Expert: Eileen Cronk - 6/12/2008

Question
I purchased an old dresser from a used furniture store, absolutely beautiful, but needs a lot of work. I don't know much about wood or repairing, but I will explain what is wrong the best I can. It is a dark wood (cherry, mahogany?), seems to have been shiny at some point though it has marks on the surface that almost look like oil stains (that is the best way I can describe it). Aside from that, the bottom of the dresser is chipping badly, and it is starting to come off in large pieces now.
Can this piece be restored? My husband thinks it is an eyesore and wants it out but I would like to know if it can be repaired before tossing it.
In addition to hubby pressuring me about getting rid of this piece, I am also 5 months pregnant. Is there any repairing that I can do now without exposing myself to harsh chemicals, just to at least get the project started?
Thank you so much for your help!

Answer
Hi Joy
Nice to hear from you.
Darn it all, I'm with you on this one.
If things like this can be fixed I say do it.
The day is fast coming when our landfills are full and our forests are bare of trees.
So Joy, because of your condition all I can safely suggest is a light sand and a paint job.
The chipping at the bottom indicates this piece is veneer and such repairs are impossible for the home handy woman.
So in those areas, simply remove anything loose and fill the areas with wood filler then sand smooth.
I don't feel either the filler or the sanding are hazardous to the baby but please wear a dust mask for the sanding. They cost pennies.
And just a gentle sanding is needed nothing heavy.
Use 120 grit sandpaper to sand. You will just need two sheets of sandpaper for this. I cut them each in 3 equal pieces and fold the pieces in half..pretty easy.
So get all the handles off first. Do your filling and sand the entire piece.
Then a water based primer and then two coats of water based top coat.
You only need a quart of top coat, and if you can get one of those very small cans of primer it should be enough for the dresser.
The water based top coat is fine for you to use and just check the primer can but I don't think its a problem for you either.
Other than that, a full strip and refinish but thats out of the question at this time and the broken veneer is a problem too.
Good Luck
Great question
Regards
Eileen