Master Bedroom Renovation *Teaser*

[JRC]

Looks great!

[Lynners]

What a fantastic room!

[Kansas. 1911.]

Hey Sooth,
This looks fantastic. I love the in-progress photos. When the time is right, the curtains and end table and bed will get there.

I see that your decor is done in "early clock." I was given a free clock a couple days ago. It's a 1906 Gilbert black wood mantle clock, 8 day, with a bong on the hour and a bing on the half. It started right up and is going strong. The black lacquer is blemished but if you stand back far enough, you can't see it. ha ha Do you work on both inside and outside? That's quite a business/hobby. I now have two old clocks, three new, and all sentimental-- and I believe I'm done. Any tips for me on this new baby?

[sooth]

I do everything you can imagine on clocks, including making new pieces, but not wheels. I don't have nearly enough $$$ time, or machinery to do that just yet.

As far as advice for you: If the clocks haven't been professionally cleaned (to your knowledge) within the past 5-10 years, DO IT. IT will cost at least 100-150$ but owning a clock is like running a car, they need maintenance and an oil change. Generally they need a full disassemble/clean/oil/adjustment every 10 years, and a re-oiling after 5 years. If you break it down, though, it's really only 10$ a year or so. A properly maintained antique clock can last well over 500 years.

If you want to do minimal touch-up work on your black mantle clock (this is the name for the style of clock you're describing), you can try black shoe polish (try a small corner first), or just a bit of clear paste wax. I have seen refinished ones (often) and they always look awful, so try to keep it in as old/as-is condition of possible.

I'd be curious to know what the other two clocks are. I tend to collect early ones with beautiful mahogany cases (1830-1870s like most of the ones pictured) but I have some that are "newer" (1920s, 30s, etc).

[sooth]

Also, I never really answered one of your previous questions about primer. I was told that I didn't need a primer as long as my floor was clean and that the existing paint was stable, but that my first coat should be thinned 10% (paint thinner). The second coat went on full strength. Two coats are all I did, and I must say I'm very happy with the finished results. The paint seems quite tough, and the colour seems to have toned down a bit after it fully dried (see photos with the furniture).

[Kansas. 1911.]

I'll get back to floors eventually.

I need a clock chat now. I will take your advice about the cleaning, and I'll be happy to put the money toward upkeep. Alongside my free clock, I have two sentimental ones. First, I have a 1904 Seth Thomas oak kitchen clock with gingerbread. Second, I have a 1988 Seiko anniversary clock with the glass dome that was $100 back in the day. Your clocks are the real deal, the collector's specials. Mine were purchased by family and given to me free. I just realized I don't have much invested in these. Maybe I shouldn't be so cheap about getting them up and running. We don't find the really old clocks, either in families or at auction, that you have access to. What questions do I need to ask of someone I'd hand these clocks over to?

At any rate, keep up the good work on the bedroom.

[sooth]

I'll send you a PM about this.

[KathyJB]

I loved the clocks. You did a magnificent job with your bedroom. I love the colors you chose for everything.