How can I fix an antique dresser?

How did you refinish ? Stain or Paint? Would be helpful if you had a picture. Dud you sand the stains and scratches off first?

this dresser is from the 1930’s with various types of wood. I sanded some parts, but not all. I also stained the wood.

Hi Suzanne, you likely should have put a base on like Kilz to prime and seal it before adding the new coat of color, you can likely sand the stained areas, prime and repaint

You need to sand it smooth down to raw wood. Clean off with a damp cloth. With different wood species it will stain unevenly. You will need to use Minwax Wood Conditioner. Evens out wood grain for stain. Then apply the stain.