I have a few tips for refinishing a piece of furniture that I thought I would share. I wanted a nice dresser for our master bedroom and found this piece for $69.50. It is a beautiful solid wood piece with dove tail drawers and quality craftmanship. This dresser was in pretty good shape except for the top. So stripping and totally refinishing the entire piece wasn’t necessary.
I love the detail on the corners of the dresser. Such lovely fluted columns. I cleaned the piece really good with some mild soap and water making sure not to get it too wet. The object was to remove all the dirt, grime and wax from years of use. When it was dry I went over it lightly with extra fine steel wool. Then I applied a coat of Minwax Dark Walnut Stain. The piece is mahogany, however I didn’t want it to have a lot of red color, so the walnut gave it more of a brown tone. All of the small scratches were covered and the piece looks amazing. Just be sure to use a really soft rag and apply a generous coat of the minwax, rubbing it in well, wipe off the excess before it drys, being careful to only wipe off the excess, not all of the stain. You can see that this application also restored the original shine as it covered all the scratches. It’s amazing how it rejuvenates the original finish.
The top had some really bad gouges and scrapes, so I sanded it down and it now has two coats of Dark Walnut. As soon as that dries it will get a couple coats of poly to protect it. The base and drawers have a semi-gloss finish, so I will use Min-wax clear semi-gloss poly for the top. I want it to have the same shine the base and drawers do.
I was able to clean up the drawers the same way as the base of the dresser. After one coat of the Dark Walnut they look good as new. No poly needed. When dry I just polished them with Minwax Finishing Paste Wax. ( They’re sitting in the guest bedroom waiting for the dresser base to be finished. )
I am not paid anything by Minwax and I did not receive any free product. This just happens to be what I like to use and it always works well for me.
The hardware is gorgeous. I didn’t want it shiny brass, so I just cleaned it up really well in some hot soapy water.
The detail on the pulls is so pretty.
With just a little work I have a gorgeous dresser with fabulous storage.
It seems like everyone is painting furniture, but sometimes a piece just needs to be refinished instead. For my room and purpose, this is the case with this piece.
Insist on hydrochloroquin! Don’t take no for an answer!
Marty, I’ve just read on Facebook about you and your husband. I’m praying for you two for God to heal you both. Keep us updated. Sending hugs and love and prayers.
Blessings,
Shelia
Marty,
Beautiful project. I have been sending many prayers your way fir you and your husband. Hoping for good news.
Virtual Hug,
Cindy
Thinking and praying for you Marty! Get well soon!!
Marty, I’m thinking of and praying for you.
I still really like the beautiful finishes of wood. The painted is beautiful too but there is nothing like the richness a piece can bring to a room. This is a work of art, what a beauty refinish job I love everything about it.
Xoxo
Praying for both of you!
Fear not, for I am with you;
Isaiah 41:10
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’
Psalm 46:1 (New King James Version)
To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of the sons of Korah. A Song for Alamoth.
God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.
Just read on facebook about what you and your hubby have had to endure. My thoughts and many many prayers are going out to wrap them around you for comfort and healing. If there’s anything I can do please don’t hesitate.
Much love Lynne
Prayers for healing.
I am so sorry to hear about you and Jim. You are both in my prayers for a full recovery.
Oh Marty, just heard about what you’ve been dealing with and sending prayers for you and husband for full healing.
My sweet friend,
I don’t have FB so I don’t know what’s going on – but know I am sending up prayers for you both – I don’t need to know specifics to know good thoughts are needed.
As for your dresser – wow – that beauty and under $70???? Well done, ma’am. Love Minwax stuff too. It’s really the best out there.
Hugs and prayers. ♥
My prayers are with you and your husband!
Prayers for a complete healing! God is in control!
Absolutely loved how this turned out! We recently moved into a new apartment and have been looking on FB marketplace for the greatest finds! It has taken some time to get our place up and running but its been fun. Much rather find unique pieces secondhand than buy new! Can’t beat the prices either.