Keep original or make it look more modern?
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Pjakin61 on Feb 11, 2016Normally I'd say leave it alone, but in this case because it is so dark, I'd paint itHelpful Reply
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GrandmasHouseDIY on Feb 11, 2016Unless the veneer (if it isn't solid wood but is actually veneer I can't tell by looking at it) is in real bad shape I would try stripping it, a lot of the dark going on there is just years upon years of grime. I've literally stripped dark pieces only to stain them dark again and the different is absolutely remarkable. These old pieces are just so dirty!Helpful Reply
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Denise on Feb 11, 2016I have a cabinet close to this style that belonged to my grandmother. It was veneered and in really bad shape but I didn't want to get rid of it. I chalk painted the whole piece and it looks beautiful. You might try leaving the top stained dark and painting the bottom but if it doesn't match the rest of your furniture don't hesitate to paint the whole thing.Helpful Reply
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EdiLeck on Feb 11, 2016I would say: It all depends on the look you like. After all, it is yours! If it were mine, I would clean it really well then give it a wipe-down with Howard's Restor-a-Finish and see what it looked like before I made a decision. I attached a pic of a foot board I'm working on. Huge difference if you like the look of wood. If you don't, then paint away!Helpful Reply
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Janet Pizaro on Feb 11, 2016I am not a big fan of painting wood, however depending on how badly scratched the piece is you may not have a choice. I would try to strip it first before you make any decisions. It may be perfectly fine once it is cleaned and or stripped down.Helpful Reply
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MN Mom on Feb 11, 2016I am not a big fan of painted wood, but I would paint this piece. It looks like a good solid piece you could keep for a long time. I think a lighter neutral color would be a very nice clean update. Not a fan of the look of chalk paint, I'd use latex.Helpful Reply
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Polly Zieper on Feb 11, 2016It DOES look great as a tv cabinet- please just polish it and keep the charm the same !I've read here that you can improve the look of old wood that's scratched or has water marks by rubbing olive oil on it.Helpful Reply
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Brenda Coleman on Feb 11, 2016an Almond stick will cover all scratches up but, it does not last. You would have to use it again in a month or so, however, it will look beautiful till you decide what you want to do. It is very hard to do anything with veneer. If You try to strip it well it could crumble and make a big mess. Veneer is very thin and when dry it crumbles. Even if you paint it you must do something to add moisture to it before you try painting it. What you need to do is use a good sealer first if you are going to paint it. This way once you do paint it the paint wont crack. Unless you like the cracked paint look. Then you have a natural. Good luck.Helpful Reply
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Beth H. Makemeprettyagain.blogspot on Feb 11, 2016paint it. That stain and finish is horrible. Chalk paint is a perfect remedy for this. If you want, strip the top completely down to bare wood and stain in a medium walnut shade (that wood is mahogany and will have a natural reddish tone to it.) I've done a few of these and they come out really nice. I did one in white and one in black. Both with the wood tops.Oh, and remove the hardware and clean. You can try and polish them but it's easier to get a metallic spray paint and spray them. Do very light coats.Helpful Reply
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Beth H. Makemeprettyagain.blogspot on Feb 11, 2016Coincidentally, I just saw this ad for a buffet almost identical to yours! It's on Craigslist and she has it listed for $600!!Helpful Reply
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Country Design Home on Feb 12, 2016I am a big fan of painted furniture, but if you actually like the wood, then I would just try to cover the scratches and add some glow. If a product like "Restore-A-Finish" doesn't work, then you could try a gel stain- goes right over the old stain and evens out the color and adds shine.Helpful Reply
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Mickey Baron on Feb 12, 2016Another vote for PAINT. I love when they keep the top the original wood, paint the rest. Use the dark wax to give it some depth. The hardware looks AWESOME just spray paint it to make it stand out. After shots pls.?Helpful Reply
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Marilyn on Feb 12, 2016It's personal preference. If you don't want to paint it give it a good cleaning with Fels Naphtha soap and follow with Toung Oil and it will be beautiful.Helpful Reply
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Barbara on Feb 12, 2016I agree with Marilyn, its personal preference. I'd give it a good cleaning first and see what you think afterward. I have a preference for wood tones and am not a fan of painting vintage furniture. Sometimes the scratches and dings lend character to an older piece. It certainly works well as a TV stand!Helpful Reply
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Sonia on Feb 12, 2016I would clean it up first and then make a decision. Right now it just looks old and dirty. But it does have great potential.Helpful Reply
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Chris on Feb 12, 2016Your chair looks a bit "country" so a painted finish in a blue/grey or green/gray would be nice with the pine of the chairs.Helpful Reply
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Kathryn on Feb 12, 2016folks tysm. im loosing the pine chair, actually going for rustic barnwood table. think ill clean the sideboard first. thanksHelpful Reply
