Sanding OLD wood - 80 year old wood that is....help!!!?

Question

I decided to restore a dresser that is MAYBE up to 80 years old. I first started with the belt sander and noticed the wood was sanding like typical wood does. It was almost "rolling" up into little bits of paper vice saw dust. Is this normal with old wood? If so what is my alternative? The belt sander didnt seem to work very well.

Answer 1

alright...  disolve the present finish..  can rule out latex they didint have it 80 yrs ago. let it dry throughly..  now the fun part,  sanding..  I would start with 100 pcs to get started, of 150 grit... of you prefer to use 180 or 220..  start with 200 pcs.

sounds like a fun project  and if you do it right...it will be one heck of an investment.   good luck

Answer 2

True, it may have been more valuable left as is. However, since you already started, I suugest you use a mouse sander, rather than a belt sander. I would say, use a 150 grit paper on the mouse first. then, after you complete it, go back over it with a 220 grit or a 400 grit paper. This will create a very smooth surface, for what ever application you put back on it. Good Luck

Answer 3

Ditto the other answer...you're not supposed to "refinish" antique furniture.  Part of the way they establish how old it is is by the "patina" of the wood.  If you refinish that, it's gone for good and seriously devalues it.  :-(

Answer 4

does not sound like an real solid wood dresser.... maybe it had a laminate layer on it and you  sanded thru that and are now seeing the glue that held the laminate in the roll ups.    All you can do is continue sanding until the finish is acceptable to you for painting or staining.

Answer 5

OMG !!!!

One should never sand/refinish an old/antique piece of furniture before consulting a qualified dealer and/or appraiser.

It may not be too late.