Martha Stewart writes in her blog found at www.themarthablog.com, “Whenever I get the chance, I often enjoy shopping at antiques shops or tag sales – one never knows what one will find.”
On one productive trip she located and purchased, “a vintage outdoor living set at a neighborhood estates sale. It was a bit timeworn,” she writes, “and painted black, but I knew with a little restoration work and a fresh coat of color, the pieces would look fantastic.”
She enlisted the help of Patty DeFelice, owner of Patty’s Portico: Outdoor Furniture Restoration & Powder Coating – a family inspired business that has been serving the New York City area for more than 25-years.
Patty has garnered a stellar reputation for meticulous restoration work. The business offers a comprehensive range of services including sandblasting, powder coating, and welding for both commercial and residential clients.
Stewart brought the furniture to Patty, where she and her team embarked on a the restoration process. The furniture was stripped down to bare metal, primed with a zinc-rich coating for corrosion resistance, and finally powder coated in Stewart’s signature “Bedford Gray.” Stewart was impressed by the transformation, stating, “I love what we do, bringing new life into old treasures.”
In addition to the outdoor furniture, Stewart also had DeFelice restore a pair of old metal baker’s table bases. This comprehensive restoration involved multiple steps, including sandblasting to remove old paint and rust, followed by priming and powder coating.
Patty’s journey into the restoration business began in her father’s automotive repair shop, where she honed her skills in fixing and painting cars. A customer’s request to use automotive paint on patio furniture led her to explore and perfect powder coating techniques, which are now a hallmark of her business.
Patty’s Portico has expanded its services beyond patio furniture to include restoring cast iron radiators, fireplace sets, and other metal items. The business’s ability to handle a diverse array of restoration projects has made it a go-to destination for quality and reliable service.
Restoring your own furniture or deciding on a new color palate or finding estate treasures to refurbish can be both a fun and rewarding experience. Engaging in this creative process allows you to breathe new life into items that may otherwise be forgotten or discarded. Furniture restoration offers a unique way to personalize your living space while contributing to sustainability.
There’s something inherently satisfying about transforming an old, worn piece of furniture into a stunning, functional item. Each piece tells a story, and by restoring it, you become part of that narrative.
Estate sales are excellent places to find high-quality furniture at a fraction of the cost. Often, these pieces are well-made and possess unique designs that you won’t find in modern furniture stores. According to Martha Stewart, browsing estate sales and antique shops is a delightful way to discover hidden gems. She emphasizes the potential in these pieces, which can be restored to their former glory or customized to match your aesthetic preferences.
Summer is the perfect time for furniture restoration projects. Patty’s offers comprehensive outdoor furniture restoration services that make the entire process seamless and convenient. Founder Patty DeFelice and her team provide expert restoration, including sandblasting, powder coating, and welding. They cater to both commercial and residential clients, ensuring that your furniture is restored to the highest standards.
One of the standout features of Patty’s Portico is their pickup and delivery service. This means you can enjoy the benefits of restored furniture without the hassle of transporting heavy items yourself.
For those interested in restoring their own treasures or seeking professional assistance, contact Patty’s Portico at: 914-935-8839; pattysportico@gmail.com; or via the website at https://www.pattysportico.com.
