Expert: Eileen Cronk - 8/11/2006

Question
Yes, there is lots of grain showing...so, how would someone who has never done this before even know where to start? Thanks so much for all your help!
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Followup To

Question -
Hi Again!

I just asked my roommate to run up and look at my furniture suit and he said that it looks like Oak to him. Does that change what I can do with it?

Thanks!
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Followup To

Question -
The furniture is solid wood, but Im not sure what kind...maple? Its been so long. So you think that painting works the best? I really like the dark brown wood color...could I get a paint like that?

Thank you!
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Followup To

Question -
Hi,

I have a wooden furniture suit (bed, dresser, chest) that my parents bought for me about 18 years ago. I would like to keep the pieces but somehow update them...change the color (finish),etc. I have NO idea how to go about this though...can you give me an idea and some starting points?

Thank you!

Answer -
Hi Kristen
Nice to hear from you.
Sorry I cannot answer this without more details.
I will have to know if the set is 100% solid wood and not veneer over fibre board and what type of wood it is.
Usually furniture of this young age does not look great refinished but it always looks great after being painted.
Let me know.
Kindest Regards
Eileen

Answer -
Hi Again Kristen
If your set is solid maple about 18 years old it will have a colored laquer finish.
They did this on maple (and still do) because the new growth maple does not accept stain and has very little character as far as wood goes.
On the other hand its extremely durable and nice to work with.
It certainly is very possible to entirely strip this finish off and take it to a shop to be relaquered with colored laquer.
And I agree with you that wood is best.
I guess it depends on how much work and money you want to put into this project.
Regards
Eileen


Answer -
It sure does LOL
Solid oak furniture is the best.
It can be stripped and made light or darker with stain.
If its oak it will show a very definate coarse grain.
You will see no grain with maple.
Regards
Eileen

Answer
Stripping furniture is a time consuming process and you have to know what your doing. So why not start with a book on the subject.
There are hundreds available out there.
And I think this would be a great project to do.
Another alternative is a product I have never used but get raves about..here is the link.
http://www.drwoodwell.com/
Good Luck