Repairing/Renovating Large Warderobe - Inlaid/Marquetry

[GillObrien]

Hi all,

We have a very large (2m x 2m) "wardrobe" that we use in our entrance way for storage. We inherited with the house because the previous owner couldn't get rid of it. I am going to show my ignorance here - I can see on the inside that it is made of a reddish wood, but the outside has a highly varnished(?) finish and the doors have some inlaid marquetry (photo below).

Whilst I appreciate the workmanship I don't particularly like the cupboard, but it is practical and made of wood rather than chipboard, and I haven't found anyone who wants to take it, even for free. So I was hoping I could keep it and tidy it up a bit.

The finish is in reasonable condition, the inlay is still in place, the only issue is that a couple of the panels surrounding the central mirror element have slightly lifted and the joins are not flat.

I was thinking of doing the following:
- taking off the gold detailing and the top arch, which is loose anyway,
- sanding it to remove the shiny coat,
- refinishing it with something more mat,
- change the handles.

Is this even possible? Or would this be a terrible thing to do to this bit of furniture. Btw I am in France so this type of stuff is everywhere, hence the lack of interest.

Many thanks,
Gill

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

If I had to keep it, in addition to removing the gold leaf/changing handles etc I would probably paint it some kind of pastel colour. A muted duck egg of something.

 

[GillObrien]

If I had to keep it, in addition to removing the gold leaf/changing handles etc I would probably paint it some kind of pastel colour. A muted duck egg of something.

I was thinking about this. But I am a bit worried that where there are gaps in wood (around the mirror and slightly on the doors) it would be very obvious. If I did paint it, could I fill these first?

 

[foxhole]

I was thinking about this. But I am a bit worried that where there are gaps in wood (around the mirror and slightly on the doors) it would be very obvious. If I did paint it, could I fill these first?

If you want to paint fill and sand any gaps ( two part flexible car filler is ideal)