What should I do with this dresser?

I got this today. It's a Stylemaker dresser. It's dated on the back 1956. It's a nice mid century piece of furniture.

I was wondering if it would hurt the value if I sanded this down and put a new coat on it? I might sell this one.

 

Armando, I'd not put the work into it if you're not planning to keep it, the generation of furniture buyers nowadays seems to enjoy their own DIY projects - just my opinion. I have a very similar one with the original blond finish and the mcm feet still attached.

 

Upon a second look, I believe mine is exactly like yours. But with the feet.

 

I wish mine had the legs and feet. I would like to see this in a lighter color though. The dark color is a little to much.

 

If you have the talent , time, and patience to sand it ( with a mask on...& glasses..) ....then do it and make it shine !!

 

Hi Joe,
If it was painted with early latex paint try using straight ammonia with steel wool it might come off without crazy sanding.
greg

 

I'll do my best. When I start something, I don't stop until I'm satisfied with the outcome. It's the Virgo in me that makes me that way.

 

I'll get this to my house tomorrow. I'll pick up a bottle of ammonia and try it. If that works, thst would be WAY better than sanding. Can't wait to see it finished.

 

Think this is probably more trouble than it is worth. Looks like a good candidate for paint to me.

 

Ohhh, there could be some nice grained wood underneath that dull exterior !!!

 

A few years ago you would've gotten at least one person recommending that you attack it with chains and hammers all over to distress it, then paint it white, and price it at least $100. more than u paid. I guess those people are on the way, just not here yet. Or maybe that was a fad which has passed already? Called "shabby chic." I think this is an absolutely ideal candidate for the stated process. Young couples were supposed to have been the big customers for S.C. furniture.

 

Hi Spring,
Becareful "shabby chic" is copywrited and can get you in trouble. There are people that have found painted furniture sells (Hi Brad). Never understand the way to go anymore.
greg

 

Thanks Greg, ok I guess I'll have to write "shabby sheek" then. Or invent a term like, maybe ADWF, Artificially-Distressed White Furniture.

 

I'm sorry, that's just idiotic. To copywrite a phrase. I would just call that kind of furniture....I just don't find it attractive. That's my feeling about it.

But, it's that, different styles and likes, that helps make this world go around.

 

Hi,
The phrase was not copywrited. The woman who had the show calld Shabby Chic copywritted the name.
greg

 

I was about to say...

Never know these days, like The Happy Birthday song.

 

Believe me, this would sell faster and for more money in my neck of woods with a good distressed finish on it than it would refinished. A two-tone job would send it out the door even faster. I have been slow to convert to painting furniture but it seems to be what the customers want. If this were a Herman Miller or other designer piece I would be advising you otherwise but, for this one, paint would be the way to go.

 

I'm pretty sure it would go quick around the Savannah area. I would bet a SCAD student would pick this up quickly the way it is, put their own funky design to it and enjoy it.

When my wife sees it, she may want to keep it.

 

White case, green drawers, yellow knobs, top two knobs have little faces painted on them, or maybe left and right eyes...

Kids would love it. Give it a name too. Darlene or Donnie the dresser.

 

I got it in my garage now. It looks like there may be 2 or 3 layers of different paint in it. I don't believe ammonia will do the trick. I put some on a cloth and tried rubbing the paint but didn't see a difference. I may be doing it wrong?

With some chips missing from the paint, I would still need to sand this down to even out those areas.

I think it would like nice with a two-tone paint job.