Repairing small chips on Walnut cabinet dresser?

Question

I brought this lovely second hand antique French dresser; it's in lovely condition except for a few chips here and there. What is the best way to repair it? Special varnish? Some kind of wood filler? Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks in advance- Rhianna x

Answer 1

If your dresser is an expensive antique then you will need to have it professionally restored as you will devalue it if you carry out DIY repairs. I the veneer has been chipped then this has to be properly restored, your walnut dresser will most certainly be french polished and not varnished again seek advise from a professional french polisher. Remember that you are a custodian of your antique furniture and

the best way to enjoy it is to treat it with great respect it will reward you by increasing in value enjoy your lovely antique

Answer 2

You can buy touch up paint or stain to match or matching wood putty. The thing is..where? Where I live a place called Wilsons paint and glass has that stuff. A large selection. If you can take a chip with you you can match it almost perfect. Stain will work fine. Walnut stain will cover the scratches but there will be different shades of that as well. You might call Lowes and ask if they carry it. I know exactly what your choices are but have no idea what is available in your area. Look in your phone book for paint, glass and wallpaper stores. Good luck...if you do the stain apply it to the scratches with a q tip.

Answer 3

depends on the severity of the mark!!

Small scratches - the real "how to" of making them go away. To remove scratches: Clean the area.

Rub the scratch lightly with an appropriate colored furniture touch-up product. When proper color is restored,

apply a recommended finishing product

To remove dents: Wipe dent with warm water. Apply a compress of paper soaked in warm water to swell

wood fibers. Let sit for 30 minutes, then apply a warm (not hot) iron over cloth until dent is gone. Follow with a

recommended wood finish.

Answer 4

Don't use filler. Ever.

My first choice would be shoe polish on anything that is really bothering you, but...

   My second choice would be to live with it or to cover it up with a cloth. I'm sure the piece looks terrific, even with the few bumps. Old furniture almost always gets a little bit of personality slammed into it over the years, we call it patina. dust it off and be happy!

Answer 5

If it is an ANTIQUE French piece of furniture, then surely you should have it professionally restored?

Doing it yourself will be a waste of time and money as anything you do to it, if you aren't a restorer, it will show and not look right.  Why bodge a lovely Antique?