Refinishing Furniture for Beginners | Antique Dresser Makeover | Know Can Do

If you've ever wanted to refinish furniture but didn't know where to start, this video on refinishing furniture for beginners is the video for you! Join me as I give this antique dresser a makeover.
Welcome to Know Can Do where you don't know what you can do until you try! In today's video I will walk you step-by-step through the process of refinishing an antique wood dresser.
Instead of painting this piece of furniture, I am going to try my hand at properly refinishing it, and walk you through the steps of:
-cleaning
-repairing
-stripping
-sanding
-staining
-sealing
I'll also show you the mistakes that I made and talk through how to avoid those on your projects! If you're a beginner, you can learn a lot from a fellow beginner and I'll break it all down for you.
Thanks for watching!
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TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 INTRO
0:35 The Dresser
1:00 Cleaning
2:45 Making Repairs
4:00 Applying and Removing Citristrip
8:24 Sanding
11:30 Staining
12:45 Sealing with Polyurethene
14:00 Cleaning and Painting Hardware
16:00 Final Cleaning and Finishing
17:35 The Big Reveal!
19:00 The Numbers
INSTAGRAM: / know.can.do
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We hope to empower YOU to learn through doing, while we learn through doing. You don’t have to be an expert to try! We love trying new things and sharing our thoughts and honest feedback about the experiences. Thanks for watching!

[@KnowCanDo]

Do you enjoy these videos?! Consider gifting something from my Amazon Wishlist! I'll give you a shoutout in the video when I use the product!! Thanks so much for your support :) - Clara amzn.to/3xslNWx

[@gypsyqueen3806]

I really love how the dresser turned out!! What did you sell it for?

[@KThom429]

I love when a person just wants to give furniture a second life, and not try to completely erase its previous life. Furniture has history, just like people. Not everything needs to look brand new.

[@KnowCanDo]

Thanks so much! Yeah it definitely depends on the piece and on the purpose. Sometimes something can't be restored and needs to be painted to be saved. But sometimes it's best to just give a little new life and enjoy the history. Thanks for watching!

[@sabmaster68]

Did you sell it?

[@chrisp.76]

Whenever you use a rag with an oil based product lay it to dry outside on the driveway. When dry you can throw it away in your outdoor trash can. Oily cloths can spontaneously combust in a short time if just thrown away without drying first.

[@Justine1215]

I just picked up an old dresser from an estate sale and it was in pretty rough shape. I’ve never refinished furniture before but watching this video is making me feel motivated to give it a try!

[@Lee-qt6sy]

How did it go?

[@Justine1215]

@@Lee-qt6sy It turned out great! It was a slow moving process but I wrapped up the project at the beginning of the summer.

[@pablopedro8598]

Your dad coming and knowing exactly what to do, tells me that you probably got some inspiration from handy work he did growing up. It makes me sad my dad chose to drink instead of using his skills. I could’ve learned so many things from him. He has so much potential but just drank instead. Now here I am trying to teach myself skills. It’s awesome to have a father figure like that. I envy it. Upsets me when I see girls who don’t know how good they have it when they have a dad who knows how to help and comes to the rescue.

[@TwiggyGrant1]

This was awesome, especially for someone who didn’t have a lot of experience with refinishing. As refinished, you can ask $350, don’t go below $275. There were a few things you could have done to bring up the value: -filled in that part of the veneer that sanded off -used a better technique sanding or stripping the claw feet -adjusted the stain of the accent pieces vs body to be the same or an accent color Part of the stain variation was bc you didn’t use a pre-conditioner that helps the wood absorb the stain more evenly. But you still did an amazing job! It’s hard work and can be frustrating sometimes bc you don’t know what is under the surface. You did really well. My grandmother taught my father who taught me and I’m teaching my daughters. We’re still always learning something new so keep going! I’ve got a project I’ve been putting off for years: the antique cherry dressers I had as a kid I bought from my parents (who have now both passed). I’m afraid I won’t do them justice! We just have to keep trying and do our best. I look forward to your next project/video 😊

[@AnxiousKoala]

Quick tip: Use BLUE BEAR Soy Gel Paint & Urethane Stripper, got it at my local ACE. I use to use Citristrip but it's changed over the last few years. It left really dark marks on the wood I was trying to rescue and I finally dumped the stuff. The soy gel may need to be used more than once like most strippers. Great video!!!

