Restoring an Antique Oak Dresser
Article 2: Restoring an Antique Oak Dresser
By: A Woodworker with a Soft Spot for History
Restoring an antique oak dresser is more than a woodworking task—it’s an act of preservation. In this article, I’ll walk you through the complete restoration of a 1920s quarter-sawn oak dresser that had seen better days: loose joints, water rings, missing veneer, and drawer problems. With patience and the right tools, you can bring a piece like this back to life.
Assessment and Planning
First, inspect every part:
Loose joints: Common in old glue that’s dried out.
Veneer issues: Peeling or bubbled veneer needs careful repair.
Finish: Is it shellac, lacquer, or paint? Try denatured alcohol on a cotton swab to test—if it softens, it’s shellac.
Take photos before you begin—it helps with reassembly and appreciating the transformation later.
Tools & Supplies:
Screwdrivers (flat and Phillips)
Putty knife & razor scraper
Clamps
Wood glue (Titebond III)
Denatured alcohol or lacquer thinner
Card scraper or cabinet scraper
Sandpaper: 120, 180, 220 grits
Wood filler (matching)
Wood bleach (optional for stains)
Finish: Shellac, oil-varnish blend, or polyurethane
Old toothbrush, cotton cloths
Brass or wooden mallet
Tack cloth
Step-by-Step Restoration Process
1. Disassemble the Dresser
Remove all hardware and drawers.
Label everything (masking tape and a Sharpie).
Take extra care removing drawer tracks or nails—they’re brittle and often reused.
2. Clean and Strip the Finish
Start with a soft cloth and mild soap to remove grime.
Strip the old finish using denatured alcohol (for shellac) or a chemical stripper. Apply with steel wool and wipe off.
Use a card scraper to clean off stubborn finish in the corners and trim.
3. Repair Veneer and Loose Joints
Inject glue under lifted veneer using a syringe or thin spatula. Clamp with wax paper and cauls.
Reglue mortise and tenon joints by gently disassembling, cleaning old glue, and clamping overnight.
Visual: Veneer Patch Detail
+--------------------------+
| Original veneer surface |
| ________________ |
| | | | ← Cut square patch with grain match
| | Patched Veneer | |
| |________________| |
+--------------------------+
Use a sharp chisel to square the damaged area. Fit and glue a new veneer patch, clamp flat.
4. Repair Drawers
Reglue dovetails or reinforce with small brads if cracked.
Wax the sides with paraffin for smoother sliding.
Add thin hardwood strips if the runners are worn.
5. Sanding and Blending
Sand lightly with 180 grit. Don't overdo it or you’ll remove the patina.
Use wood filler only where needed.
If the wood is unevenly colored, consider using wood bleach to even it out before staining.
6. Refinish
Apply a thin coat of shellac or an oil-varnish blend.
Wipe on, let it penetrate, then buff off. Repeat 2–3 times for depth.
Add wax on top for a period-correct look.
Optional: Replacing Missing Hardware
If original hardware is missing:
Try matching vintage hardware from salvage shops or online.
If replacing all hardware, keep the original screw holes or plug and redrill.
Final Thoughts
This dresser took about 25 hours to restore across 3 weeks. The result was a smooth-running, deep-toned piece of craftsmanship worthy of another 100 years of use.
Before & After Snapshot (Descriptive)
Before: Dull finish, warped drawers, lifting veneer
After: Warm shellac glow, smooth drawers, seamless veneer repairs
