Can stain make them match?

Question

I have two matching nightstands, which are completely solid wood. I have a dresser from a different set, which I think is mostly solid wood, and this dresser used to have a super shiny, almost glassy feeling top, and the whole thing was much darker than the nightstands. A few years ago, all pieces were painted black.

If I strip the paint off these pieces and restain them, can I get them all to look like they're from the same set?

They don't have to match exactly. But pretty close, like all like colored wood or medium colored wood, that type of thing. I just don't want the dresser mahogany and the nightstands oak.

Answer 1

Hi, It sounds to me like your dresser might be made out of press-board,or particle board.If it is, than your out of luck when it comes to staining it. The shiny finish that was on it was properly a veneer. You might try scrapping off a little of it in an non-conspicuous spot. Or take out one of the drawers,and look at the top of the dresser that way. As for stain, It goes a long,long way.But if you need to buy two cans, be sure and mix both together in a larger can.They sell empty gallon paint cans with lids. That way you know the color will be consistent. The only thing that might interfere would be if your night stands are made from different wood than one another. But check out what kind of wood ,or not wood your dresser is before you start.Have fun,Bye

Answer 2

Stripping furniture can literally turn it to junk. I caution you, those pieces might be made of a cheaper wood such as Poplar and be soft. Trying to rid of that paint and varnish will damage the wood beyond repair, put in lots of scratches, or even expose different kinds of wood on the legs, top, and sides which would be near impossible to restain with any consistency.

I would not do it. Unless i actually could see it as Oak, or hard maple.

Answer 3

You will need to completely strip all paint and urethane or other finishes. Then you can darken up any existing stains to match the darker colors. It takes some experimenting to match the colors, but it can be done. Or you can sand it down to bare wood, but on furniture thats not usually an option.

Answer 4

If all pieces are of the same species of wood then they should stain up pretty close to each other. But remember that the beauty of wood is that no 2 pcs are exactly the same so don't drive yourself crazy trying to get the colors perfect.

Answer 5

Hard to say, it depends on the wood. It would be possible though to get the color exactly same can prove difficult with pre mix stain. If you want to experiment a bit a pigment that you dissolve in water (cassia they call it here) will give you almost endless possibilities to find the right shade.

Answer 6

I think your idea to to strip the paint off these pieces and restrain them will match the set.

Answer 7

Why do you want them to match? Everything matching is extremely boring. Everyone has their own taste, but for me, individuality is an important part of my decorating.