How can I make the chest top look better on this Lane Ser# 146030?

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/diy/bedroom/furniture/how-to-remove-wood-veneer-easier-39748381

Looks like a great project. Good luck!

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.