[@KnowCanDo]

Thanks, Tara! I'll have to check that out - I've never heard of it before. Thanks for the tip and thanks for watching!

[@AnxiousKoala]

@@KnowCanDo I learned about it from another youtube video on restoring furniture. I looked online and it was hard to find, even my local ACE website said they didn't carry it. I went to the store and it was right there. I like the soy gel much better. Great videos, keep it up!

[@jeanohara6179]

I love Katie Scott1 I like your video too, real life!

[@mariakent3913]

Love watching your videos. So informative

[@keishajohnson2609]

I love Katie Scott's channel!!

[@KnowCanDo]

Awesome, Keisha! Me too. She is so good at what she does, and I've learned so much for her. Thanks for being here!

[@1981CMT]

Such a nice job! You've inspired me to try some restoring when I find a beautiful old piece!

[@KnowCanDo]

Hi Chris! Go for it! The pieces are all over... check the free sections on FB Marketplace, Craigslist, Nextdoor etc... you may be surprised with what's out there! :) Thanks for watching.

[@pennymoreland836]

The dresser turned out great! Nice job! Have a great week!

[@KnowCanDo]

Thank you so much, Penny! I hope you have a great week, too! Thanks for watching.

[@lindafrench4670]

I think it turned out very pretty! Enjoyed this video. As the saying goes, you live and learn. You do great!

[@KnowCanDo]

Hi Linda! Thanks. Yes, absolutely. And what a better way to learn than to TRY!! Thanks for watching :)

[@lizzyr-c2708]

Stunning!

[@ChristinaHomeSweetHome]

Wow the dresser turn out amazing 🤩, I love the tip about a piece of wood and clamps to glue something.

[@KnowCanDo]

Thanks so much!! I am happy with it. And yeah! A great tip that now I've learned it I'm never going back! :)

[@angelathevegan2431]

This dresser turned out so beautiful. I love the stain color you selected. Totally perfect. I would price around $300.

[@KnowCanDo]

Thank you so much, Angela! I have been really into that stain recently :) I ended up selling it I think for $200 or $250... can't remember. Thanks for watching!

[@Sdstrachan1971]

Fabulous makeover! Gorgeous piece! Great job!

[@KnowCanDo]

Thanks so much, Sharon. It was a great learning experience!

[@ava_f]

I'm SO impressed with how this piece turned out! I recently used chemical stripper for the first time and wasn't mad at Klean Strips Kwik Strip. I used their After Wash to clean up. I found it worked more quickly when I used a manual scraper to remove a tiny bit of the finish before applying chemical stripper (like how you rough up the top coat of a gel manicure before removing it). I learn something new every time I watch one of your videos! Katie Scotts too, I love her.

[@KnowCanDo]

Hey Ava! Thanks so much. I will have to check out Kwik Strip, and that's a great idea about roughing up the piece first... makes total sense. I'm so glad you've learned something from these videos, thanks for watching!!

[@MerryEileen]

Thank you for restoring and not covering with paint! Love Katie Scott too. Nice job!

[@KnowCanDo]

Thanks for watching, Eileen! This one was in such good shape it was an easy choice not to paint it. But there are definitely times where an old or antique piece is in such bad shape and people are begging to get rid of it. If I don't know how to truly restore it, and the options are paint it or it goes to the dump, I'll always choose to save it, even if that means paint! Luckily this one I could restore/refinish. Thanks so much for being here!

[@richarddonahue3565]

Very nicely restored.

[@robinregan9024]

It's gorgeous!

[@avib943]

I know I’m tardy to the party, and you’ve probably long since sold this, but I’m sure that dresser is worth between $500 - $1000 range. It’s solid wood, has extensive detailing like the feet, dove tailed drawers, antique casters and handles, and was likely made in the early 1900s. Cheap particle board furniture is sold for several hundred. If this was sold at the right venue (not FB marketplace, Craig’s list, etc), it could definitely net closer to $1000, if not more. You did an amazing job on this project and I hope you profited well!

