Tips for refurbing a wooden chest?

Goose · 22 Jun 2021 at 13:44

I've taken possession of a wooden chest of drawers that I want to tart up a little but i'm a massive idiot at all things DIY. The unit itself is in ok condition so i'm just going to give it a quick sand and then paint but the drawers are a different story.

I want to leave the insides of the drawers unpainted but they're in a bit of a state and I'm wondering what sort of product I should use (if any) to treat it after its been sanded. As you can see in the picture below the drawers are pretty grotty and there's the odd hole as well. The chest is going to be storing clothes so whatever I do do to the drawers I need to make sure it wont make the clothes smell bad.

If anyone has any general tips and suggestions of any varnishes/stains/whatever i'd really appreciate it.

chroniclard · 22 Jun 2021 at 13:58

Just clean and line it.

mid_gen · 22 Jun 2021 at 14:41

Aye, sand it back, clean it. Put liner in.

alexakasloth · 22 Jun 2021 at 14:42

Could paint it or varnish it (water based, no nonsense would be fine).
Could use Danish oil but will smell a bit for a while, also gives a nice 90s yellow!

red eye · 23 Jun 2021 at 09:55

Goose said:
I've taken possession of a wooden chest of drawers that I want to tart up a little but i'm a massive idiot at all things DIY. The unit itself is in ok condition so i'm just going to give it a quick sand and then paint but the drawers are a different story.

I want to leave the insides of the drawers unpainted but they're in a bit of a state and I'm wondering what sort of product I should use (if any) to treat it after its been sanded. As you can see in the picture below the drawers are pretty grotty and there's the odd hole as well. The chest is going to be storing clothes so whatever I do do to the drawers I need to make sure it wont make the clothes smell bad.

If anyone has any general tips and suggestions of any varnishes/stains/whatever i'd really appreciate it.

It’s real wood so sand and and varnish. Get a cheap palm sander and you can do it in a few hours

Goose · 23 Jun 2021 at 10:45

alexakasloth said:
Could paint it or varnish it (water based, no nonsense would be fine).
Could use Danish oil but will smell a bit for a while, also gives a nice 90s yellow!

red eye said:
It’s real wood so sand and and varnish. Get a cheap palm sander and you can do it in a few hours

Any particular type/brand of varnish you'd recommend?

alexakasloth · 23 Jun 2021 at 10:53

No nonsense from Screwfix.

MT25 · 23 Jun 2021 at 11:32

I used Sadolin Yacht on my interior wood as I wanted a glossy finish - https://paintersworld.co.uk/sadolin-yacht-varnish

red eye · 25 Jun 2021 at 17:52

Goose said:
Any particular type/brand of varnish you'd recommend?

Varnish is varnish just find a look you like and that matches your other wood in the room. I’d go for light stains That match the type of wood like oak stain for oak but it’s all personal preference.

Goose · 25 Jun 2021 at 17:56

I actually have no idea what type of wood this chest is made from. I dont suppose anyone can identifying from the picture in my OP?

itsallaboutyou · 25 Jun 2021 at 18:02

Whitewood? Some type of spruce. Doesn't look to be anything too exotic! Given the gap in between the bottom two pieces - might even be some type of tongue and groove? Got a better photo to see the whole thing? But needless to say I don't think it's Bubinga! Go wild!