Asking advice on caring for birdseye maple bedroom set

[Rainforest]

I just purchased this vintage 7-piece RWay Bedroom set. I would like advice on refinishing the top of the low dresser (see photos) and maintaining the finish on all of these pieces. These are my first maple pieces of furniture. Thank you.

[drcollie]

Don't refinish based on the photos, that is a lot of work to do and quite a project as you have to strip the entire piece. Do this instead, its a 1 hour "improvement" that does not require getting into the color coat or wood.

1) Buy # 0000 Steel Wool. < must be # 0000, not # 000

2) Buy an aerosol can of Satin Lacquer (not gloss or flat)

3) Buy a can of Mineral Spirits


* Wipe down the piece with Minerall Spirits, this will de-gunk the piece and remove all built up dirt and wax

* Steel Wool the top always going with the grain, this is going to cut down the topcoat on the piece and remove most surface scratches. Be consistent and do it evenly. Your steel wool will create a fine dust that is white - that shows its working. Do so evenly and don't burn the edges

* Spray two or three coats of lacquer on top, with the grain and evenly. Make sure it is well shaken before spraying. AVOID DRIPS AND SPITS. Second and third coats go on wet, before the earlier coats are fully dry.

* Let the final coat dry well, half and hour or so. Come back with the Steel Wool one more time to smooth out any nits.

* Wax the top if desired.

You will not get the stain rings out, that requires a full refinish and sanding. However this will make the pieces more presentable and takes little time or money