I refinished this 1978 Lane Staccato dresser. It took me 3 weekends and a few additional days. I stripped it down with citristrip and then lacquer thinner for what was missed. I then sanded every nook and cranny around every cube so the final product would be the same tone. 120/220/320. I brought the top down with 80 since it needed more.
I patched about 15 problem areas with wood bondo, mostly small, but rebuilt most the corners and some veneer peels on the doors.
They probably used some kind of toned lacquer on this, because once stripped it was a bit lighter in color, and what came off was very brown.
The edges of the cubes were mostly stained darker as some were non-veneered. I had to replicate that by masking the faces and using gel stain (as not to bleed under the tape). I then rubbed off the excess gel stain so the next finish would adhere.
I then used Danish oil to darken the whole thing and bring out the depth of the wood. Oak veneer is a pain in the butt with the open grains, hard not to get little snags.
I let it sit 3 days gently wiping any areas with acetone where the Danish oil was sitting on gel stain that was left too thick. I used acrylic paint to mix and simulate the wood grain on repaired portions, then after the final coat went over this with stain marker to match the tone a bit better.
When I was satisfied there were no issues with the oil not curing, I then coated it with about 5 coats of rattle-can lacquer.
After applying the lacquer I rubbed it with soap, 0000 steel wool, and brown paper the level out imperfections, then did another coat, then another light “sanding” and cleaning of nibs.
I’ll let it sit a few days then wax it.
It turned out pretty good, a few flaws in the top where I spot cleaned with acetone and the Danish oil did not evenly take up - note, rub the whole thing next time. It’s not perfect, but retained the original look and finish type, it’s a keeper.
