How to Redo a Vintage Dresser

Nothing can improve the look of a home quite like a vintage dresser. The problem with old furniture, however, is that over time they collect a history of scratches that ruin the finish. A badly scratched dresser is an eyesore. Instead of putting up with it, you can redo the dresser by removing the old finish and applying a new stain. If the hardware is worn, you can replace it at this time to improve the dresser appearance.

Screwdriver
Denatured alcohol
Putty knife
220-grit sandpaper
Rag
Wood putty
Shellac
Stain
2- to 3-inch paintbrush
Detail paintbrush

Instructions

- 1
  Remove the screws from the dresser hinges if the dresser has doors and remove the doors from the unit.
- 2
  Pull out the drawers from dresser. Remove all the hardware from the drawers and the door using a screwdriver.
- 3
  Apply a denatured alcohol to the surface of the dresser to test the finish. If the finish comes off, it is a shellac; if it comes off partially, it is a polyurethane stain. If it doesn't come off at all, it is an oil stain. Use this information to find the correct chemical stripper for the finish on your dresser.
- 4
  Rub the stain remover onto the surface of the dresser using a rag.
- 5
  Scrape the finish off the dresser surface using a paint scraper. Use a piece of 220-grit sandpaper to remove stain from hard-to-reach nooks and crannies.
- 6
  Fill any large dents in the dresser with wood putty and allow the putty to dry for 24 hours. Sand down the wood putty and remove the dust with a clean rag.
- 7
  Dip a rag in shellac and rub it onto the surface of the bare wood. Allow it to dry for 24 hours.
- 8
  Apply a color stain of your choice to the dresser using a 2- to 3-inch paintbrush. Use a detail brush for the hard-to-reach areas. Allow the stain to dry.
- 9
  Attach the new hardware to the dresser using a screwdriver.

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