2. misc-audio
  3. 1097806863

High Gloss Wood Finish - High-End or Low Class?

Looking at my leftover components and the furniture in my bedroom, I got the brainstorm to put together a 2d system that would be very retro 40sish. The speakers would be DIY, finished to match the 1940s waterfall Art Decofurniture. I would dress up the electronics to match. I got a tube integrated, and a couple dressers and a bed dirt cheap. The finish on the bed was destroyed, so I stripped it, stained, filled, varnished, wetsanded (several times) and polished to a very high gloss. It has a dipped in glass look I've only seen on expensive guitars, and maybe pianos. The ribbon stripe mahogany and other woods have a spectacular tiger-eye effect. My concern is that I don't recall ever seeing furniture or speakers with this type of finish. While I think it looks kind of cool, I have a funny feeling that sophisticated people with good taste may think it too glitzy or tacky, or perhaps "wonderful" (which, as far as I can tell, is rich-lady speak for "That's really messed up, but I admire your chutzpah for flaunting it"). I was hoping to put something together with huge WAF (in case I ever get a wife). What do people think? Should I keep putting together my system / furniture with the same finish? Or if there are any woodworkers out there, what did I do wrong? Does anyone remember what this furniture looked like when it was new 60 years ago?
honest1

Showing 1 response by uppermidfi

uppermidfi
277 posts
 
Anyone who has done any wood working will appreciate the effort put into these cabinets.

As far as the Art Deco look, they might not be exactly what was available at the time, but that does not mean that they will not coordinate with your furniture. Rooms that are exclusively one style tend to look more like a museum than a bedroom (or whatever room) and does not usually look very good, or maybe I should say livable. Mixing personal items, and blending styles which coordinate well is what makes your room 'home.'

How can a finish that is that difficult to do, or expensive to buy, be low class?
More to discover