This 12-drawer pine dresser had good bones but was hidden under an old, uneven finish. With a little patience (and the right products), I brought it back to life with a warm, primitive look that highlights the beauty of antique pine.
Step 1: Prep + Sanding
I always start with a thorough cleaning to remove grime, oils, or old polish. Once dry, I stripped off the previous finish by sanding with graduating grits—starting around 80 and moving up to 180.
Since pine is a soft wood, it’s important to be gentle and watch for swirl marks, especially if you’re using a power sander. I used light pressure and a clean sanding pad for the final pass to avoid damaging the surface.
Step 2: SealCoat Before Dyeing
Pine can absorb dye unevenly, leading to blotchiness. To avoid that, I used SealCoat as a wash coat. It helps control dye penetration while still allowing the wood to absorb color.
Here’s how I applied it:
• Dilute it: Mix 1 part SealCoat with 2–3 parts denatured alcohol.
• Apply a thin coat: I used a lint-free cloth to wipe on a light, even layer.
• Let it dry: I waited about 30–45 minutes.
• Light sand: Once dry, I lightly scuffed the surface with 220-grit sandpaper to open up the grain just a bit.
Step 3: Antique Pine Wood Dye
Next came the color. I used Antique Pine Wood Dye, and the result was stunning—rich, warm tones that enhanced the character of the pine without overpowering it. This wood dye is made in the UK. This is one of the only retailers I’ve found that carries it in the USA. It’s not sold on Amazon or in big box hardware stores. It often sells out fast so I’d get a bottle if it’s in stock.
Step 4: Topcoat Protection
To seal it in and give it a subtle sheen, I applied Polyvine Wax Finish Varnish in Satin. This topcoat is super durable but still lets the wood’s texture and tone shine through.
Step 5: Wax for a Primitive Finish
Once the topcoat dried, I finished the piece with a layer of Dark Walnut Furniture Wax to give it that primitive, slightly aged feel. It added depth to the color and made the dresser feel like a treasured heirloom.
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Supplies Recap:
• Polyvine Wax Finish Varnish - Satin
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This dresser has completely transformed the space with its rustic warmth and clean lines. The matte topcoat and dark wax gave it the primitive charm I was going for—while still letting that beautiful pine grain peek through.
Let me know what you think or if you’ve tried a similar finish!
