You are here:

Cabinets, Furniture, Woodworks/Refinishing new dresser

Advertisement

Expert: - 10/11/2010


Question

damaged wood
Hi there, I have a new bedroom dresser.  I had air freshner diffuser spill on it.  The oil was wiped off but it totally took away the stain in spots.  I have received the same stain from the company but do not know if I can do this myself or should hire someone.  I am pretty handy but just want it to be done so it will look good. The dresser was 2,000 dollars so I don't want the damage to be seen.  What is my best bet on using to remove the old stain so I can apply the new one? I only want to do the top not the whole thing is that ok? Also would it be possible to just repair the damaged area or the whole thing must be done?

Answer
Hey Jeff, most likely there is a finish on top of the stain, usually lacquer, so you're not just talking about replacing the stain...the finish will also need to be repaired/replaced, but from what I see, the only way to make an invisible repair is to strip and refinish the whole top. If you've never done this type of work,I don't recommend you try this, as it 's pretty skilled work to refinish this top to a perfect match in color and sheen. The best way to apply the finish is spraying, as well, which takes some experience to know how to do right....I would talk to the company and ask them about the finish, they should be able to tell you what the finish schedule is, and then you'll know the direction to take. Having a Pro do the job shouldn't be that expensive, and that's definitely the best way to get an invisible repair....

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.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.