I have 3 matching pieces - dresser, side table and cedar chest that are Style 481777. All have some damage on the tops, looking for suggestions on how to fix. Thank you
The tops do look pretty scratched up and worn. I think I would consider sanding with a fine and extra fine sandpaper to smooth everything out. I would then check into General Finishes water based stain. There are a few different color choices and it is so easy to apply with very little prep. You could then finish it with either their clear sealer or a waterbased polyacrylic. General Finishes has 2 types of stain--the gel version is a more solid color stain so make sure you pick the one that will give you the results you desire. Minwax also makes some good stain products as well. I am NOT fond of their PolyShades products--which is a stain/poly combination--because it is hard to get a good finish that doesn't look streaky and it requires quite a few coats to get a nicer looking finish. This is a REALLY nice set! I have never seen the "Pioneer" version of Lane! Nice!
It looks like the tops will need refinishing. Use an orbital sander with fine grit sandpaper. You will need to try to match the finish, or try using a tung oil finish.
I would lightly sand, just to make an even finish not to take off the finish. Then I would get some General Finishes stain and restain the pieces. I would buy Spar varathane and put a nice hard layer on the top to seal.
Oh I LOVE these! I would definately sand the tops and retain! They will turn out beautiful! What great about them being nice and worn is that usually sanding takes less time!
If they have dig's and dings, use a wood filler and then rub down, or try Wax crayons the colour of the wood rubbed across the damage to build up and fill the dings. Best wishes.
I would remove all the old stain and varnish using and orbital sander first. Then add new stain to the colour you want and seal with oil based polyurethane. They are beautiful pieces.
Yes sand everything down starting with 180 grit and work your way up to 220. Tack cloth, Vaccuum. Then decide if you want to paint or stain.
It looks like it is solid wood....I can't tell from the pics but if there is any peeling veneer, I have a post I wrote on how to remove the veneer easier. Here is the Hometalk post:
From your good pictures (thanks for posting them) it looks like superficial damage to the tops.
Start by removing the hinges and knobs, clean them up. Use and orbital sander to remove the effected parts and to strip any existing stain/varnish. Vacuum and wipe the pieces down with a damp cloth, let air dry. If there are any noticible dents, dings, or scratches left at this point they can be repaired by wood filler that closely matches the wood.
If you decide to paint and if you choose chalk paint you do not have to prep the wood, just paint at this point, remember you'll need a wax or topcoat to protect the chalk paint, It has a tendency to flake otherwise if left without a top coat.
A new stain maybe the way you'd consider going, they have polyurethanes with the stain in them.
Another thought could be to change out the knobs, the originals are part of the characteristics of these pieces, but you may prefer something else, you can experiment with different knobs.
Something that I learned recently is chests ( the long one without drawers) can present as an excellent hiding place for children. I would disable the lock if there is one, they can be trapped in and suffocate. I don't mean to be morbid, but would want to share information on safety.
If you don't want to sand and refinish it--and believe, me I understand; I don't like having to do that either--you could try putting a fabric runner or large doily on top to hide the scratches. I like the look of runners and fabric on wood!
This has been very helpful and learned they are Virginia House Hard Rock Maple wood. I am ordering a replacement piece from Lane for the cedar chest lock as it is a hazard. Thanks for all the suggestions!
We have four swivel chairs and a lounger where the fabric has dry rotted and when we sat in them - all of them - we went right through! Does anyone have any money... See more
I just got this great hutch and my husband and I have a difference in opinions. I would like to paint this as an accent piece and he likes the wood color as it is.... See more
Someone was throwing this table out the other day. It had a few coffee stains and was a little worn down, but overall in good shape. I just started sanding it and... See more
I have an office chair that I use in my sewing room/office and recently it has been leaving black marks that look like oil. Can anyone tell me how to stop it from... See more
I just bought an outdoor plastic lighted Santa that is in desperate need of paint. The problem is it looks like others have tried but the paint didn't stick. Plus, I... See more
I love the shape and size of this lamp, but the colors and flowers are just NOT doing it for me. I'm not sure if its some sort of applique or just paint. It has... See more
I bought a dining room table and had to store it under my shed and water dripped on it and damaged it a little is there any way to fix this problem please help thank... See more
My Thomasville pecan dining table has foam rubber residue on the top. The residue is from a cheap table pad that was left on table too long. Can it be removed... See more
Mostly I am speaking regarding my end tables? My beautiful 2 year old grandson is "playfully building" towers, ships, air planes etc on the end tables in the living... See more
This has several spots on the nightstand on it. It matches my bedroom suit. I have tried several things to get it off. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks
I have a waterfall vanity with a decorative rectangular mirror and I've lost the mirror mounts. I have pieces coming from Van Dyke's Restorers and need to turn the... See more
Hi there. I have a couple folding camp chairs that are directors style. The canvas (I think) is tearing in the seat. Any ideas how to repair it? Thank you in... See more
I've bought very old re painted drawers stored in an attic for years. Now in my new bedroom. The smell from them is so strong Musty feisty old smell. Please how to I... See more
I have wanted to modernize this etagere but upon inspection found that the hinges and pulls are impossible to take off. I don't know if it would look good just... See more
My thermoplastic cupboards are presently dark brown. I would like to paint the bottom ones dark grey and the top ones white. I heard that if I do, over time they will... See more
Your comment...
