Established 2009
We restore mid-century furniture with reverence for original craft — stripping, repairing, and refinishing each piece until its character shines again.
Collection
A Dan Evans–inspired credenza with bookmatched walnut veneer, restored brass tapered legs, and hand-rubbed oil finish. Three sliding doors with original brass pulls.
Sculpted walnut frame with hand-stitched Italian leather cushion. Original design attribution under research.
Transformations
Drag the slider to reveal each restoration. Every piece arrives damaged, faded, or forgotten — and leaves with its original soul intact.
Method
Each piece follows a meticulous three-stage process. We never rush — the wood tells us when it's ready.
We carefully remove decades of old finish — paint, varnish, and shellac — to reveal the raw wood beneath. Each piece is assessed for structural integrity, wood species, and original joinery techniques before any work begins.
Broken joints are re-glued with hide adhesive. Missing veneer patches are sourced from reclaimed wood of the same era. Brass hardware is polished or recast from originals. We stabilize, never replace — preserving what the maker intended.
Hand-rubbed oil finishes bring out the depth and grain of each wood species. We match original sheens — satin, semi-gloss, or wax — using period-appropriate techniques. The final coat is cured slowly for lasting beauty.
The Studio
Patina Works was founded in a one-car garage in 2009 with a single belief: mid-century furniture deserves more than a trend cycle. These pieces were built by hands that understood wood — and we honor that by restoring with the same patience.
Today, our studio occupies a converted milling shop outside Portland. Three full-time restorers work alongside a network of craftspeople — upholsterers, metal casters, and glassmakers — who share our commitment to original craft.
500+
Pieces Restored
15
Years of Craft
98%
Client Satisfaction
Kind Words
They didn't just fix my grandmother's dining table — they brought it back to life. The walnut grain is warmer than I ever remember. Now it's the centerpiece of every family gathering.
Margaret Holloway
Family Heirloom Restoration
As an interior designer, I've sent dozens of projects to Patina Works. Their restraint is their genius — they never over-restore.
David Rennick
Principal, Rennick Design Co.
I found a water-damaged Eames lounge at an estate sale for $200. Patina Works turned it into the most beautiful piece in my home. Friends literally gasp when they see it. Worth every penny — the insurance appraisal came in at $6,500.
Sarah Kim
Eames Lounge Chair Restoration
Learn the Craft
Join us in the studio for hands-on restoration workshops. Learn stripping, sanding, oil finishing, and basic joinery repair using vintage pieces from our practice collection.
One weekend · 10 hours hands-on · All materials included
Two weekends · 20 hours · French polish & hand-rubbed oil
Three Saturdays · Guided restoration of your own furniture
Next session: March 15–16
4 spots remaining
Get in Touch
Whether you have a family heirloom or an estate-sale treasure, we'd love to discuss bringing it back to life. Send us photos and a description — we respond within 48 hours.
Studio Location
8420 SE Mill St., Portland, OR 97214
Studio Hours
Tue–Sat, 9am–5pm · By appointment