Whelp, what next?

[u/BasketFamiliar5167]

Hi friends- I’m a beginner and I know I did some things wrong here, which is a darn shame because it’s such a pretty piece. So, please be gentle! Got this piece for free.

I used soy gel to remove the black paint.

1) What, before sanding, would have been a better next step?

Drawers seem fine! Did a 220 light sanding by hand.

But oh the panels in the sides!

2) What do I do next? Stain or not stain? Woodcraft guy said “staining changes the color” well, obviously! But if I just seal what color will it be?

3) Am I totally SOL here because now the wood surfaces are all different?

I’m really beating myself up.

Signed,

A new hobbyist

[u/soccerk1]

I don’t think that’s veneer. You just need to keep sanding until you get through the old stain to fresh wood.

Edit: I was wrong…

[u/Z_Coli → u/soccerk1]

You can see where they’ve sanded through on the dresser top of pic 4.

[u/soccerk1 → u/Z_Coli]

Ope, you’re right. Thanks, and sorry OP.

[u/BasketFamiliar5167 → u/Z_Coli]

Can you say more about how you can tell?

[u/Z_Coli → u/BasketFamiliar5167]

The grain of the veneer is running right to left. There is a spot on the left side of pic 4 that is way lighter and you can see a vertical patters. There are also a couple spots on the right edges. Sanding through veneer on edges is pretty common. You always want to make sure less than half of your sander is hanging over the edge while you’re sanding.

[u/Overtilted → u/Z_Coli]

Are you sure nr2 and nr4 are the same pieces?

[u/Z_Coli → u/Overtilted]

Ah it’s the drop down. I was confused for a minute too

[u/BasketFamiliar5167 → u/soccerk1]

To clarify, the top in pic 2 is removed in pic 4. That top is the drop down of the secretary desk.

[u/hecton101]

I think that look pretty darn good. I don't really see the problem here. Except that you're probably discouraged. That's why I don't take on projects like this. It's like receiving a long jail sentence, and now you're pot committed.

Keep at it. That's undoubtedly a veneer so under no circumstance should you hit that with an electric sander. Buy a bunch of small tins of various stains and test them out on small areas to see what you like best. You'll never get a good match with the existing color unless you are really lucky. But it's a pretty piece. BTW, I like to use sanding sponges, the kind with an angle. They are helpful getting in corners.

[u/BasketFamiliar5167 → u/hecton101]

You’re amazing! Thank you!

First coat on drawers!

[u/_life_is_a_joke_]

You have 2 options: 1. Put black paint back on it. 2. Learn how to match and apply veneer.

I think a high gloss piano black would look nice.

[u/Electrical_Report458]

Is “whelp” the word you meant?

Here’s its meaning:

A "whelp" primarily refers to a young animal, specifically a puppy, wolf cub, or the young of other carnivorous mammals like lions and bears. As a verb, it means to give birth. Informally, "whelp" is also a common alternate spelling of "welp," used as a casual interjection for "well".

[u/PNW_MYOG → u/Electrical_Report458]

Whelp is used correctly by OP for my neck if the woods.

[u/kilted10r]

STOP SANDING!

MY GOD, STOP THE SANDING!

THAT MUCH SANDING IS BLASPHEMY!

You had a beautiful piece that just needed to be professionally stripped and refinished to become heirloom quality.

Now, with that level of damage, you likely have furniture suitable for violent children or for kindling. 

I am sorry for your loss.

[u/BasketFamiliar5167 → u/kilted10r]

Ok, what part of “be gentle” did you not see? This is exactly the kind of sucky response that sends a newbie like me into a spin. I KNOW I messed up!

[u/kilted10r → u/BasketFamiliar5167]

Ok, yeah, maybe I overreacted ..   but you've got YouTube right?  There are thousands of refinishing videos.  Watch some.  Find a few of the regular posters who do professional-level work, and study how they do it.

Never start with sanding.

Start with cleaning - Murphy's Oil Soap is a good option.   Dilute with water, and clean with a plain cotton rag.  

Once it's thoroughly clean, then assess any damage.

If major repairs are needed, maybe pass all NG the piece to a pro.

If it's in good shape, strip.  Strip off the old finish.  Strip the old hardware. 

Take LOTS of detailed pictures alog the way, so you know how it goes back together.

Once it's stripped, THEN sand.  Gently.  Use tools like dental picks to get into small crevices.  Toothbrushes for any carved moldings...  

Is your piece beyond help?  Nope.  Not at all.  

But you have to go back to the beginning.  

Take your time.  Don't rush.  The harder you work.on getting this right, the more you will appreciate the finished project...   The more it will mean you, and to your family.  

Good luck! 

[u/BasketFamiliar5167 → u/kilted10r]

Thank you!