How do I get an old dresser to look shiny with polyurethane?
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Do you sans down and instead of staining it but clear varnish on and then another until it dries and keep repeating steps
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Are you asking about making your dresser natural wth a gloss shine? You can strip it and sand it. You'll need to apply gloss polyurethane and sand between coats.
You can strip it or sand all the finish off. Poly comes in clear and wood tones. I have done it both ways. Make sure you get the high gloss if that is what you want. The more coats you put on , the more protected the finish will be. I have antiques that my father stripped and restained in the eighties. He put coats of poly on it according to what the piece was and how much abuse it would see and they all look like they were redone yesterday. He did my claw foot dining room table and it is easy to clean (damp sponge or rag and polished dry with a soft cloth) and it has had many spills and abuse from my kids. I stained the wood steps we replaced out our back door with a light stain colored poly three or four years ago and it is still great looking with three coats. We have four dogs constantly going in and out the dog door.
Yes
Dessie: Maybe this video will be helpful:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96KywJlZ9g4