Refinishing Surface of Dresser - Suggestions?

[Duman]

I have a nice dresser which is in need of some TLC. There are a few water stains and light marks which I would like to remove. (pics)
I'm thinking fine sandpaper and some type of oil, but not sure which flavor (e.g. - Tung Oil ?) Any suggestions on cleaning/refinishing are appreciated.

[buffalobo]

Try one of the cleaners first. Formbys if still around, maybe one of the citrus wood cleaners.

Often those veneers are very thin, by the time you remove a stain by sanding you are through the veneer and exposing substrate.

[Duman]

Good idea.

[powerstroke79]

Wife has done a couple "projects" with chalk paint. Didnt turn out to bad.

[Tim K]

That appears to be maple. Maple is one of those species that changes color over time. It turns yellow. If you start sanding, you will almost certainly get through the yellowed outer layer and reveal the bone colored natural wood. That is not a problem in and of itself, but it will force you to sand every inch of it unless you want different colors on different pieces.

Can you tell if the existing finish is a film building finish or some sort of penetrating oil? If it is a film building finish I would scuff it up with the 220 grit Scotch-Brite sponge and then spray on a coat of aerosol Lacquer or polyurethane varnish. I don’t have good advice if it is a penetrating oil type of finish. I played with that years ago, but gave up on it because of its lack of protection to the surface.

[Tim K]

Correction, the sanding sponges are from 3M. They are yellow and you can buy them at Walmart.

[Jamnanc]

Agreed on the restor-a-finish.

[BPTactical]

If it's like any other horizontal surface in my house just give it a little time and before you know it it will be covered up with miscellaneous crap and you will never see the actual top again.....

[def90]

I have a nice dresser which is in need of some TLC. There are a few water stains and light marks which I would like to remove. (pics)
I'm thinking fine sandpaper and some type of oil, but not sure which flavor (e.g. - Tung Oil ?) Any suggestions on cleaning/refinishing are appreciated.

Have any idea what the original finish is? Is it a laquer or is it a rubbed oil finish?

[Duman]

I believe it's a rubbed oil finish.