Let's try to restore this dresser! | Veneer Repair tips

I love MCM style dressers. I found this one locally for $75. The pictures were bad, but I could tell it had great lines. When I got it home, I found out it was a Dixie. Major score! The top was trashed and there were several spots with veneer damage, but I really wanted to try to do a full refinish.
I started with a thorough cleaning with a degreaser then used QCS stripper to strip the finish. I followed the stripper with sanding. I sanded through the grits starting with 80, 120, 150, and 180. I used a variety of tools to get into all the different areas.
Veneer repair is a skill I'm working on. I filled in the problem areas with Kwikwood epoxy putty and sanded them smooth. Now I was ready to refinish. I applied a coat of shellac as a wood conditioner before staining then I moved on to staining. After staining, I did the veneer inpainting to blend in the areas I repaired. My pro tip is to follow up the painting with a bit of gel stain applied with a chip brush to blend the repair with the surrounding wood.
After the gel stain dried, I applied two coats of Osmo Polyx oil for a low luster yet durable finish.
I love the final look and I sold the piece locally for $900.
What do you think?
Products used:
Degreaser: amzn.to/3XKF4j1
Microfiber cloths: amzn.to/3WRq8PR
Stripper: www.stripwell....
Steel wool: amzn.to/3D01hjr
5 in 1 painter’s tool: amzn.to/43PPwHV
Bondo spreader: amzn.to/3CK8iVA
Sander: amzn.to/3XodtUG
Sand paper: amzn.to/3CeOAB7
Sanding contours: amzn.to/3oJEtB2
Kwikwood epoxy putty: amzn.to/3rfBVeY
Shellac: amzn.to/3NBEf7r
Gel stain:
50% Antique Walnut: www.amazon.com...
50% Nutmeg - amzn.to/3rbZaXg
Veneer Repair Kit: amzn.to/44crMhN
Osmo Polyx sealer: amzn.to/3rgmmUp
Equipment:
Camera: amzn.to/3MSJQpK
Mic: (similar) amzn.to/3CdETTk
Tripod: amzn.to/3MP7weC
Amazon storefront - www.amazon.com...
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IMPORTANT: This video is not sponsored. By watching these videos, you support my small business. Thank you and I am grateful and thankful for each of you! This description may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these affiliate links, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please read and follow individual product or tool usage and safety recommendations. Viewers should attempt these projects at their own risk.
#dresser
#furnituremakeover
#furnitureflip

[@andreasage_art]

I followed your process on a MCM dresser I found at a an estate sale. It turned out beautiful. Although hard for me to be patient at times LOL Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge.

[@ivylaneinteriors]

Yay!! I’m so excited for you! Well done 👊

[@cynthiashaw45]

It is so nice to see a real wood color again. I watch many of these makeovers and the paint wash many use seems so phony. I know it is a trend that sells right now but the warmth of this piece makes me smile and remember how they looked when I was a child seeing these pieces new. You gave this piece a refinish that respected its history. I am so glad I subscribed. Even when you paint or paint wash something I respect your decision and artistic slant. You will lose me if you ever pickle something purple. I suspect you won’t. 😊

[@ivylaneinteriors]

Oh, I love a good wood grain in a rich color. Although I do paint and paint wash at times. You’re right, I would never pickle anything purple 😂

[@cynthiashaw45]

@@ivylaneinteriors pickled kitchen cabinets was a thing in the late 80s and 90s. I went into a parade home in the early 90s and they had five houses entered and they pickled the cabinets pastel colors. 🧐🫣😳 it was all the rage at the time. My husband was a paint contractor and learned this process to do these parade homes. When I saw the ones pickled purple I looked at him and said….you should be ashamed of yourself. Never admit you did this.

[@fatherfabulous]

Such a nice piece! I thought your veneer repairs were pretty good, too. Thank you, Lisa!

[@ivylaneinteriors]

Ha!! Thank you ☺️

[@michelleodom8637]

This piece turned out beautiful ! I benefitted from seeing your process painting & blending the veneer repairs, as well as your use of shellac prior to staining. Thanks so much !! & Good Job !!

[@ivylaneinteriors]

Oh good! I’m so glad it was helpful!

[@luvinggod3]

You should be proud, that filling in of color is very challenging I’m sure but you did it!

[@ivylaneinteriors]

I'm definitely learning! Thank you!

[@doriwilson6991]

Miss mine. I had one almost identical to this one. My daughter talked me into getting rid of it after having it since the 90's. Huge regret on it too. Glad you are trying to restore it.

[@ivylaneinteriors]

Oh gosh, maybe you’ll find another one someday! They are so good!

[@mellymel1100]

I've never seen anyone use shellac as the primer before, except when they were prepping to paint over the wood!

[@ivylaneinteriors]

Yep, it’s a great pre-stain conditioner or it can be the finish on a low traffic piece.

[@mellymel1100]

@@ivylaneinteriors thanks!

[@marilynweist2645]

Beautiful! ❤

[@kathrynkneeland7179]

I think its gorgeous! Great job

[@ivylaneinteriors]

Aw, thanks!

[@barcelonachair6487]

Gorgeous work. It turned out beautifully, I liked that you added some American Walnut in the stain it cuts down on the "orange" look from yesteryear and updates this piece but doesn't take its origins away one bit. I can tell from your detail veneer work you are very talented, have you tried a fine art filbert brush? You can get much control with that when you need it, or fine lines for striations, also one of those makeup egg blender sponges they are good for buffing things out in the process, although your fingers are great! :) The before and after is remarkable.

