Hi Peter,
Some quick background first: My neighbor asked that I refinish her painted dresser. (Picture attached) Mechanically, the dresser’s in great shape. After stripping off three layers of paint and the original finish my neighbor would like a clear finish to preserve the dresser’s natural red oak look. I’m having two problems.
Problem 1: there are multiple nail holes that apparently were filled and painted over – (obviously not a problem under multiple layers of paint). However, I’d like to fill them without them showing up very conspicuously under a natural finish topcoat. I was told by a friend that I should use Durham’s water putty colored with tempera powder colorants to fill both the nail holes and as well as to fill the oak open pore grain. I’m not convinced this will work.
Problem 2: two square blackish outlines on either side towards the back of the dresser that I’m having trouble removing. Picture attached. I’ve tried oxylic acid and then swimming pool chlorine to remove the blackish stains. No luck. Stains don’t seem interested is being removed – even after some follow-up rigorous sanding. Not sure what caused these stains. (Perhaps the sun? – apparently, there was a shelving unit/mirror attached to the dresser at one point during it’s early existence.)Without a fix, Putting on a finish over these stains will only make them and the nail holes much more pronounced.
Question 1: anything else I should try to get the stains out?
Question 2: anything I can use to fill the nail holes that will remain relatively inconspicuous after applying grain filler and a clear or light colored finish?
See attached pictures: pre-stripping and post-stripping (wiped partially with mineral spirits to highlight stains.
Peter, am I destined to paint this dresser again? Help. Thanks.
Vopes
Replies
Dear Vopes,
Question One; You could move to a stronger bleach. It is sold as a two part bleach, an A and B system. It's quite strong and you will want to follow directions to the letter, especially the safety part. The problem with it is it makes the wood a pale white and devoid of any color. You could then stain this to bring the color back up.
I've run in to this problem before but my staining would cover it to the point of being inconspicuous. However, you've indicated that you aren't staining so that is a moot point. You could leave it as is and finish over it. I know this won't be perfect but if I had to make a choice for a little character or a milky white top I would choose the character.
Concerning the nail holes; I would fill them after my sealer coat. This way the color match will be more exact. You can use basic filler sticks ( semi or hard wax) that are available at many suppliers like Woodworkers Supply. You can also use plastic wood or a water based filler like Elmers. To color the Elmers I would use a water colorant called gouache available at any art supply store. My first choice would be a stick of some sort.
I would not worry about filling the grain. It wasn't done on a piece like this.
I don't think paint is really required. Just look at it in a realistic sense; it's gone through a bit in it's lifetime and you've put some makeup on to help her look her best again. Leave it at that.
Peter Gedrys
Thanks for your reply Peter and your time.
I appreciate your "realistic" sensibility. It's nice to get a reality check from a professional. I will be opting for the "character" option. Turns out my neighbor will be just fine with that option.
I'll go for the filler stick as well.
Thanks again.
Vopes
Vopes,
Your welcome.
Send along a picture when you finish.
PG
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