Oak dressers last for years and are usually passed from one generation to the next, just because they can last that long and are very attractive pieces of furniture.
So, if you've got an old oak dresser handed down from your grandfather or such but it's looking a little dull from all those years, don't throw it out just yet.
Instead, refinish it and make it look brand new while maintaining its antique look! First, go to the store and pick up a chemical stripper that has no cleanup necessary.
Read the labels and make sure it's easy to deal with and you would also want to pick up something that is in a gel or paste form because liquids can be quite a hassle to deal with as it will run down the sides and such.
Once you've got your stripper, follow the directions given carefully as the instructions vary according to different manufactures.
Spread a layer of the stripper on the dresser and remove it with a scrape knife, getting the tough spots with a steel wool dipped in the stripper.
Clean off the mess with water or spirit, depending on the instructions and then wait for the wood to dry completely.
The wood may be pretty rough in spots, so sand it well with quality sand paper.
How good it looks depends on how well you sand it so make sure you do the whole dresser without leaving any rough patches.
Next, oak wood needs the works of a grain filler, so get one and pick a pigmented colour to suit the colour you want the outcome to match.
Apply the paste filler and use it along the surface of your dresser.
Next, allow it to dry and then apply a sanding sealer before sanding it again.
Dust of the sawdust and then get started with the colour.
Apply the stain with a rag or brush; the longer you leave it on, the darker the wood becomes so know what sort of tone you're looking for.
Once you've got your desired colour, slap on a finish and you've got a brand new dresser! You can apply similar method to refinishing other types of solid oak furniture.