How can I make this dresser meet my vision?
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Paula Hukill on Aug 25, 2014I had the same problem on a dresser that was 50 year old. We had to strip it on the top to take stain darkHelpful Reply
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Shari on Aug 25, 2014I haven't worked with stain very much but I do know that different types of woods take the same color stain differently. With that being said, the darkest stain I have ever worked with was Mahogany and I found that with each coat I applied, it did get darker. Is this last picture is just one coat? On my monitor it does look very light for Ebony. I would let it dry well and apply at least one more coat to see if it gets darker. If it does, you will then know you are going to need to keep applying stain to reach your desired level of darkness. Just be sure to let it dry adequately after each coat or you might find yourself with a big sticky mess. Also make sure you gently stir (NOT shake) the can well with a wooden stir stick before each coat so all the color pigment isn't sitting on the bottom of the can.Helpful Reply
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117135 on Aug 26, 2014General Finishes makes a product called Gel Stain. It comes it a lot of colors but you are mainly looking for the Java(dark brown) or black. You apply it like paint. I use a Chip brush and brush it on like paint. I throw away the brush when done so I don't have to use mineral spirits to clean up. It is thick, so takes a day or 2 to completely dry(based on humidity). Once it is dry you can apply a wipe on Poly from Minwax. Here is a link to a dresser I just completed with the stencils and embossing with the Java stain color. http://designeddecor.com/dresser-makeover-touch-sophistication/ hope this helps!Helpful Reply
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Highstyle Restyle on Aug 26, 2014Designed Decor is right! General Finishes gel stain in Java sounds like the color you're wanting to achieve. Easy to apply with fantastic results!Helpful Reply
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AvonelleRed on Aug 26, 2014I also recommend using a gel stain.Helpful Reply
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Marge on Aug 26, 2014My daughter did this. She painted it instead of staining it. She power sanded it.Top is black and rest is off white. She removed top row of drawers and made open shelves for her DVD player, cable box, etc. So entertainment center with TV on the wall above.Helpful Reply
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CK on Aug 26, 2014She wants a black top? Why not just paint it? You can slightly rough up the surface and then paint it. Of course all your hard work thus far done will be covered up. But there are some excellent other ideas posted here. I'm sure in time your dream will be realized for this lovely dresser.Helpful Reply
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Barbara Valenti on Sep 30, 2014Why have you chosen those colors? Sounds like you are leaning to a Chinese color. If that's the case, add some gold in the cracks. I am sure it will look great! What kind of knobs and if you rub soap on the bottom of the drawers, they should slide easier. Please post finished pic!Helpful Reply
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Cindy D. on Sep 30, 2014I would not say this is a Chinese color scheme at all - I am also a little confused by that comment. I did finish the dresser, and we are quite happy with how it came out, thank you all for your thoughts!Helpful Reply
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Barbara Valenti on Sep 30, 2014Hold on people I thought you said somewhere that you where going to paint the drawer fronts red. Gosh are you women quick to get your panties in a wad! And, about that soap maybe you can save some to wash out your rude mouth! Sorry if I offended any one. How bought you post this sucker when you are done and lets see how many women get goo goo eyed over it then. I am done!!!Helpful Reply
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Shari on Sep 30, 2014@Cindy D. Wow, what a transformation! The stained top came out great and I really like the raised details. I hope your daughter enjoys it!Helpful Reply
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WoodofakindbyLarryBrooks on Oct 01, 2014nice job !Helpful Reply
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Nancy Merrell on Oct 11, 2014Very different,looks great!Helpful Reply
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AvonelleRed on Dec 17, 2014Did your daughter love it even though the top isn't black? It looks awesome!Helpful Reply
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169756 on Jan 01, 2015Turned out wonderful. Congrats!Helpful Reply
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Pamela John on Mar 09, 2015Hi I just finished a dresser for my daughter like this and the top was veneer, that had previously been antique washed finish, when stripped and sanded it also took the stain darker in areas, I went over it 3 times with stain, finally gave up and called it good, I would also try the darkest gel stain or possibly get a custom tinted stain at Sherwin williamsHelpful Reply
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Kelley MacKay on Mar 17, 2016what type of stain did you use? General Finishes makes a black gel stain. If you don't care about the grain showing, you can just paint on and not wipe it back to get a solid black color. Then you topcoat with an oil based product like their Arm R SealHelpful Reply
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Ros5097720 on Mar 18, 2016I have seen wood floors stained ebony. It can be done, but I do not know how. Google or @Youtube it.Helpful Reply
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