Rejuvenate might work. Also, Old English makes a scratch cover in 2 colors. You might try the light one.
The tops do look pretty scratched up and worn. I think I would consider sanding with a fine and extra fine sandpaper to smooth everything out. I would then check into General Finishes water based stain. There are a few different color choices and it is so easy to apply with very little prep. You could then finish it with either their clear sealer or a waterbased polyacrylic. General Finishes has 2 types of stain--the gel version is a more solid color stain so make sure you pick the one that will give you the results you desire. Minwax also makes some good stain products as well. I am NOT fond of their PolyShades products--which is a stain/poly combination--because it is hard to get a good finish that doesn't look streaky and it requires quite a few coats to get a nicer looking finish. This is a REALLY nice set! I have never seen the "Pioneer" version of Lane! Nice!
It looks like the tops will need refinishing. Use an orbital sander with fine grit sandpaper. You will need to try to match the finish, or try using a tung oil finish.
Consider Restor-a-finish. :)
Hello. It may be necessary to sand and restain seal the items for the best outcome.
I would lightly sand, just to make an even finish not to take off the finish. Then I would get some General Finishes stain and restain the pieces. I would buy Spar varathane and put a nice hard layer on the top to seal.
Oh I LOVE these! I would definately sand the tops and retain! They will turn out beautiful! What great about them being nice and worn is that usually sanding takes less time!
Thank you for the help! These are not my style but date back to 1941 and have been in my husband’s family.
Hello Marie,
If they have dig's and dings, use a wood filler and then rub down, or try Wax crayons the colour of the wood rubbed across the damage to build up and fill the dings. Best wishes.
Hi there, I'm hoping this video will give you enough pointers to restore the tops of your beautiful set - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZ96aVSJimg
I would remove all the old stain and varnish using and orbital sander first. Then add new stain to the colour you want and seal with oil based polyurethane. They are beautiful pieces.
Yes sand everything down starting with 180 grit and work your way up to 220. Tack cloth, Vaccuum. Then decide if you want to paint or stain.
It looks like it is solid wood....I can't tell from the pics but if there is any peeling veneer, I have a post I wrote on how to remove the veneer easier. Here is the Hometalk post:
https://www.hometalk.com/39748381/how-to-remove-wood-veneer-easier
Looks like a great project. Good luck!
How to Remove Wood Veneer Easier!!
From your good pictures (thanks for posting them) it looks like superficial damage to the tops.
Start by removing the hinges and knobs, clean them up. Use and orbital sander to remove the effected parts and to strip any existing stain/varnish. Vacuum and wipe the pieces down with a damp cloth, let air dry. If there are any noticible dents, dings, or scratches left at this point they can be repaired by wood filler that closely matches the wood.
If you decide to paint and if you choose chalk paint you do not have to prep the wood, just paint at this point, remember you'll need a wax or topcoat to protect the chalk paint, It has a tendency to flake otherwise if left without a top coat.
A new stain maybe the way you'd consider going, they have polyurethanes with the stain in them.
Another thought could be to change out the knobs, the originals are part of the characteristics of these pieces, but you may prefer something else, you can experiment with different knobs.
Something that I learned recently is chests ( the long one without drawers) can present as an excellent hiding place for children. I would disable the lock if there is one, they can be trapped in and suffocate. I don't mean to be morbid, but would want to share information on safety.
Best to you on your beautiful project.
If you don't want to sand and refinish it--and believe, me I understand; I don't like having to do that either--you could try putting a fabric runner or large doily on top to hide the scratches. I like the look of runners and fabric on wood!
This has been very helpful and learned they are Virginia House Hard Rock Maple wood. I am ordering a replacement piece from Lane for the cedar chest lock as it is a hazard. Thanks for all the suggestions!
Hi,
Can you share Photo's of the actual damaged areas?
I wouldn't over-restore these pieces and just sand down the tops, as described above.
Unless you find a very low VOC polyurethane, I wouldn't do this project until late Spring when you can open some windows or do it in the garage.
Also, you might consider using a sanding sealer too.