Restoring antique pine furniture can be a total bind or very rewarding. This pine piece I really enjoyed doing. I found it at an auction with a very old wood worm damaged top. However the shape of the drawers and front was so pretty and the signs of wood worm were old and inactive that I decided to give it a go.
Step 1: Remove the old handles from the drawers
Step 2: Treat for woodworm just in case
Step 3: Gently sand the drawer fronts and sides, (220 grit)
Step 4: Using a more course sandpaper (80 grit) sand the top of the chest of drawers to even out the woodworm damage.
At this point I released that the woodworm damage was fairly deep and that if I waxed it the wax would make the lines look black and unattractive. I tried a new technique!
Step 5: Mix fine sawdust with woodglue and water 50:50 and brush into the grain and grooves. Allow to try for 24 hours. VIDEO
Step 6: Gently sand off the glue and sawdust mixture (220 grit).
Step 7: Apply a stripped pine coloured wax over the whole chest of drawers and buff up using an old rag.
Step 8: Fit new handles.
This finished antique pine chest of drawers is now full of character and ready for its forever home. It certainly has signs of a life previously lived but for sure isn’t ready for the crap heap yet. The deep drawers will provide adequate storage and the pretty drawers draw the eye in.
I have numerous pieces of antique pine in the shop so do pop on up or drop me a line if you are after a particular piece.