Natural wood top

Question

I would like to redo this dresser with a wood tone top and chalk paint the rest. This is what I found when I srtipped the top. Any suggestions on how to make the top look acceptable. Stain it very dark?

Janet Pizaro · Answer

Try rubbing olive oil on the spots, leave it on and see if perhaps the stains then come more to the top.

Beth Hill Wood · Answer

If the stains don't come out with the above recommended answers, then I would chalk paint the top a darker or contrasting color or a dark brown. A very dark stain might work if it was an Ebony finish or similar color.

Barbara · Answer

I'm with Becky on this, with one caviat: make sure the tooth brush you use is a 'soft' or medium' toothbrush to avoid scratching the surface. It may require more than one go at this but I wouldn't want to paint over it, the grain will be lovely with a nice stain. You can also use a vinegar moistened damp cotton towel and an iron set to medium heat (check your iron and don't use steam on this). Don't leave the iron in one place too long and check between.Because of the vinegar, you will need to let it dry for a day or two before moving forward.Hope this helps.

Mickey Baron · Answer

Can I just say how wonderful this site is? ALL you people adding comments to help one another. I'm going to be tackling this same job soon. I LOVE that I have this type of input for reference as to what works & what doesn't. You're all so helpful & brilliant! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU Hometalk!!

Country Design Home · Answer

Hi Vikki- I redo furniture a lot and many of the table tops I work with start out like this. I clean them, then I sand them down as much as possible to even out the stains (sometimes they are only superficial). Then, I start with a medium colored stain and do the entire surface. Then I take the same stain, or slightly darker, and add layers of color to blend in the blotchy areas. I like using water based stains like General Finishes because they are easy to work with to get a blended, even appearance. One its dry, I coat it with matte or satin polyurethane, depending on what kind of shine I want on the top. At that point, if it's still not quite the right color, you could add some dark wax to even out the color. I know this sounds like a lot, but once you get the hang of it, its quite simple and works really well on most pieces. I love the look of a painted base and a shiny wood top. Good luck!

Rosalia · Answer

I just did a piece with a similar issue and I used a dark walnut stain and created an ombre effect to hide the spots. It worked really well and gave a rustic charm to it.

Vikki · Answer

Going for th vinegar solution first . All great ideas . Looking for some oxylic acid too . Will keep the progress posted . Thanks so much for all the ideas . Love the community feeling at Hometalk!

Laura · Answer

Please let us know what happens!

Barbara Thomas · Answer

@Vikki......... if you are wanting to just go for the look without all the work and mess, vinyl flooring in the color you like works. Cut the strips to size and glue it on like you would a floor. There are stick on products too. Just a thought.

Liz Straughn · Answer

If you stain it darker, and don't like the look, you can always paint it dark brown or black.

Taffetal · Answer

Use wood bleach - at most hardware stores. Apply it a few times to get the lightness you desire.

Brenda Dasti · Answer

I think the wood bleach is the way to go too. I lightened a very dark stain on oak once with bleach. Good luck.

Phaggard13 · Answer

I would use a Java colored gel stain

Rosemary · Answer

If you decide to paint the top use a wood stain sealer then a primer first before painting otherwise the stains will bleed through your work, especially if the top coat is a light color. If you want to stick to stain, wood bleach is the best way, i know of, to get rid of staining in wood to produce an even color before staining. :)

Beth Gee · Answer

Use java gel stain by general finishes.  Generalfinishes.com

Mary Ellen Waithe · Answer

If this is solid wood (not veneer) try sanding the entire top with an orbital or pad power sander. Use coarse 40 grit until the stains are invisible, then 60, then 80, then 100, th3n 120, then 150, then 200 (just a few swipes with all except the 40). Wipe down with a tack rag to remove all sand and wood dust. Then use a gel stain. If you don't sand, whatever is staining the wood is filling those pores and the gel stain may not be able to sink in to them. The natural color of this wood as you can see, is nearly blond. Once you sand out the stain, you can stain it any color you want, or just give it a clear poly coat.

Henare Makoare · Answer

The stain may be a food or veg oil. In the past we have used to get stains out of wood from 3% to 35% hydrogen peroxide being sure to wear suitable gloves glasses and a mask. In case it may splash etc. Brush the solution on and wait to dry then give it a wee sand. I,m sure you will figure the rest out.

Vikki · Answer

Used wood bleach with good results

Diana Deiley · Answer

Looks like the wood bleach worked best. I'm a sucker for natural wood pieces.

Margolynluvsu · Answer

Yup, sanding it is better.

Hb · Answer

Regular clothing bleach works as well. I found an old round mirror that was stained Mahogany ..I left it in a pan soaking in Javex and it came out a nice Golden oak color .

Regina Prevosto · Answer

i used 'barkeepers friend' on a solid cherry buffet, after removing finish by stripping with citristrip. It's the oxalic acid that removes the oxidized water (black marks)

Natural wood top

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Natural wood top

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