Expert: Eileen Cronk - 2/3/2008

Question
What is the best way to refinish what I think is an european walnut dresser.  
Some of the finish is completely gone and it is bare wood now.  It is from the
50's and I am having a hard time really identifying the type of wood.

Answer
Hi again Sandy
Here is the link to the page you found me.
http://www.allexperts.com/el/Cabinets-Furniture-Woodworks/
Send me a question "need e mail" and mark it private.
Then I will give you my private email address.
If you don't make your question private I cannot send the email.
Look forward to seeing this dresser.
Regards
Eileen

Hi Sandy
Nice to hear from you.
Are you thinking the dresser could be walnut because thats printed on it somewhere?
If thats the case its likely not walnut but was finished in a walnut color.
Regardless of that, you have a dresser that has no finish in places and is completely gone.
I sort of get the feeling you must like this dresser.
You ask the best way to refinish it, and I agree with you it needs to be refinished.
So the best way is a complete strip (this should be easy) and a new finish applied.
Sandy if you need my instructions for this, just ask.
And see if you can't get someone to ID the wood for you.
Bonus if its solid walnut. It could also be walnut veneer.
And a picture would be a great help..any chance?
Regards
Eileen