Retro Renovation stopped publishing in 2021; these stories remain for historical information, as potential continued resources, and for archival purposes.
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Traci Simanoskisays
I have a 1964 Coffee Table looks laminate or venneer (the shiney wood) have no idea how to redo any help would be appreciated
Marjiesays
We had shiny veneer tables. They can not be refinished like a solid wood table, but I saw some that had been spray painted ivory and they were really nice looking. If you mask off the metal caps on the legs and use a quality primer (that zinsser 123 works well in slick surfaces) and then spray them a color that complements your room, you would have a very budget friendly piece of furniture that would last for many more years.
Traci Simanoskisays
thank you so much for the input. I love spray paint so was thinking that might work for now
judy hallsays
I have a 1950 orangey, terra-cotta brick house; a ranch. I desperately need some suggestions for a front door color. All of the colors I’ve tried thus far, bright red, medium sage green and a light blue-gray look awful.
All of the trim, windows, garage door etc. is white, the roof is shale gray.
Any help??
Lorisays
You might try black or a deep shade of purple. In nature terra cotta colors are often found near purples. Good luck.
Judy H.says
Thx Lori! I never thought about dark purple, but I can definitely visualize it on my front door. I’m thinking I’ll do it!
Susan Allensays
I am looking for replacement crank handles for the jalousie windows in my 1945 house. The ones at the hardware store are utilitarian looking and very ugly and stand out from the original ones like a sore crank. Any suggestions where I could find handles like the original ones?
pam kuebersays
watch ebay like a hawk
Carolsays
Linda, see if you can find out what brand the windows are. For instance, my 1956 casements were Andersens, which are still in production, and they could probably offer crank handles that fit (through an Andersen dealer). Good luck!
Helen Reiskinsays
Does st charles still offer wooden overlays?What other info re vintage ST Charles? thanks.
pam kuebersays
see the complete category Kitchens/Steel Kitchen – we have tons of info about vintage steel kitchen cabinets including St. Charls.
Conniesays
Just bought a NEVER-renovated home that has a booth set similar to the one my parents had when I was a child. I am guessing mid-60’s. It is the “Apple” green of that era. I would like to sell it. Any suggestions?
pam kuebersays
craigslist!
Ted Kennedysays
ROG1 and 3 are rip offs! I am trying to clean a fiberglass tub and shower and they do nothing! Do not buy this product! Fifty bucks wasted!!!
pam kuebersays
worked well on mine…I recommend you contact the company to see if they will give you a refund, they seem pretty reasonable.
Nicole Bailysays
*I would like to know what my Vintage 1963 thermador WO16a series 95512 secondary wall oven is worth. Never used came with our home and I have various pans and racks to go with it.
Cae Colvinsays
I have a 1959 Gaffers & Sattler automatic gas range (pink, model number w3995g) that I want to renovate my kitchen around. Can anyone tell me what gas input this range takes? The house is hooked to propane. Will I be able to install the range as is, or will I need to replace the orifices?
pam kuebersays
Cae, you need to find and consult with a properly licensed professional on this question.
Nicolesays
Hi!I am trying to find info about Drexel Plaudit furniture.I bought a china cabinet CHEAP at a thrift store and Im trying to decide if I should paint it or not.If it is some kind of good wood or its a bad idea,I wont.I love it and it looks super cute with my vintage pyrex in it!I have searched online and cant find any info about the line at all!Thanks a lot!Love this site!
Dawn Wheelersays
I am trying to recover my retro 1950’s diner chairs. Does anyone know a good place to get the fabric? Thanks!
Traci Simanoski says
I have a 1964 Coffee Table looks laminate or venneer (the shiney wood) have no idea how to redo any help would be appreciated
Marjie says
We had shiny veneer tables. They can not be refinished like a solid wood table, but I saw some that had been spray painted ivory and they were really nice looking. If you mask off the metal caps on the legs and use a quality primer (that zinsser 123 works well in slick surfaces) and then spray them a color that complements your room, you would have a very budget friendly piece of furniture that would last for many more years.
Traci Simanoski says
thank you so much for the input. I love spray paint so was thinking that might work for now
judy hall says
I have a 1950 orangey, terra-cotta brick house; a ranch. I desperately need some suggestions for a front door color. All of the colors I’ve tried thus far, bright red, medium sage green and a light blue-gray look awful.
All of the trim, windows, garage door etc. is white, the roof is shale gray.
Any help??
Lori says
You might try black or a deep shade of purple. In nature terra cotta colors are often found near purples. Good luck.
Judy H. says
Thx Lori! I never thought about dark purple, but I can definitely visualize it on my front door. I’m thinking I’ll do it!
Susan Allen says
I am looking for replacement crank handles for the jalousie windows in my 1945 house. The ones at the hardware store are utilitarian looking and very ugly and stand out from the original ones like a sore crank. Any suggestions where I could find handles like the original ones?
pam kueber says
watch ebay like a hawk
Carol says
Linda, see if you can find out what brand the windows are. For instance, my 1956 casements were Andersens, which are still in production, and they could probably offer crank handles that fit (through an Andersen dealer). Good luck!
Helen Reiskin says
Does st charles still offer wooden overlays?What other info re vintage ST Charles? thanks.
pam kueber says
see the complete category Kitchens/Steel Kitchen – we have tons of info about vintage steel kitchen cabinets including St. Charls.
Connie says
Just bought a NEVER-renovated home that has a booth set similar to the one my parents had when I was a child. I am guessing mid-60’s. It is the “Apple” green of that era. I would like to sell it. Any suggestions?
pam kueber says
craigslist!
Ted Kennedy says
ROG1 and 3 are rip offs! I am trying to clean a fiberglass tub and shower and they do nothing! Do not buy this product! Fifty bucks wasted!!!
pam kueber says
worked well on mine…I recommend you contact the company to see if they will give you a refund, they seem pretty reasonable.
Nicole Baily says
*I would like to know what my Vintage 1963 thermador WO16a series 95512 secondary wall oven is worth. Never used came with our home and I have various pans and racks to go with it.
Cae Colvin says
I have a 1959 Gaffers & Sattler automatic gas range (pink, model number w3995g) that I want to renovate my kitchen around. Can anyone tell me what gas input this range takes? The house is hooked to propane. Will I be able to install the range as is, or will I need to replace the orifices?
pam kueber says
Cae, you need to find and consult with a properly licensed professional on this question.
Nicole says
Hi!I am trying to find info about Drexel Plaudit furniture.I bought a china cabinet CHEAP at a thrift store and Im trying to decide if I should paint it or not.If it is some kind of good wood or its a bad idea,I wont.I love it and it looks super cute with my vintage pyrex in it!I have searched online and cant find any info about the line at all!Thanks a lot!Love this site!
Dawn Wheeler says
I am trying to recover my retro 1950’s diner chairs. Does anyone know a good place to get the fabric? Thanks!
pam kueber says
There are several sources written up in this category, good luck: https://retrorenovation.com/category/period-accents/furniture/
Dawn Wheeler says
Thanks! I will check it out now!