How to Treat Unfinished Antique Wood Drawers

Unfinished furniture never had a protective coating applied to the wood, instead leaving it exposed to the environment. Over time, the wood develops a “distressed” look that is desired by collectors, acquiring lines, engravings, weathering patterns and a beautiful patina that help convey the history of the piece. Antique unfinished wood also has a lower moisture content than new wood, making it lighter and more stable and reducing the amount of shrinkage it exhibits when exposed to heat.

Soft brush or vacuum cleaner nozzle with soft brush
Solid wax finish, such as paste wax, butcher’s wax, or French polish
Lint-free cloth
Clean cloth

Instructions

- 1
  Remove all objects from the drawers.
- 2
  Carefully remove the drawers, taking care not to scratch the wood.
- 3
  Remove any dust from the drawers using the a soft brush or vacuum cleaner nozzle.
- 4
  Apply solid wax using a lint-free cloth. Move the cloth in small circles to rub the wax well into the surface. The amount applied should not be too thick but should be enough to evenly coat the surface of the wood. Allow to dry for at least an hour.
- 5
  Burnish the wax using a clean cloth; gently rub the wax coat until it develops the desired luster.
- 6
  Apply additional coats of wax, drying and burnishing between each coat, if desired.
- 7
  Replace the drawers and return the contents to them.

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