I love bringing old, tired pieces back to life again. My friend, Kathy, asked me to refurbish a chest that had been sitting in a barn for years. It needed lots of cleaning and love to bring it back to life again. But, look at how interesting the piece is! Those curves!!!
Materials
Ryobi Sander
110 and 220 grit sandpaper
Sherwin Williams All Surface Enamel
Verathane Triple Coat
STRIPPING
I got to work on stripping the old stain. (This part takes the longest.)
1. Strypeze and Steel Wool were used to remove most of the stain. (Be sure to wear safety glasses Safety Glasses-and thick rubber gloves.)
2. I sanded down some places to remove some stubborn stain. First, I used 110 grit paper and then 220 grit for a finer finish.
3. Denatured Alcohol was used to clean the surface and finally, a tack cloth to remove any remaining dust.
REPAIR
1. I filled a few areas on the drawer fronts where some of the veneer chipped using Wood Filler. After it dried, I sanded and removed any dust/dirt using a tack cloth.
2. The top of the dresser needed to be screwed back into the dresser. So, using 1.5 inch wood screws, the top was re-attached.
3. I used some wood glue to better adhere the wood pieces on the front of the dresser for a secure fit.
STAIN, PAINT AND VARNISH
Kathy wanted a two-toned effect on the piece, so I used both stain and paint.
1. MinWax Dark Walnut stain was used on most of the piece minus the side panels and pieces between the drawers. I applied two coats of stain using an old sock, lightly sanding between coats. The wood took the stain nicely and some of the character from the years still peeked through.
2. Sherwin Williams All Surface Enamel was used on the side panels and the wood pieces between the drawers. I applied paint with a brush.
3. Verathane Triple Coat was used to protect stained areas and Polycrylic Protective Finish on the painted portions. I lightly sanded between coats. I used the Car Detail Sponge to apply the poly. It goes on much better without streaking.
HARDWARE
The drawers had large wooden corkscrew stops where the drawer pulls would be without the pulls. I looked online to find some hardware that would be in keeping with the period of the piece and they were pricey. I lucked out and found some pulls on a neighborhood garage sale site for $10. I used Rub and Buff, Antique Gold to brighten up the hardware. And, here she is pretty again!
KATHY’S FOYER
I love seeing the finished piece in its home. Here is the beautiful dresser in Kathy’s foyer!
