Re: Help identify wood type on dresser....
That is flame birch and most likely a veneer as flame birch is too unstable to produce as solid wood. Most likely the finish is "crinkled" because it's an old lacquer finish and all lacquer will do that over time.
You will ruin that piece and aggravate yourself using a palm sander. Don't do it. More furniture has been ruined over the years due to sanding than anything else I can think of. I have seen old antiques worth $ 30,000 reduced to $ 500 garage sale items due to Harry Homeowner refinishing/sanding.
I suggest you live with it the way it is or take it to a professional to do. The lacquer has to be chemically stripped off it and re-applied, it's not an easy chore and you won't have the skills or tools to do it right (unless you have auto-body spray equipment in the garage). A good refinisher may be able to remove the old lacquer without getting into the color coat. Expect to pay $ 500 or more.
Likely the piece is about 100 years old or so.
If you want to do a simple, non-invasive deluxing of the piece do this:
1) wipe the whole piece down in mineral spirits, this will remove all old wax and dirt
2) get some # 0000 steel wool (super fine grade) and go over the piece with moderate pressure very evenly. This will level out scratches bu cutting the topcoat a bit and give it a little buff. Do not "scrub" with the steel wool or dig after one spot with it. Even pressure back and forth with the grain.
3) apply a good coat of furniture paste wax to the piece and buff it off. It will look far better for an hour's worth of work on your part and $ 25 in materials.
Last edited by drcollie; 09-30-2018 at 08:44 AM.
Duane Collie
Straight answers from thirty-six years in the business.
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