Hi - I've inherited a couple of dressers and would like to refinish them - paint them actually. After reading older posts, I'm pretty sure to paint, I just need to sand the surface and prime before painting, correct? One of the dressers (they are a set) has clam shell designs on two of the drawers. Since I want to update the dresser, I'd like to be able to get rid of that - can I fill in the impression and then sand to be flush with the rest of the drawer face? There is also dental moulding at the top and fluting down the sides - the fluting might have to go also if its an easy "fix" like filling it in... Am I crazy to think this is possible? Or is this something I really should have a professional tackle?? Thanks for your help!
It sounds like you want to fill in some pretty significant areas. It is very difficult to do this and prevent cracking and checking of the filled-in areas. Also, once you sand it down and paint it, any surface imperfections will stick out like a sore thumb.
Posts: 484 | Location: Rogers City, MI | Registered: Sep 25, 2007
You need to make sure that the area you are going to fill has been sanded so the fill will adhere to it. I purchased a dresser for the twin grandbabies at a "freight" store. The sell damaged and unclaimed freight at substantial savings. The dresser mommy picked out had one drawer that the face of it was totally destroyed. I filled the area in with a few coats of "Durhams rock hard water putty". It is easy to sand smooth when it is completly dry. You can find it in the paint section at Lowes. If you are going to paint it anyway what harm can come from trying it?
I'll keep the putty in mind - its really not a big area that I want filled in - just the clam shell design on the face of the drawers. I'm really hoping that I can do this myself instead of 'hiring' someone to do this. Thanks for the comments!
I do hope you know if these are antique pieces of funature there going to be worth no more then what you can get at a yard sale if you paint them. Trying to fill in those area will still show up over the years when the wood starts to expand and contract.
joecaption
Posts: 10690 | Location: Halieford VA | Registered: Jan 31, 2004
