Furniture, Wood and Cabinetry Finishing - Help! finished dresser

I tackled my first project, stripping an old dresser, and all went well except the drawers do not seem to be accepting the stain on the sides. I wonder if they have water damage, as the dresser seems to have some on top (its oak), but actually the drawers seem to be made out of another type of wood.I really don't want to paint it, its so pretty, but what do I do about the ends of the drawers? it is just the ends,my husband suggested buying big hardware then the eye will notice that and not the light marks!

As you've found out, different woods take stain differently. It's not uncommon for a piece of furniture to have 3 or more types of wood in its construction. The face (in your case oak veneer) is for show. The rest of the piece is made of cheaper woods for structural (and expense) reasons.

Let the can of stain you're using sit overnight. Open the can, and without stirring, use a paint paddle to dredge some of the pigment from the bottom of the can. Apply as needed and use a rag or brush to even out the color.

This stain will take a fairly long time to dry because of the concentrated pigment. I'd let it dry at least overnight, then test with your fingertip to make certain it's completely dry before going further.

Be sure to finish (not necessarily stain) the inside of the drawers. It will help keep whatever you put into them cleaner, and make them much easier to clean in the future.

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George T.



[This message has been edited by George (edited June 20, 2000).]

Well, I tried it but it did not work on all the drawers. I really hate to paint it, can you suggest anything else? Thanks!