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Cabinets, Furniture, Woodworks/Refinishing a birch dresser?

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Expert: - 4/23/2009


Question

My birch dresser
A Refinishing company wants to charge me $350 per nightstand dresser. I decided that I might try it on my own, I've read on your site to use Circa 1850 and to not sand it. I would like to stain it a black walnut.The dresser is in good shape just want to have it darker. Any advice on what I need to do?

Answer
Hi Marina
Nice to hear from you.
Your handmade pine nightstand is very nice and will certainly take a dark stain.
And for absolute sure don't do any sanding on it after you strip off the finish.
But first off try to test the wood in a place that won't show.
The back of a leg is a good spot to remove a bit of finish and try your stain.
Don't want to discourage you Marina but this piece looks lovely the way it is.
But as you guessed if you want to stain darker the entire piece will need stripping with an MC stripper like the Circa.
But please do your test.
Regards
Eileen

Eileen Cronk

Expertise

Hi..I can answer most questions about the repairing,stripping and refinishing of all your old furniture and wood items(the things we call antiques)I can give advice about what to buy/avoid at auctions/flea markets. I do not give appraisals on antiques.

Experience

I have been refinishing antiques for the past 30yrs. While I have taken several courses over the years,I have found that "hands on" learning is the best teacher. Perhaps I can help you avoid some of the mistakes I made while learning.

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