A Vintage Workshop

We hired Steve Schmidt with Vintage Workshop from Ofallon, MO to refinish a dining room table. The table top only had a few nicks on the edge that we needed filled and matched to the table top. The pedestals had the finish worn and needed refinished to match the table top. When we contacted Steve he stated the following in a text message "Yes. I use catalyzed lacquer. The best finish for water alcohol and heat. You will need to use hot pads or trivets for any thing to hot to hold in your hand." "It will last many years". Steve and his assistant came to our house and said he could do a partial finish on the table top by filling the nicks and then refinish the top without sanding and then sand and refinish the pedestals. He said the cost would be no more than $450. We agreed to pay him that amount and he said the job would be finished in 2 weeks and he took the table to his shop. 6 weeks later he called and said the table was done and the cost was $475. I reminded him that he stated the cost would be no more than $450 and he again agreed to that amount and delivered the table to our house. When I first saw the table, it didn't look anything was done to the top as the finish looked the same. He did fill the nicks and the color of filler was close to the top color but not really a match. The pedestals were finished. Steve again reiterated the need for using hot pads or trivets for hot dishes. He said the finish would last a long, long time. He, also, said if we had any questions to call him. That night we had soup for supper and as advised we only took the bowls to the table that were not too hot to carry. We did not have place mats at the time so I used a folded paper towel as a place mat but the other two bowls were placed on the table. After we had finished eating, I noticed heat rings had formed under the 2 bowls that had been placed directly on the table. 1st day used and we already had an issue. I called Steve and he came out to our house on March 15, 2019 looked at the table and said that he could remove the rings but he couldn't do it right away. He did say that he would return in 9 business days and fix the rings then, so I said OK. On April 12, 2019, after not hearing from Steve at all, I sent him an email asking when he would be coming out to fix the table as the 9 days had come and gone. I have called and left voice messages for Steve and have sent text messages as well. It is April 26, 2019 and I have not gotten any return call from Steve. So much for the table refinish to last many years. Steve did not provide a product that was satisfactory and did not back his product as he stated he would. I find Steve Schmidt with Vintage Workshop to be a very dishonest man and will never do business with him again.

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My fourth effort with Steve and it went GREAT. (as did the first three) Not only were these 50-year old+ chairs returned to nearly like new condition, he did it in a couple of weeks at a very reasonable price. He did the first one of these heirloom chairs to see how it would turn out. He re-glued any loose pieces, cleaned the worn spots and re-colored everything to match the original color. Then he recoated the backs, seats and arms. When it was finished, he did not require any payment until he was sure we would be satisfied. Took it home and it looked terrific with the table. The following week I brought him the other five. I'm sure they'll last another 50 years! HIGHLY recommend Steve. Not only does he do a wonderful job he is personable, friendly and accommodating. When we had him re-do a large 100 year-old kitchen [hutch], he picked up and delivered.