[@KnowCanDo]

Thanks, Avi! Good to keep in mind :) Thanks for watching!

[@emilymulcahy]

If it were professionally restored you might be right, but I think she did well with the 250 she got

[@avib943]

@@emilymulcahy That dresser is worth at least $250 not restored at all.

[@emilymulcahy]

@@avib943 in some states, probably

[@tammyr6669]

Beautiful!

[@ChristinaHomeSweetHome]

Hi can’t wait to see it, 🥰🥰

[@KnowCanDo]

yay!

[@johnleavey356]

Beautiful job ❤.

[@elizabethlevine4263]

Stunning!!

[@KnowCanDo]

Thanks so much, Elizabeth! Thanks for watching! :)

[@uniquelyursuladesigns9120]

That wood grain looks stunning 😍😍

[@KnowCanDo]

Thank you so much! I thought it was gorgeous :)

[@joec783]

Love Katie's channel. Turns out great!😁

[@KnowCanDo]

Hey Monica! Me too! Thanks for the compliment and thanks for being here and watching!

[@1953lili]

This is a beautiful piece with great bones! Thank you so much for saving it and not painting! Found out when I was in my twenties while I was housekeeping that I am allergic to silica. Started wearing latex gloves; guess what? Allergic to latex as well! So nitrile gloves is my go to; no choice! $500.00 and no less! BTW, clever brand name!

[@phyllishume5854]

I love Katie Scott..fellow Ontarian! Beautiful dresser on this video.

[@KnowCanDo]

Thanks so much! And yea, she's awesome!

[@elizabethpugh2685]

Gorgeous

[@donnasanders6349]

Looks amazing!

[@KnowCanDo]

Thanks so much, Donna! It was a fun project!

[@gydaanderson332]

I used Citrus Strip once. Never again. Scraping the finish off works really well.

[@shirley1091]

Fabulous

[@creationsbykat.k6413]

Ok I’ve been binge watching your channel since the $100 challenge. It’s all so good.

[@KnowCanDo]

Aw, thanks Katrina! I'm glad you're here!

[@cyndifischer3421]

Super pretty!

[@KnowCanDo]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@dhonlutje]

Great work, so beautifull

[@KnowCanDo]

Thanks, Lutgarde!

[@timtwing5886]

My fiance and resell and refinish furniture as a side job and our experience with citrus strip is you have to cake it on and leave it for hours for it to do a good job. We normally just use quick strip because we are impatient but sometimes we can wait and use citrus.

[@eek4904]

I thought it looked good before…except the top. The after is Ahhhhmazing!

[@KnowCanDo]

I know, right?! It was in pretty good condition, but the after just pops so much more! Thanks for watching.

[@ReconstructingEmily]

If this happens again, leave the citristip on the rest of the furniture for up to 24 hours covered in plastic. Harder finishes take longer. I would say to start with $350. It looks like the dresser probably had a mirror at one point, which you could check by seeing screw holes on the back. Also, you're so close to 1k subs woot woot!! 🙌

[@KnowCanDo]

I dont know how I'm just seeing this but thanks for the tips, Emily!! :)

[@amyd2716]

Hell yea love Katie🥰🥰🥰 your doing great also!! I’m trying I worry Katie from time to time lol I told her she can block me lol

[@KnowCanDo]

Haha, Amy! I love Katie Scott's channel as well. She is very inspirational and informative! Thanks for being here.

[@chrisp.76]

When applying Citrustrip I believe you don’t want to spread very thin. Using a metal putty knife is better because you can press harder. To keep from damaging the wood, grind or sand the sharp corners off. On a piece that has the varnish or paint off you don’t need to start with anything lower than 120 grit. If adding stain don’t go higher than 180 grit or you can burnish the wood and the wood won’t take the stain as well.

[@purtis99]

Beautiful Mahogany

[@ericn.7005]

Thanks for your share :) I don't know if i could have de patience for these legs ....

