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Collectibles-General (Antiques)/Identifying dresser and how to restore

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Expert: - 7/20/2008


Question

Dresser
I have an old dresser that I picked up at Goodwill some years back. During a recent move, my husband taped the drawers closed which caused some of the finish to come off. Uggh! I don't know much about the piece so I am concerned about restoring it myself or having someone do for me if it's worth it. Any advice?

Answer
Hi Vicki
Nice to hear from you.
Sorry this has happened.
All you can do is try the following and see if it works.
First clean the entire piece down using a fine steel wool pad dipped in mineral spirits.
Pay particular attention to the tape areas as it looks like tape residue could be there.
Work with the grain and dry as you go with clean rags.
Then get a tiny can of Minwax stain in a color that matches the dresser.
They have color charts but get something close.
Colors are hard to match from a photo like this but I would maybe get 2 tiny cans.
One golden oak and one special walnut.
Then mix 3 parts oak to one part walnut.
But like I say its hard to tell from a photo.
Let this dry.
Could take 48 hours.
Then apply a coat of low luster tung oil.
I have difficulty telling the wood but the drawers sure look like pine but the case says hardwood so the drawers will be too.
Certainly a piece that I would fix.
As to worth, I think I see wooden escutcheon plates on this piece so its an older piece but paying someone to refinish it is not worth it.
But no reason why you cannot do this yourself.
I would be happy to offer some guidance.
Get back to me if needed
Regards
Eileen

Eileen Cronk

Expertise

I can answer most questions about the repairing and refinishing of all your old furniture items (the things we call antiques). I can also give you advice on what wood items to choose and what wood items to avoid at auctions, flea markets etc. I DO NOT give appraisals on antiques as this is not my field of expertise.

Experience

I have been repairing, refinishing and of course buying old furniture for the past 30 years. On any given weekend I can be found at auction sales or flea markets searching out a good buy. I have taken several courses in this area over the years, but I find "Hands On" learning to be the best teacher. I can help you avoid the pitfalls and problems of this wonderful rewarding craft.

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