

Hi from Cambridge UK. You have the eye and vision of an artist, the hands of a true craftsman and the patience of a saint. I cannot understand why people paint this lovely furniture. You have brought them back to life and beauty. If these furniture pieces have hearts, they will be singing when you finish them.

Hello Barry, I'm English! I live in a town in Oxfordshire, called Didcot. I love watching your videos. I am happy watching you restore their beauty. Thank you!❤

Thank you for so carefully bringing these beautiful pieces back to life. It always blows my mind how someone could think a paint job of any kind was better than the natural beautify of their wood grains!

Hi Barry, always great to see your videos. This video very cool seeing summaries of the painted furniture. Happy Spring looking forward to more of your Mad City Modern videos. Thank you, Joyce❤️🙏🇺🇸

Whoa! I’m just at the first transformation, and the newly emerged wood grain is just gorgeous! Thank you!!!

What a splendid trip down memory lane!! All FANTASTIC projects Barry!! Hoping all is well Bud, Dirty Jersey out!!

The work you do goes beyond restoration, and how to bring to life something that has been forgotten in time. Congratulations on the beautiful work and keep it up. A hug straight from Brazil

You are my most favorite restorer! It's therapeutic watching your process, and I love the music, don't ever change it! I normally refinish one or two pieces of furniture a year, but this year, I did 15, of varying sizes!!! I moved to a new house, and very few of my pieces looked great in it. Instead of spending money for new stuff, I went in a whirlwind of refinishing and sometimes painting. I have no idea HOW I managed it, but I did! I love to revive old, solid wood pieces, and I've done some "monsters" too lol! Saved a few from the dump also. I love your channel, because you inspire me!

I am from England, it gives me such pleasure to see these gorgeous pieces restored to their former glory. No. 5 was my favourite, I can’t wait to see what you are doing this year, I enjoy your work so much.

Watched from Florida, enjoy seeing all the beautiful woods restored to their former glory.

@MadCityModern

3 ай бұрын

Thank you

Watching from Scotland. Going through chemotherapy and I just want to say, your channel has helped me chill throughout the hardest time of my life. Much appreciated and great job as always. ❤

Beautiful Beautiful results on every one of those pieces you worked on! I do as I'm sure others as well enjoy watching painted furniture being brought back to their original look! Thank you Barry for your restoration work!

Everything you touch turns out beautiful. Hope to watch many, many more!

Thanks for the relaxing video. I remember saying to myself when I watched the first time, "what on earth were they thinking" You did a great job restoring the pieces back to their original glory. I enjoy your honest, thoughtful and sincere content. Thanks for all your hard work. Cheers from Portland OR. :)

Wonderful result.

They all turned out beautiful, Barry. 😊😊

How anyone could paint #3!! That grain on it is beautiful and definitely my favorite of these painted restores.

From Alberta Canada. Love watching your transformations!

I'm just so proud of you restoring these pieces to their former beauty. I'm so appreciative of artisans and their craft. Thank you for being one and keeping the art alive.❤❤ I'm from Worden IL

Hi Barry! I am so glad to see that someone loves the original finish on such beautiful furniture of days gone by. The natural wood grain is so beautiful and rare on more modern pieces. Thank you for sharing your talent, love, and passion for restoring furniture with all of us! Here in Florida, we love to watch your videos! they are educational and inspiring!🖤

I'm thrilled to think of 30 projects! I'm so glad to have your videos to watch. Your respect for the history of each piece is comforting o see in such a young man. The times I've seen you struggle with a piece it seems to make the project more of a challenge and it always looks so much more beautiful than I could have imagined it could. See you soon!

Thank you for making these pieces beautiful again.

it's always the same. stunning piece savaged by paint, then stripping, sanding, refinishing, refresh hardware... and yet it's SO compelling, and soothing to watch each transformation. never gets tired. I really love the care and attention to detail you give each lovely piece.

The purple mystery was my favorite. Hello from Long Island New York.

Barry, after I watch you scrape off the painted slough, I'm content with the feeling that yes, everything WILL turnout alright. I've missed your channel content and your gentle wisdom. Most sincerely, From Dearborn Michigan 🐢

Beautiful. Every last one. Watching you reminds me of so many pieces of furniture i helped my mom paint. I wish i had every puece back. Especially what i used as my makeup desk in high school. It had a round mirror with ornate drawers and a cut out in the middle you could pull a chair up under. The old dining room table with "wings" i do have and plan to redo and use in my new kitchen. Live your work. Your soft tone adds to the stories you tell in each video. Thank you for sharing. I watch you from North Carolina in our good ole USA.

@MadCityModern

Ай бұрын

Thank you for such wonderful comments

I'm watching from East Central Indiana. I love all of your flips. You do such a good job and hearing the history behind the pieces is nice too. Plus you have such a calming voice. Thanks so much for sharing.

Watching in Texas. You do inspiring work. Barbarians paint old beautiful pieces because they have respect for it.

@MadCityModern

4 ай бұрын

Wow, thank you

I'm not opposed to people painting furniture if that's what they want to do; however, I do really enjoy seeing the paint being removed to reveal the beautiful wood beneath. You gave these pieces a new life and they are all so pretty. Also, the tassle pulls on that last piece--so gorgeous. They deserve to be admired without the blue spray paint.

Its such a great feeling getting home with an ugly piece of furniture and you discover beautiful wood under all that mess. All the hard work usually pays off. Thank you for another great video!!...Keep on keeping on! Spring is upon us here in the beautiful Ozark Mountains!

From here in Texas, I love to watch you at work. My husband did things like this. So It takes me back to all those times watching him at work! You are a very patient artist. I love your work. The last piece on this video will always be my favorite! So you... so masculine!

I’m thankful to be able to appreciate the beautiful grains in just the wood itself.

I've been following you since almost the beginning. You do such awesome work. I don't know how these gorgeous pieces were once painted over.

I remember watching these the first time, and was amazed at how beautiful they turned out when you were finished working on them. You do good work, Barry, and have only gotten better. Have an amazing week!

You made all those lovely things sing again Barry.

Oh! I love this episode! Thank you Barry!❤

Something about you peeling that awful paint off is so satisfying. You do beautiful work. Love the videos 😊😊

@MadCityModern

4 ай бұрын

Thanks so much 😊

These are the most transformational projects you've managed to achieve, Barry. The yellow Art Deco dresser remains my favourite. Someday, I hope to be lucky enough to own an item with a "From the Mad City Modern Workshop" stamped on it.

I am a native of southern Wisconsin, have lived in the south of France, Washington DC, Virginia, San Jose, CA and now in central Florida. And like many of the pieces that you refinish, each place has left a mark on me and shaped me into the person I am today.