[@KnowCanDo]

Haha! Thanks, Eric. I almost DIDN'T have the patience for the legs!! Luckily, new day new attitude, I gave it a break and came back later. :)

[@elizabethroen1115]

You did awesome, thank you for posting this very helpful, so how much did you end up selling this for!? Have you found a better way to calculate price, I would definitely be curious as this is something I just started practicing with as well!

[@sailorgalful]

I don’t know if you’ll see this comment (video posted awhile ago) but those metal keyholes usually just pop out with a small flathead screwdriver. It’s easy to pop them back in.

[@KnowCanDo]

That's a great tip! Thanks for the comment and for watching :)

[@gailmalone9273]

On some of these old pieces you can smooth out the finish with Methylated Spirits and steel wool, following with a rag. You keep the old patina, often no need for anything than a light sand to smooth fibres. You can than seal as you wish or not. I often use Tung oil.

[@KnowCanDo]

Thanks for the tips, Gail! That sounds like it would have been MUCH easier, haha. In hindsight (20/20 of course) only the top on this really needed refinishing. So I may have been able to have done it that way and saved a lot of time. Live and learn, right?! Thanks for watching!

[@gailmalone9273]

@@KnowCanDo I’m a great grandmother, I’ve got hindsight to burn.

[@rochelletarr182]

Beautiful 💕 🌻 💕💞💓💞💕💖

[@KnowCanDo]

Thank you, Rochelle! I am tempted to keep it :)

[@joanacker917]

That came out beautiful. For that stain in the drawer you could use oxalic acid.

[@KnowCanDo]

Thanks, Joan! That's a great idea. I'll have to check that out! Thanks :)

[@purtis99]

Might want to look at a wipe on poly, which is just a 50/50 poly and mineral spirits

[@kimberlyskreations8818]

I love watching Katie Scott! I've learned a lot from her.

[@KnowCanDo]

Hey Katie! Me too! She is so awesome! Thanks for watching :)

[@chrystalcoller2668]

Very curious, what did you sell that beautiful piece for?

[@user-id7jz5tu2o]

What did you use before Citrus and why did you change?

[@ggmax2958]

This turned out gorgeous. I was so afraid you were going to paint it. Another youtuber "Transcend Furniture Gallery" uses Odie,s Oil. I believe its lemon and verbena scent. I would say $500. also

[@KnowCanDo]

Hi Teresa! Thanks so much. Oh my goodness, yeah I considered painting t for a second, but then I realized it was in such good condition that wouldn't do the dresser justice! Ooh a lemon verbena scented oil sounds nice too!! Thanks for watching and thanks for your suggestions!

[@Rebecky579]

Thank you for not painting it! Beautiful job!

[@CEK51]

I do believe you can remove the metal keyhole by using an instrument and pulling it out.

[@writerlisakaye]

I'm all for using environmentally friendly products but I do not like Citristrip. If you choose to use a chemical stripper (as opposed to sanding) I highly recommend Klean Strip.

[@KnowCanDo]

Hey Lisa! Totally. Citristrip was such a pain! Probably would have been easier if I had a. put on way more b. let it sit for longer c. done it on a day that wasn't so hot outside! But alas...

[@moniquehorton1111]

Check Facebook Marketplace to see what comparable dressers go for. What would YOU pay if you were buying it? I’d say somewhere between $275 and $350.

[@KnowCanDo]

Hey Monique! Great idea. I have been checking Marketplace but haven't seen anything similar to it yet. Thanks for watching :)

[@sabmaster68]

Research the piece, try to get a date and maker, Google lens helps with that. It's surprising how much certain makers furniture can be worth. You worked hard, did a great job, get your worth.

[@pato6334]

Sorry, didn’t realize that adding links was so cumbersome. They sell less elegant versions at the the home box stores with the strippers and other nasty chemicals. Hope this helps

[@KnowCanDo]

Totally. Thanks again, Clyde!

[@annroush5424]

I have not had a good experience with citrus strip. I won’t use it again.

