Refinished Oak Chest, The General

I don’t normally name my furniture but the name “the General” (not really a name I know) just came to me as I was waxing this beautiful vintage oak chest. I was so very lucky to have found the chest in the condition it was in… only cosmetic issues. All of the escutcheon plates and handles were still attached, the drawers were in fabulous condition and there were no gouges or missing anything… pretty rare for a piece with this kind of age to it!

BEFORE

I opted to sand the finish off of the top (versus stripping) it was cold and I prefer to sand a finish away if possible… having said that it did take me quite a long time to remove the old finish from the top as oak is a VERY hard wood species! I used 100-150-220 grit sandpaper in that order to remove the old finish.

Here he is all gussied up! The finish on the handles is what I discovered under all of the years of dirt and grime. I soaked the handles overnight in a solution of ammonia and water and brushed them with a soft brush… super easy! I had planned on painting them but I really like how the finish looks with the new paint scheme! Can you see the stars..?

I The stained the top “Kona” and I applied a coat of Briwax Dark Wax to the oak top once the stain had dried, about 24 hours.

The drawers and cabinet are painted in a base coat of Old Ochre and a top coat of Coco Annie Sloan Chalk Paint. I didn’t use any sandpaper to distress the chest, just warm water and a scrub sponge, super easy!

I applied a coat of clear Briwax to the painted areas… that wax smells but it is so much easier to work with than some of the other popular waxes, I really do love it!

I actually was able to stage the chest in our library and I love how it looks in there… but I cannot keep it as there are other pieces that belong in this space that I am not ready to give up!

So the “General” will be for sale, but maybe I will enjoy looking at him in this spot for a few days first!

Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time…

Linking up to these parties!

Between Naps on the Porch, Coastal Charm, Sumo’s Sweet Stuff, The Ivy Cottage, A Stroll Thru Life, The Dedicated House, Elizabeth & Co., Savvy Southern Style, Sumo’s Sweet Stuff, PJH Designs, Miss Mustard Seed, French Country Cottage, My Romantic Home, Chic on a Shoestring