Reader comments: Beauty lurks under layers of paint

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Oh Whoops! | 1:54 a.m. Aug. 20, 2008
When I read the title of this piece, I thought it was about many of the women I have known and dated.
Valerie | 8:11 a.m. Aug. 20, 2008
What a georgeous safe. How cool to be able to restore something like that.
Kenneth in Texas | 8:33 a.m. Aug. 20, 2008
In my family we have an antique library table made by my great-great grandfather, who was a carpenter. He died in 1922, so the table predates that. During the intervening years, as the paint/finish needed re-doing, family members would just slap on another coat of whatever paint was available. The table I knew as a child was dark, almost black, and nobody seemed to have any idea what type of wood was underneath it all. Some years ago, my dad undertook the project of a significant resoration of this relic. He completely disassembled the table and stripped off all the old paint and finish to reveal a beautiful golden oak. So, the table was carefully reassembled replacing some of the worn hardware and casters, and re-stained with stain to bring out the wood's natural color. This article caused me to think of that experience. I have a great respect for talented artisans that can so masterfully restore such beautiful relics of past generations.
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J Miller | 11:35 a.m. Aug. 20, 2008
This safe was also used by the Publishing Services group in the 1990's who used it to store stamps and money in their print shop. I know, I used to open and close it every day. Until someone stole money from it, the keys worked fine. Now it has that stupid combo lock on it, thanks to a heavy-handed former state employee..
Richard | 11:51 a.m. Aug. 20, 2008
Some people just don't have any taste. It's a crime to paint over such a beautiful surface; be it wood or metal, it's still art.
RE: Oh Whoops | 10:39 p.m. Aug. 20, 2008
Good One! And so true. LOL

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Ron Wheat helps restore a 2-ton, 138-year old safe that was found in the basement of the state Capitol during renovation.

 (Photo by Chuck James and Ron Wheat)
Photo by Chuck James and Ron Wheat
Ron Wheat helps restore a 2-ton, 138-year old safe that was found in the basement of the state Capitol during renovation.