[@timconscciensous3570]

I'd love to know what that wood is on the front of the drawers. It has dotted like grain. I have some but nobody seems to know what it is. It's very different looking. The wood I have is all dotted grain. I wish someone could tell me what it is.

[@zyxw2000]

Mahogany or elm?

[@foreveryoungagain]

I charge my materials plus $40/hr when I'm not sure...I'm new at it too

[@KnowCanDo]

That's awesome, Kelly! I think that's a fair price and a great idea. Thanks for sharing.

[@forthehaulofit]

I really am guessing here, but 250 to 350? Can you see what other refinished dressers are priced on marketplace? That may give you a better idea. Good luck, turned out nice!!

[@anna12910]

That’s what I was thinking too

[@KnowCanDo]

Thanks so much! Yeah I've been looking for other refinished dressers on Marketplace and they are all over the map price wise, depending on the style. And unfortunately I haven't seen any lately that are similar to this style... But I'll probably just throw out a higher number and lower it as needed :) Thanks for the suggestion and thanks for watching!

[@KnowCanDo]

Sweet, thanks Anna!

[@user-hq2hu4ul9r]

Is that liquid leaf going to stay?

[@KnowCanDo]

No issues with it!

[@jenniferloretto5939]

$700.00. Maybe use a consignment furniture outlet? I think the detail on the feet of the thing are the selling points.

[@KnowCanDo]

Totally. My friend Mackenzie keeps saying I should paint the toenails of it hahaha. I think the suggestion of a consignment furniture outlet is a great idea. I'll look around. Thanks, Jen, you're the best! :)

[@elizabethmitrani9497]

I'm no expert, but I watched another video and I think the Citrustrip would have come off more easily if you put it on thicker and let it sit. longer.

[@KnowCanDo]

I agree! Having tried it many times now that is def the way to go. Thanks for watching, Elizabeth!

[@emilymulcahy]

You didn't use enough stripper, it needs to be thick and sometimes it takes a few tries if the finish is thicker

[@KnowCanDo]

Makes sense. It was my first time trying it so wasn’t sure what to expect! Thanks for the tip.

[@emilymulcahy]

@@KnowCanDo anytime 😉

[@chalmahunt5785]

Not sure of your location, but I would not sell for less than $250-$500

[@veronicakiyoko5862]

Make sure you add in the time spent on the job, and the supplies spent then you can add on how much you think it’s worth. $1500.00?

[@kaunas888]

Instead of using messy chemical toxic stripping products, most professionals simply scrape or sand off the old finish.

[@KnowCanDo]

I’ve tried it all!

[@karencary3312]

It's beautiful. I'd ask $500.

[@KnowCanDo]

Thanks so much, Karen! I was thinking somewhere in the ballpark of $500 as well. We shall see! Thanks for watching :)

[@chrisp.76]

Charge for the cost of the piece plus the materials plus time x your hourly wage plus an amount for profit .

[@jodiecleman1344]

Why don’t you use dawn dish soap and water. Dawn is the best grease cutter and smells way better than simple green ? Way better for your lungs. What do you do to get rid of moth ball smell out of furniture?

[@KnowCanDo]

I’ve used dawn as well! Tried many products. I’ve never had a piece with a moth ball smell so I don’t know but I think some sunlight could help

[@tinaranson6172]

$950-1025.00. May sell 850-900

[@carollucas2801]

I think you should post it for $500

[@kaycox5555]

You need heavy duty gloves made for chemicals

[@KnowCanDo]

Absolutely! I FINALLY found some!!! Thank goodness :)

[@debbievanderwerf2233]

I say start at $500

[@KnowCanDo]

Thanks, Debbie! I was thinking similarly. Thanks for watching and thanks for the suggestion!

[@chrisp.76]

So glad you didn’t paint it!

[@Mamafish68]

This is painful to watch, LOTS of citrus strip, never needed gloves, sharp, straight metal scraper. Glop that stuff on, also a wire brush for the bits between drawers.

[@rachellemurray7544]

Very curious! Have you sold it? If so, how much did you ask/get? Awesome job! I'm in the beginning stages of learning what to do.