[@ivylaneinteriors]

Thank you! No, I haven’t tried that brush, but I’ll check it out! Aw, a makeup sponge is a great idea. Thank you! 👌🏼

[@lisettewurster3648]

This came out amazing! Definitely going to buy that veneer kit.

[@ivylaneinteriors]

Thanks! Yes, the kit worked great!

[@rebeccachristie6872]

Absolutely beautiful job.

[@ivylaneinteriors]

Thank you very much!

[@ginaw7638]

Nice blending job. Looks great!

[@ivylaneinteriors]

Aw, thanks! 🤩

[@kimberlygray2352]

Beautiful! Thank you for sharing.

[@ivylaneinteriors]

My pleasure! 😊

[@christinemartin-lizzul9997]

Good job! Beautiful piece

[@ivylaneinteriors]

Thank you very much!

[@martinebangs6520]

Hi there, just found your channel and joined....This piece turned out beautiful, great work....thanks for sharing....watching from Ontario, Canada....Take care...cheers !!!

[@ivylaneinteriors]

Awesome! Glad you're here! 🤩

[@michelleboone1791]

Very nice job! Congratulations 😊

[@ivylaneinteriors]

Thank you! 😊

[@mandismith1474]

Beautiful!

[@ivylaneinteriors]

Thank you! 🤩

[@rosagutierrez8112]

Beautiful they also wood colors markers

[@ivylaneinteriors]

Yes! I need to try those too.

[@pernilsson2512]

Bravo You are an artist !

[@ivylaneinteriors]

Thanks so much!! 🤩🙌🏼

[@flaminbird1]

Looks really nice!! I think you need to spray a thin coat of lacquer after each color you apply so it doesn’t wipe off the previous and gives you a better idea of what it will look like sealed

[@ivylaneinteriors]

Yes, i’ve heard that too and I’ve also heard people use vinyl sealer which I also haven’t tried yet but thanks for the tip. I’m still learning.

[@flaminbird1]

@@ivylaneinteriors you’re welcome. I’ve yet to do what you’ve done so you’re ahead of me 😊

[@jeffreyrobert9460]

Reminds me a bit of Heywood Wakefield which I adore

[@ivylaneinteriors]

I can see that. That’s one brand I haven’t worked on yet. Hopefully someday!

[@lindam4006]

You give lots of good tips. You also suggest stripper options I haven't seen elsewhere. Glad to have found your channel.

[@ivylaneinteriors]

Aw, thank you! And welcome 🤩

[@lorraineerickson4311]

Please don’t put the music in, it is obnoxious and unnecessary. I like your channel and learn so much. I appreciate your integrity of always making sure you “do it by the book”.

[@ivylaneinteriors]

I used music when I started KZbin, but I stopped. I like it better without it. Aw, thank you! 🫶

[@Camille719]

It looks gorgeous.

[@ivylaneinteriors]

Thank you! 🤩

[@geoc1966]

You did a beautiful job 👏!

[@ivylaneinteriors]

Thank you! 😊

[@debraimmer260]

Your patience paid off…..beautiful

[@ivylaneinteriors]

Aw, thank you. 😊

[@natalieelisabeth5767]

Wow! This piece turned out crazy beautiful! That wood grain and the angled drawers 😍😍

[@ivylaneinteriors]

Right?! It was such a good find!

[@Anne-qf5ou]

I wonder if you are/were a teacher, because I've learned things from your explanations that i did not get anywhere else. Your work is beautiful.

[@ivylaneinteriors]

Well, not by trade, but I did homeschool my three kiddos for several years. They each learned differently, so I had to get creative.

[@lauriemaysick4347]

Looks great

[@ivylaneinteriors]

Thanks! 😊

[@OrganizeCreateDecorate]

You did a beautiful job restoring this! Thank you for sharing. More folks need to know these pieces are gems and should not be painted.

[@ivylaneinteriors]

Thank you very much!🤩

[@tac0008]

Amazing, Great Job

[@ivylaneinteriors]

Thanks so much!

[@kaycox19]

Gorgeous

[@ivylaneinteriors]

Thanks!! 🫶

[@killy1958able]

Amazing 😊

[@ivylaneinteriors]

Thanks 😄

[@user-ko3eb8br1s]

Question: in the video you said you used GF Antique Walnut and Nutmeg mixed 1:1. but in the transcript it says- Mahogany:Nutmeg. I love the result and really want to know which mix it is. thanks! Lisa

[@ivylaneinteriors]

Sorry for the confusion. It was 50/50 Nutmeg and Antique Walnut.

[@NursingNursing-bs7hb]

The piece turned out beautiful. I do think you are working the veneer touch ups but that’s only because I can see myself doing the same thing. You might try using a clean dry paintbrush to blend instead of your fingers. And maybe a finer paintbrush to apply the paint with. I love the color of the stain. Are you keeping or selling ?

[@ivylaneinteriors]

Yes, I'm definitely working on technique. Someone else mentioned makeup sponges to blend. I sold it.

[@AngieWilliamsDesigns]

It looks amazing.

[@ivylaneinteriors]

Thanks so much!

[@katherineharper-sj4ys]

Love this project. Have you tried graining markers? They have a very fine tip for adding grain lines.

[@ivylaneinteriors]

Not yet! But I need to try them too!

[@teresabulluck47]

I think it’s beautiful ❤. Wonderful job

[@annettemarado3668]

Fantastic

[@ivylaneinteriors]

Thank you!!

[@designabeej]

👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@ivylaneinteriors]

Thank you!