Refinishing an old hope chest
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What is the best way to go about finishing this old hope chest? There is a crack in the wood railing at the top. Any ideas? Thanks!
8 answers
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Before you do anything, I'd get some wood glue and repair the break. Just a thin layer of wood glue on either raw edge of the break, then clamp together, making sure to wipe any excess glue off with a damp cloth. Depending on the humidity, I'd wait a day or two for it to dry. Once the repair is dry, either sand off old finish or use a stripper. I like Citrastrip. When that's completely you're ready to restain or paint. Please do come back and share the process and finished results. Have fun!
Z
on May 04, 2014
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Your hope chest does need some tender loving sanding to get the service nice and smooth. I like to stain and varnish wood items. But the new paint jobs look great and detressed wood would look nice on this chest. Have fun and decide where you want to display it first so you can decide how to finish it.
Karan
on May 04, 2014
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Becky is absolutely right....easy fix on the back rail and a good sanding and staining (recommend dark walnut minwax oil) then a coat of either satin Poly or you could use Tung oil BTW if you don't have clamps 2" painters tape will do, just make sure it's nice and tight.
Vintage Restorations.....Formerly Closet Furniture
on May 04, 2014
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Poor little thing does need some love. I agree with the above comments. Repair the broken piece with wood glue. Clean good and probably sand it. If any of the scratches are deep, you need to feel them with some wood filler before refinishing. Decide where you plan on using it and stain or paint to coordinate with that room. If you wanted to dress it up a little you could use some of the "wood flourishes" that you can buy at craft stores. You could also put a cushion on top to use it as seating, say at the foot of your bed or in a child's room. Please post pics when done.
Becky Wood
on May 04, 2014
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You could re-stain the top in a dark walnut stain and paint the bottom to give it some color. If you like the stressed look, this piece would be great with a stressed paint finish with the wood showing through. I love the idea of selecting a coordinating fabric and making a cushion for the top to use it for additional seating.
117135
on May 04, 2014
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If you really like the top rail, fix it. If not I'f take it off and do some wood filler. Usually I cringe at painting wood, but this is inexpensive, but solid pine. Grain is nothing spectacular, but honest. I'd paint it and have some fun. Go with the decor of whatever room you decide. Love to see what you come up with.
Rosemary Kelly
on May 05, 2014
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I learned the hard way don't sand if you don't have to, a simple stripping and a very light sanding is all you need !!! Then stain and poly...
Angela
on May 06, 2014
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or maybe put a pretty cushion on top and make it a bench with storage?
Mary Pressley
on May 06, 2014
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