hu, your photo isn't showing up. try again, please, in a comment. that often works better.

It isn't Llowing my picture to post for some reason. I'll get one up when I can. Thank you for being patient with me.

Sometimes it's hard to post a picture in an originating post. But you can add one in a reply easily enough.

Part of the trick is to wait for the pic to turn from “fuzzy looking” to crisp and clear before going to the next step. Some times it takes a bit of time. Be patient.

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Finally! Haha

I am in the process of stripping this paint off. I am planning on keeping this peace because I'm putting so much work into it. I feel that I will love it even more once I'm finished with it!

Earlier than 1920. Be careful with that scraper, you don't want to leave digs in the wood.
The top is oak and the drawers likely oak veneer....so strip them with care.
Likely had a wishbone mirror......but I would just find a nice oval mirror and hang it on the wall.
The thing about those low dressers is that have so many uses....in a diningroom....front hallway, kids room because they are low. You'll love it when you get the paint off.

Thank you all very much! I had not thought about the paint having lead in it. I'm excited to get it finished. It is going to be so pretty <3

It will be very pretty...We had one that was out for the trash and it lasted many years. Always is better when you rescue something :)

Penny design, Yes, I totally agree!! New furniture definitely lacks the durability and charm of an old piece!

And since you are "stripping" it and not sanding the maybe lead paint creating dust,,,,you won't have worried....unless you are allowing your hands to contact that old paint. Btu get every bit of paint off before you use sand paper.....and wear a mask. Don't create lead paint dust.

lilindac92, I did do some sanding today because there are some very stubborn spots on top.

You guys are probably hitting your heads with the palm of your hands! This is my first time doing anything like this. I have done research but like anything, more is learned from personal experience.

I have made it a point to wear gloves and a mask. I also don't allow our children around me when on working on it even though I am outside. Any suggestions to keep any further dust from getting in the air?

I can only tell you that lead is a very real risk, but you don't know if any of the paint has lead in it. You need to assume that it does.

You can either test for lead (get a kit off amazon) and put your mind at ease, or gamble. It's really up to you, isn't it?

Yes, I suppose it is up me. I will just assume that it does have lead and take precautions to protect myself, my family, and the environment as best I can.

II have to research stripping the wood more. I just don't want to mess up the beauty that is in the grain of the wood. Idk, maybe that isn't possible and I'm overthinking things.

Have a great week!

What about a chemical stripper? Are these a good or bad idea with lead paint?

I'm using citristrip. I have read that it is suppose to be one of the safest stripping solutions.

I guess that I was worried about putting too much on the bare wood. There are still some tough spots of paint to get off.

You'll be okay with stripper. The worst that's every happened to me, is that the grain has lifted...so that needs a sand.

Stripper needs to be washed off anyway (at least those that I use have).

So, strip, wash, let dry, sand. GTG.

I will say that the worst part is getting in the nooks and crannies and nail holes, etc.

Oak, solid and veneer is very porous. Unless there was a clear primer or old varnish on the dresser prior to painting, you will have lots of little spots from the paint. Very difficult to get perfect.

Agreed...the wood will be very dry when you're done...and you may need a stiff brush to get in those nooks and crannies...(I've used a toothpick in the past...you have to get creative!

Personally, I like an oil based finish..

Contain any lead dust you use, vacuum with a HEPA vacuum, and then clean everything up with wet swiffer wipes. Be careful to not accidentally tracking lead out of the work area on your clothes and hands. Best if you could put on an outer layer of clothing while working on the project and then leaving them in the work area when you go to fix lunch or whatever. Containment and clean up are key. It’s not horrid for the lead to get on your hands. It washes off. It is breathing it in that is a problem. Hand sanding is easier to control than an orbital sander or belt sander. Hope that helps! Also, check out EPA.org for their lead issues.

It is also possible there is no lead. Get a lead test kit at HD or other paint store and test it! Maybe you’ll get lucky and you are worrying for no reason.

Use a tooth brush and a good stripper. Don't go for a "safe" stripper....go for one that does the job so you don't have to sand lead paint.

And never EVER use a belt sander on anything unless you are VERY V*E*R*Y experienced.....I have seen people who work wood for a living make a mess with a belt sander.

And yes, lead is a real issue but the world is full of people like me who has stripped many many items and never worried about what kind of paint, who grew up in a house painted with white lead paint....and helped her father paint the fence with that same white lead, lived in a major metropolitan area where the air was full of the fumes from leaded gas. Grew up always letting the water run until it was cold because the house had lead soldered pipes.....and I don't let have brain damage nor kidney damage and the only time I have been anemic was a week after my first child was born.

Not to Pooh-pooh the dangers of lead but unless your children are eating paint chips from the window sill and forgetting to let the water run through the lead soldered pipes, I don't think casual exposure is a big concern.

But....Don't sand off the paint!! use a stripper! LOL1

Thank you all very much!! It is early, but it doesn't look like it will be perfect. Plus, this is my first time ever so there is that. Lol it'll be perfect enough for me. If anyone come in and says something can refinish their own furniture then come talk to me. Haha

Pennydesign, yes! The wood has gotten a bit dry. That is whT worried me bit I guess that is normal then. I wondered about some kind of wood conditioner, but again idk.

Mainenell, thank you for the advice. I will check that website out! My littles are 8, 6, and 4 so I definitely want them to be protected.

I'll keep you guys posted on the progress. It may take a while because I have a lot of irons in the fire right now, but I wiwill try to post finished piece. TKe care all!! :)