Expert: Eileen Cronk - 5/17/2007

Question
QUESTION: I bought a dresser at a garage sale that is in very good condition, but i want to refinish it. I am about finished with the sanding. It is down to the bare wood. I did find a sticker, which someone tried to peel off. It was manufactured by the mahogany association inc.#231. I have no idea how old it is. But , I got a good deal. So what would you recommend to refinish this piece? Renee

ANSWER: Hi Renee
Nice to hear from you.
Well your piece is obviously mahogany as it has the mahogany Assoc. sticker so my choice for that wood is always a coat of Minwax in Special Walnut color.
Then several coats of low luster tung oil applied with a rag.
Too bad you sanded it, but its done.
Kindest Regards
Eileen


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

QUESTION: Eileen, I did purchase what you suggested., except for the tung oil. The person I had bought it from had tried to refinish it himself. I should have asked first. It is smooth. What harm may I have caused in sanding it? Also, What exactly is tung oil?. I am very new at this refinishing business. Renee

Answer
Hi Renee
Tung oil is an oil derived from the seeds of the tung tree..strange isn't it.
I am happy to hear you are so interested in refinishing.
While it is time consuming, its one of the most rewarding hobbies you could undertake.
And you will make lots of mistakes along the way but as long as you learn from your mistakes they become "learning experiences".
You have just experienced one LOL.
Always remember this..the gentleman who made your dresser (or any lovely old furniture) many years ago sanded it to perfection. All we want to do is replace the finish.
Sanding destroys the age and character of a piece.
As wood ages, it develops its own characteristic color.
When you sand the wood you loose this color.
Over the years as our old wood furniture is dusted and polished and used, it develops what is called "a patina".
To me patina also includes the wear and tear evidence that this piece has been around a long time.
Once again sanding destroys all this.
And if you think about it Renee, if a person really wants their furniture to look like new stuff, then buy new. Don't buy old stuff and try to make it look new.
And don't feel bad about sanding this piece. Trust me when I say there are a lot of "professional" refinishers out there who do this to every piece that passes through their hands.
Now having said all that. Yes there have been cases when I had to sand something. This is only when the wood has been damaged to the point where there is no other option.
In most cases that is the tops of furniture. Dresser tops, table tops etc. These times are few.
Your dresser is made from what is often referred to as "the king of furniture wood".
I agree with this reference. It truly is a lovely wood and it always pleases me to work on a piece made from this wood. It refinishes beautifully and actually is not as prone to "wear and tear" evidence as most woods.
So now you know everything I do LOL.
Just carry on and ask questions before you start and you will do fine.
Thanks for a great topic
Kindest Regards
Eileen