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Early 1800's Antique Dresser

by Patricia
(IC: blogger)
4 Materials
$10
1 Hour
Easy
I bought this dresser at an online auction. Based on the condition of the veneer that I saw in the photos, I thought it would be a perfect candidate for painting. But it turns out it was about 100 years older than I initially thought. Based on the materials, hardware, and handcrafted construction I estimate the dresser was made in the early 1800’s.
The majority of the wood veneer was in good condition considering its age.
The main area of concern was unsightly loose and missing pieces of veneer that surrounds the drawers. Antique veneer is much thicker than modern day veneer and was difficult for me to source.
So I removed the remaining veneer around the drawers and replaced it with iron on veneer banding (link to actual product I used). I know, I know, I know . . . it's not authentic, but my goal was to get it ready to sell for everyday use (if a true restoration is desired an expert restorer can easily remove the new veneer and replace it with something more authentic).
I positioned the veneer banding in place. The veneer is easy to trim to fit with scissors or a utility blade.
Next I applied the banding using a hot iron wrapped in foil. I used the foil to protect the iron's surface from potentially getting adhesive on it or getting scratched.
Afterwards I stained the new veneer. There's a lot of color variation in the original veneer, so I tried to match my stain to the darker variant. I used 3 different stain colors that I had on hand.
The drawers required some minor repairs and cleaning which I explain more on my blog, so stop on by if you have a few minutes! (Link at bottom of this post.)
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Published April 20th, 2016 7:53 AM
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4 of 688 comments
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Nancy on Feb 04, 2023
Beautifully done! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Nice to see this piece restored rather than just upcycled. 💖
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Diana Deiley 7 days ago
I am so apprecative of the fact that you SAVED this beauty and just gave her a glam makeover. She's gorgeous. I love the look of the beautiful wood. Great job. Thanks for sharing.
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Frequently asked questions
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Beautiful piece. So glad U didnt choose painted.... Painting can most definitely have its place...but i love ur choice...
Which brings me to wanting to ask u, WAT THE best way to upDATE, MANY, WELL CARED FOR/ IN PERFECT CONDITION, formal dining room tabe, w leaves, china hutch and cabinet, sever 'side tables, aka, desert tables at our house, lol......
My idea is to mid/light sand all pieces, apply a smidge darker stain than original, (yes, including chairs & leaves, )15 pieces, THEN, around edges, trim (stacked?), legs, feet, POSSIBLY) both solid sides of buffet & hutch...
Apply a MUCH DARKER, (the closet i can find between grey and black)
Do u think this even sounds 1. Doable 2. Attractive 3. Hopefully not sooo obvs their not an automatically Early American Maple set?, (that hopefully blends a bit better w the newer furniture in my home.
Thx for any imput
&(lol,ps).....
The ideas i have for the glass topped, wicker bottom matching coofe and end tables..... (applying epoxy over pictures of game boards)
Is there anyway possible to achieve a wood stained finish on furniture that has laminate finish? If I sand it too much to get rid of sheen I'll take fake wood look right off. Probably pressboard underneath.
Do you know how to get veneer off an antique piece when it’s loose in some areas but then stuck and can’t get it loose at all? Any help would be appreciated.