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Caryn Moy on Feb 12, 2016I'd like to see it modern!Helpful Reply
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LaFawne on Feb 12, 2016Agree with everyone else. Clean it and keep it for a few days until you make up your mind. Then do what makes you happy! It's your home, you can paint if you want to (sung to the tune of "it's my party") LOL! Beautiful piece, however you finish it-Helpful Reply
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Michele Oakley on Feb 12, 2016If you're looking for more modern & it's really scratched, go for painting! Keep the top if you want some wood grain (ShabbyPaints Gelato is great for this). Then choose a great accent color for your room!!Helpful Reply
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Gladys on Feb 12, 2016Hometalk is full of instructions from people to use Vinegar and an Oil to erase those scratches. Also by damaged, do you mean there is a wood veneer that is peeled away? If so, it can be replaced with actual wood veneer in a matching sheet (same wood species and same color stain). You probably will have to do the entire bottom drawer to make it right. (See wiseWood Veneer, Veneer Tech, Woodcraft, etc.) My husband makes solid mahogany furniture but will repair our piano leg using a "sheet of wood veneer". It is like the wood on "engineered hardwood flooring". BTW, guessing the piece was manufactured in early 20th century, it is like most of the mass-produced furniture of the time in that higher grades of wood in veneers were placed over a cheaper wood frame. You can even very lightly sand that dresser if it is like my mother's from that period, just be sure to sand With the grain.Helpful Reply
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Trudy on Feb 12, 2016Clean it well, then go over it with a stain close in color and rub it off pretty quickly. Just do sections, not the whole thing at once. It will refresh the finish and cover the scratches. Take off the hardware off and clean them up to add some bling to that pretty girl. If you still aren't happy then you can paint it.Helpful Reply
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LoriKindler on Feb 12, 2016I love the idea of changing it into a TV stand - take out those drawers, put shelves in and holes in the back, paint as you like...Voila! And bonus - the TV is at a great height.Helpful Reply
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Carol S on Feb 12, 2016Sometimes less is more. I'd clean it well first. I like and old product called Liquid Gold or maybe even Murphy's Oil Soap. Be gentle. Wood and water don't mix. My favorite product is Old English Scratch cover. The dark colored product will be best for this piece. It nourishes the wood and blends well to other shades. I think once you see this piece shined up, you'll be happy with it. Check out ideas for cleaning the hardware on pinterest.Helpful Reply
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Flossie on Feb 12, 2016If there are very noticeable chips, use a wood filler(apply little and sand down, you can build this up.) I personally think this is a beautiful piece of furniture and would be very excited to give it a few coats of French Linen chalk paint and a dark wax, take a little off the edges and drawer fronts with a gentle sandpaper. Good luck. I wish this was mine!Helpful Reply
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Tesspug on Feb 12, 2016I was going to say chalk paint as well.Helpful Reply
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Fenella on Feb 12, 2016Yes. I'm with the girls. Chalk paint it. Would look fabulous. I work at an auction house in NZ full to the brim each week with estate and antique furniture etc and I am driving my colleagues nuts with "Chalk paint it"! "Would look fabulous chalk painted". I am a recent convert, haha.Helpful Reply
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Patti kelley on Feb 12, 2016I would definitely paint it It would be beautifulHelpful Reply
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Kathryn on Feb 13, 2016wow i was blown away by the replies i got tysmHelpful Reply
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Mcf3672903 on Feb 13, 2016re doHelpful Reply
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Theresa Smith on Feb 13, 2016I would not feel bad about painting it. My rule of thumb with old pieces is, if it's in really good condition and warrants preservation as an antique or potential antique, try do do so. If it's beat up, needs repair, veneer falling apart, mildew/mold, etc...don't feel bad about re-purposing it. From the photos, this piece would appear to fall in the latter category.Helpful Reply
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Lynn Gronewold on Feb 13, 2016Chalk paint then wax finish. Wish I had this piece at my home!!Helpful Reply
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Leslie on Feb 13, 2016I have one almost identical and I painted it white. Looks so much better.Helpful Reply
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Kathryn on Feb 14, 2016i wish you did too! lolHelpful Reply
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Brenda Hunt on Feb 14, 2016Get some Dark Old English. It is at your grocers. Or order it online. It hides unbelievable scratches. I had that piece of furniture. Miss it.Helpful Reply
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Leslie on Feb 19, 2016Sorry it took me so long, just saw your post today. The close up pic shows where I decopaged a strip of scrapbook paper on for a little interest.Helpful Reply
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Kathryn on Feb 19, 2016very pretty i like itHelpful Reply
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Leslie on Feb 19, 2016Only paid $75 for it so wasn't afraid to ruin it.Helpful Reply
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Jill Gelinas on Oct 02, 2016Don't paint it!Helpful Reply
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