Refinishing Presswood Dresser

[Al St. Aubin]

Not a Kreg project but knew there was knowledge here that could help. I have a friend that thought their dresser was real wood and started stripping the drawers to restain/refinish. After stripping several drawers she realized that it is actually a press wood dresser. The old finish came off with a stripper so it was not a veneer. What would you use for a finish on this type of wood. The dresser is still in good shape and plenty of use left in it.

Thanks ahead of time for input and ideas

[Suzy]

Just prime and paint it with chalk paint you can make yourself.  It will cover any imperfections and while sanding each coat will help to take away anything you don't want.  Chalk paint is expensive but there are many DIY instructions online about how to make it and chalk paint will give it a real nice look.

[Al St. Aubin]

Thanks I'll look into that. 

[Suzy]

I just ordered some Calcium Carbonate for the chalk paint I am going to use on my new kitchen island we are building at iherb.com.  Free shipping on $20 purchase so I just ordered four bags of oatmeal, lol.  Free shipping and a great price on the Calcium Carbonate too!

[Suzy]

Here is a great page about chalk paint, the gal really lays it out there on how it all comes out.  I was happy with choosing the Calcium Carbonate #1 choice because of this gal and others online posting about DIY chalk paint.

http://salvagedinspirations.com/best-homemade-chalk-paint-recipes/