How do I repair an old dry dresser top that has some small cracks & raised areas? Thanks.?

Answer 1

Usually the raising you are referring to indicates a venier. Venier is a thin layer of real wood usually covering particle board for the selling appeal of the dresser. You can refinish by sanding the entire dresser and restaining, then applying a clear coat. Be careful not to sand to hard. Removing too much of the venier will result in exposing the particle board, then you will be screwed. I just did it it cost be about $40.00 dollars for everything. Took some time (1 week), but the same chest of drawers at the furniture store ran about $500.00 it looks like it can from Ethan Allen. Guess what I found out the venier on mine was cherry - its beautiful now and cost me $40.00 and a little elbow grease. Another method is to remove the top only, if the rest of the dresser is in good shape, and just replace the top with a new piece of nice grained wood. Stain it etc.. whatever your fancy. Good Luck!

Answer 2

MY MOTHERS CEDAR CHEST WAS USED FROM 1925 UNTIL I BOUGHT IT IN 2004. THE FINISH WAS GOUGED, HAD CIGARETTE BURNS, WATER SPOTS, SPLITS AND CHUNKS GONE. IT WAS INLAID WITH A VERY INTRICATE PATTERN. I WANTED THE ORIGINAL,NOT JUST A NICE LOOKING CHEST. I TOOK A RAZOR BLADE AND SPLIT THE RAISED PLACES, PUT SOME ELMER'S GLUE INSIDE, PLACED A BRICK ON IT TO HOLD IT DOWN, UNTIL IT DRIED. i FILLED IN THE CHUNKS WITH WOOD PUTTY, STAINED THE WHOLE THING, AND PUT POLYURETHANE OVER IT. LOOKS BETTER THAN NEW WITH ALL THE CHARACTER OF YEARS AGO.