Cabinets, Furniture, Woodworks/Restoring a dresser

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Expert: - 1/29/2009


Question
QUESTION: Hey Greg, I recently took on a project for my cousin, he gave me a dresser that has some dings and scratches and it has a nice brown finish on it. They want it a little darker, do I need to do any sanding, or do I start to apply coats of staining? For the most part it is already smooth because of the existing finish. I was wondering if i need to strip it and start over. Also for the dings and dents, do u prefer putty for the gaps? And while im at it, the handles are gonna be replaced by another set of handles that are 1/8" wider from the old holes, so what could I use to fill them up as well? sorry for all that.
Thank you
John
Orange County

ANSWER: Hey John, you can't stain over an existing finish, you'll need to strip the old finish off with stripper. Then you can use a stainable wood putty to fill any damaged areas,sand,stain, then follow up with the clear coat of your choice.As for the handles, use one of the holes ,(typically the inside hole), and then fill the other with some glue and then tap in a a tight fitting dowel, trim flush, fill and stain to match,, then finish.Hope that helps- post back if need be- regards- Greg

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Ok thanks. Well to give you an update, i have replaced the sliders for the drawers i filled the holes with dowels and glue and i sanded the whole thing down, come to find out the wood is actually mdf. I told my cousin he might want to go with paint cause a stain would only bring out the fibers of the mdf and dark walnut would look kind of weird. If he does go with paint, whats the procedure for prepping the wood? Do you suggest primer, paint, gloss?
thanks again
John

Answer
Hi John, yes a good primer, ( I like Zinssers Bulls eye 1-2-3.),and an Acrylic enamel in a satin or eggshell finish. Sand only until smooth, and sand after priming with 400 just until smooth to the touch. Then 2-3 coats of enamel. I like Benjamin Moore products.

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Greg Scholl

Expertise

Questions on Woodworking, wood finishing and refinishing of all kinds, repairing furniture and wooden objects, Architectural details, Woodturning, carving, tool usage, product usage, some chemistry as it applies to woodworking and related interests,cabinet making and furniture construction/design, etc. I have experience with all manners of colorants, finishes, paints, stains, dyes, glazes, and coatings, wood species recognition and usage,tool recommendations, blade types and recommendation,techniques and methods for many Woodworking related issues, etc.

Experience

Fine furniture restorer and cabinet maker for over 30 years,serving high end Antique dealers, Interior designers, Collectors in the CT area. Consulting for area Painting/Decorating and Building contractors on non painting issues..(staining, wood prep.,clear finishing, floor restoration and architectural detail restoration and repair, etc.) Sold, built, serviced, setup Home, Industrial, and Commercial stationary woodworking tools for a major tool retailer in CT. for three years, sold hand and power tools , provided knowledge, parts replacement, service, and on site service, Trade show Demo, and training as well.

Publications
Published in Fine Woodworking Magazine (12/97), included on Fine Woodworkings first "Best of Fine Woodworking" CD-ROM (2002) ...("27 year compilation of expert know-how")

Education/Credentials
Art School at Silvermine Guild in Norwalk, CT., 9 year apprenticeship in a European run Cabinet and Restoration shop in CT., various classes on subjects having to do with the field. Seminars from major Tool manufacturers, Skil/Bosch, Delta, Powermatic, Ritter, Porter cable, Milwaukee, Dewalt/B&Decker, Performax.

Past/Present Clients
Many varied clients including work on Martha Stewarts' Westport, CT. show house, many fine Antique dealers and private collectors in and around Fairfield County and in Woodbury, CT. (the Antiques capital of CT.), Golden Age of Trucking Museum, Wilton Historical Society.

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