This project came to me in need of a complete restoration. After repairs had been made and refinished with a rustic paint technique, the completed Antique Dresser Restoration is ready to wow and be useful again.
This dresser was in such bad shape it took a lot of imagination to see what it could be. This project began with repairing many loose joints and drawer runners in the dresser cabinet. Three drawers had cracked or missing bottoms that needed to be replaced and most of the drawers dovetail joints needed to be re-glued.
Products Used
- Laquer Thinner
- GF Antique Walnut gel stain
- GF High Performance Satin
- Shellac clear finish
- Fusion Mineral Paint Champlain
This is before repairs were completed on the top and the decorative back board.
This is the top of the dresser in its original condition.
After repairs, refinished and painted.
At this point the dresser was together and structurally sound. The first step for this Antique Dresser Restoration began with removing the old finish. Using lacquer thinner with a nylon scrub pad I removed the old finish. With the wood clean it was only needing a very light sanding before applying the new finish. The top and drawer fronts were stained with GF Antique Walnut gel stain and top coated with GF High Performance Satin.
Because I will be painting the dresser in a light color I first primed it with two coats of clear shellac to prevent any bleed through. Using Fusion Mineral paint Champlain I applied two thin coats of paint intentionally leaving some thin spots and some bare spots. To further the worn look that I wanted I used fine grit sand paper to finish the look.
I was able to complete this Antique Dresser Restoration using all of the original hardware. From an old dresser that came to me in many pieces, to a beautiful and useful addition to any room.