Refinished Mid Century Modern Dresser/Credenza

I have no idea what this piece of furniture is called... I've heard so many different names.  A dresser?  A credenza?  A sideboard?  I think sideboards have cabinets so it's probably not that.  I'm using it in my bedroom so we'll call it a dresser.  Whatever it is, I'm in love with it.

Here is how I found it 

$50 at the Salvation Army store.  Not bad, right?  Well, the finish is bad.  It's in pretty rough shape.  Not to mention the color reminds me a little of Snooki.

I decided I would restain and poly it rather than painting it.  I had done a little research on MCM furniture and decided all the collectors might be onto something with maintaining the natural wood finish.  This is after I painted an $18 Broyhill Brasilia headboard I had found.  Turns out they're worth some money if they're in good condition.  Live and learn.  I do love that headboard in white, though.

I used Citristrip to take the finish off.

One word:  messy!!!  A few more words:  a lot of hard work!!!  A neighbor saw me working and said, "it will be worth it though".  I wasn't so sure.  Here are the drawers after being stripped

Then I sanded it.  Oh my gosh, the wood.  I don't know if you can tell just how beautiful it is in this picture after being sanded.

I just kind of rolled my eyes about the MCM furniture purists, but after seeing the quality of wood and craftsmanship that went into this piece, I'm a believer!

I used a dark walnut stain, trying to keep it close to the original finish (just a tad darker and a tad less Snooki).

I was really nervous doing this and thought for sure I was going to end up destroying the piece.  It turns out I'm really happy with the final results!

And then I sealed it with this

I really liked the product.  It cleaned up with water and I think the finish is beautiful.  I can't believe I didn't mess it up!!!

So here is the dresser in our bedroom.

up close

and from the top

I'm so proud of myself.  I'm allowed to say that, right?  Well, it's my birthday today so maybe just today I can say that.  I just didn't think I'd ever be capable of something like this.

Here's the process I used, in case you're curious
wash the dresser down
apply Citristrip
wait overnight then scrape with plastic scrapers
wash off remaining stripper
have husband get into crevices of dresser to remove stuff I'm too lazy to get to

sand with 100 grit
wipe down
sand with 220 grit
wipe down
let dry overnight
wipe down with tack cloth
brush on stain
after 15 minutes wipe off stain with cloth
wait overnight
3 coats poly, sanding with 400 grit and wiping down in between coats

Thanks so much for stopping by!

How do you feel about painted furniture vs stained furniture?  Do you say paint it all no matter the history of the piece?  Do you like all painted wood in a room or a mix?  Is it a sin I painted that headboard in my room?  Let me know what you think in the comments!

Blessings,

Jamie

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