Chris O. Posted March 31 Report Share Posted March 31 I’m looking to restain the top of an older dresser (~20 years old) and I’m debating whether or not I remove the top or just restain with it connected to the dresser. The top appears to be solid wood, no veneer, and is a golden oak color while the rest of the dresser is a distressed white. Removing the top is more appealing because it’s a heavy dresser and I’d rather not lug it downstairs and into the garage, and I don’t want to damage the parts of the dresser I’m not restaining. However, I’m afraid of possibility damaging other parts of the dresser when removing the top, stripping out screw holes, and any other possible consequences of removing the top. Does anyone have any suggestions on which approach to take? Should I remove the top to restain it or restain it while it’s still connected to the dresser? Thank you. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Von Posted March 31 Report Share Posted March 31 Stripped screw holes can be refilled with a dowel. Unless you have some concern more insurmountable, I would at least try removing it. Go slowly when removing it and take photos so you remember how it goes back together :-) 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhighlander Posted March 31 Report Share Posted March 31 I a gree with @Von. Removing the top will make entire refinishing process much easier. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris O. Posted April 7 Author Report Share Posted April 7 Thank you for the suggestions. After a closer look it appears that there is a veneer top. Any recommendations on whether to use a remover or sander to prep the top for the new stain? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Von Posted April 7 Report Share Posted April 7 To possibly state the obvious, a big concern is sanding through the veneer. If you have removed the top, the bottom of it now becomes your best friend as a place to experiment. I would try some sort of remover on a small area of the bottom and see how it goes first. If that doesn't work, try sanding (again, on the bottom first). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
curlyoak Posted April 7 Report Share Posted April 7 If the dresser is worth it, or you blow through the veneer have a new solid top made. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark J Posted April 7 Report Share Posted April 7 Consider just painting the top, instead of trying to refinish what is probably a very thin veneer. Isn't the carcass is already painted. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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