There’s something so satisfying about taking a well-loved piece of furniture and giving it a fresh new life. This antique oak three-drawer dresser had all the classic charm, but it needed a modern update to shine again. Here’s how I transformed it from tired to timeless:
Sanding Down to Raw Wood
The first step in this makeover was stripping the piece down to its raw wood. Sanding off the old finish revealed the beautiful natural grain of the oak—a perfect blank canvas to work with. 
Brightening with Oxalic Acid
Next, I bleached the wood using oxalic acid. This step lightened the oak’s natural tones, giving it a brighter and more contemporary appearance while still retaining its organic beauty.
Best Way to Neutralize Oxalic Acid:
1. Mix a Neutralizing Solution – Dissolve 1 tablespoon of baking soda per cup of water (adjust as needed).
2. Apply with a Sponge or Rag – Wipe the wood thoroughly with the solution, ensuring all treated areas are covered.
3. Rinse with Clean Water – Use a separate damp cloth with clean water to remove any remaining residue.
4. Dry Completely – Allow the wood to dry before sanding or applying a finish.
This method effectively stops the bleaching action of oxalic acid and prevents potential issues when applying stains or finishes.
Prepping the Wood
Before applying any stain, I used a pre-stain wood conditioner to ensure the wood absorbed the color evenly. This step is essential for achieving a smooth, professional-looking finish, especially on pieces like oak that can sometimes stain unevenly.
Adding Richness with Stain
For the stain, I chose Minwax in the color Mocha. This rich, warm brown brought out the grain beautifully and gave the dresser a sophisticated feel. Once the stain dried, the dresser was already looking stunning—but I wanted to add a little extra character.
Creating Depth with a Custom Glaze
To enhance the details, I mixed one part Fusion Clear Glaze with one part Cast Iron paint. This custom glaze was lightly brushed over the surface, adding depth and texture to the piece. The glaze settled into the wood’s natural grooves, creating a subtle, aged effect that highlighted the dresser’s unique features. 
Sealing with a Matte Topcoat
Finally, I sealed the entire piece with Polyvine Wax Finish Varnish in matte. This topcoat not only protects the finish but also gives the dresser a soft, natural sheen that complements the overall look.
The Final Look
This antique oak dresser now has a whole new lease on life. The combination of the lightened wood, mocha stain, custom glaze, and matte topcoat created a stunning blend of modern and vintage. It’s the kind of piece that can seamlessly fit into a variety of spaces, from farmhouse to contemporary.
If you’re thinking of tackling your own refinishing project, don’t be afraid to experiment with techniques like bleaching, glazing, and layering finishes. The process might take time, but the results are always worth it!
Save 10% on the Fusion Website with the discount code: vintagefurniturefindsfmp
https://shop.fusionmineralpaint.com/vintagefurniturefindsfmp
Supplies I used are linked here:
Topcoat:
You can find my favorite Polyvine Wax Finish Varnish topcoat here.
