[StacyTarkowski]

Hi there! I've just finished sanding a bedroom set that has been in my family for years. I am not sure what the wood type is but I am assuming someone here may be able to tell by the photos I'm attaching. I would love any advice/feedback for a first-time stainer on the best method to finish these pieces (There is another dresser not pictured). I'd like to go with a light stain because I really like the natural look they have now but do want to add a LITTLE depth to them. I would like a good protective finish as well. I've been reading about poly/stains in one (not hearing good things) and I've read that poly can be difficult to use. So, I'm a little nervous. I don't care for spray paint methods and would prefer a wipe on/wipe off or brush method. All tips and advice are greatly appreciated!

 

[StacyTarkowski]

Another photo

Here is another photo -

 

[StacyTarkowski]

Thank you!

Cabinetman - thank you for the help! I had asked my mom if she remembered what these were and she said she thought they were either maple or oak so you're probably onto something there. I do know they are porous. My ex-husband had sanded them once before and stained them and they took in the stain very quickly and evenly. He never did a protective coat over them, though, and they've just felt dry and "flat" all these years later. Fortunately, they are still in terrific shape and I am hoping to bring a little life to them and keep them protected for many years to come. If I tackle this project successfully, I am going to reward (punish) myself with the daunting task of sanding and refinishing an old wooden rocking chair next. :huh:

 

[StacyTarkowski]

Will do!

I'm at work now but I'll get a better picture of the top tonight and post it. Thanks again!

 

[StacyTarkowski]

Thanks, Steve

I am going to take a couple more pictures tonight. There were originally two dressers, two night stands and a mirror to this set. They had an "orangey" hue stain to them originally. Since, they've been painted green, black (and lacquered), and another stain with blue drawers. There are only three pieces left: the tall dresser, the short dresser and the nightstand. So, the piece in the second picture is the same wood as the piece in the first. My mother thought they were either maple or oak. My aunt, who gave my mom the set back in the late 70's thought they were pine. So, it's a mystery for sure! Hopefully by taking some more pics tonight, we can get a better idea. It sound as though knowing what the wood type is determines the best course of action in finishing them.

By the way - I'm not opposed to NOT staining them and just finishing them as is. I am looking for the best way to finish them that will capture their natural beauty. I really love the way they look right now - they're beautiful! - but definitely want to seal them. I am simply not good with anything in a spray can.

 

[StacyTarkowski]

More photos

Here are a few more photos that may help in identifying the wood. I'm not sure I'll make a hobby of woodworking/refinishing so I don't know about getting a compressor. However, if this project goes well for me, I may try out some more! (The more yellow photo is with the flash on.)

 

[StacyTarkowski]

Thanks Cabinetman!

So I should definitely proceed with a conditioner prior to whatever finishing method I go with. I appreciate the assistance!

 

[StacyTarkowski]

Will do, Steve!

Hi Steve,

I must say: I'm excited to see how these pieces turn out this weekend - I really hope I don't mess them up. If they turn out good, I will likely venture into it some more. I do have a rocking chair begging for a finish but I've read many nightmares of others with more experience trying to sand those suckers down with all of their curly edges. I also have a 16 year old daughter who thoroughly enjoyed sanding these pieces down with me and she's already asking to buy used furniture on craigslist and at local flea markets for refinishing for her room. :laughing:

Anyway - yes, I do have some repairing to do. I have one side of a drawer that comes completely off. I've already purchased the wood glue. I also have a small broken piece on the bottom of the other dresser (not pictured) to glue together. Also, my brother suggested some wood bondo/putty (?) as the side of the dressers you can clearly tell are individual planks and there's some separation between the planks on the bottom of one side of one of the dressers.

I'll be sure to post some after pics when I get this project done!

 

[StacyTarkowski]

Buying a home

I'll definitely take this into consideration if I feel I am going to go further into this hobby. For now, though, I am waiting for my new home to close and it's sucking up all of my extra money. (It is also what motivated me to FINALLY get these dressers redone.) My brother probably has an air compressor, though. I may check with him. :thumbsup:

 

[StacyTarkowski]

Had to share

Hi guys, you've been so helpful and I am impressed in your ability to look at wood and identify it so I had to share a discovery with you. I somehow managed to never notice this imprint in one of my husband's dresser drawers. This set was made by the Colchester Group (who I just Googled - see link below) and you can still see parts of the word "Maple". I have to say: it's kind of neat to find a little piece of history on my furniture! :thumbsup:

http://forum.furninfo.com/Topics/36393

 

[StacyTarkowski]

Thanks, guys!

This project is complete! I've posted a public album on my Facebook page but wanted to share a photo here as well. Thanks for the advice! I'm moving on to my next project!

https://www.facebook.com/stacy.oaks...28153963884.1073741839.100000201158265&type=3
https://www.facebook.com/stacy.oaks...28153963884.1073741839.100000201158265&type=3

 

[StacyTarkowski]

Thank you, CabinetMan!

I'm very happy with the results! I think I'm hooked, too. Looking forward to working on my old rocking chair next.

 

[StacyTarkowski]

Haha!

Thanks Steve! Infectious it is. I'm inspired! ;-)