How to Refinish an Old Chifferobe with Your Kids’ Help

A chifferobe is a charming piece of furniture combining a wardrobe and a chest of drawers, offering hanging space and drawer storage in one unit. These pieces were popular in the early 20th century and bring a touch of vintage elegance to any home. Refinishing an old chifferobe can be rewarding, but how do you do it safely with your kids?

Assessing Your Chifferobe

This step ensures you address any underlying issues and choose the correct methods for a successful restoration.

Check for Structural Damage

Before refinishing, check your chifferobe for structural damage. Look for loose joints, cracks, or areas where the wood splits.

Gently wiggle the legs and frame to check for strength. Addressing these issues early on will ensure your chifferobe is functional and safe.

Identify the Type of Wood and Existing Finish

Is it an Amish Chifferobe made from oak, cherry, or mahogany? Different woods have different characteristics and may require specific types of care.

If it’s Amish furniture, you’re in luck since Amish furniture makers only use specific types of hardwood; therefore, identifying the wood used won’t be that difficult. Similarly, knowing if the current finish is lacquer, varnish, or paint will help you choose the correct stripping and refinishing products.

Use a cotton swab soaked in acetone and apply it to a hidden part of the chifferobe. If it becomes tacky, it is varnish or shellac. If it beads, it is polyurethane. If it dissolves quickly, then it is lacquer.

A magnifying glass can help you inspect the woodwork for fine cracks or intricate details. A flashlight helps illuminate dark corners and hard-to-see areas, ensuring you don’t miss any damage.

Gathering Materials and Tools

This preparation step will save you time and ensure a smooth process from start to finish.

List of Materials

You’ll need various materials to bring your chifferobe back to life. Here’s a basic list to get you started:

1. Sandpaper: Various grits for different stages of sanding.
2. Paint Stripper: To remove the old finish.
3. Wood Filler: To repair any cracks or dents.
4. Sealant: To protect the final finish.

List of Tools

Having the right tools is essential for a successful refinishing project. Make sure you have:

1. Screwdrivers: To disassemble and reassemble your chifferobe.
2. Paintbrushes: Different sizes for applying stain and sealant.
3. Sander: An electric sander can make the job quicker and easier.
4. Protective Gear: Gloves, masks, and goggles to keep you safe.

Recommendations for Safe and Effective Products

Choosing safe and effective products is crucial, especially if you have kids or pets. Recent studies suggest using low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paint strippers and sealants.

These products are better for the environment and safer for your family. Look for brands that are well-reviewed and backed by recent research.

Child-Friendly Tools to Involve Your Kids

Involving your kids in the project can be a fun and educational experience. Consider getting child-friendly tools like small paint brushes, plastic scrapers, and safety gear designed for kids.

This way, they can help with easy tasks and feel like an essential part of the project.

Preparing Your Workspace

Here’s how to set up a workspace that works for everyone in your family.

Choose a Ventilated Area and Follow Safety Measures

Start by selecting a well-ventilated, spacious area for your project. Good ventilation is essential when working with paint strippers, sealants, and other chemicals.

A garage, basement, or outdoor space with a cover can be ideal. Ensure plenty of room to move around and lay out all parts of the chifferobe without feeling cramped.

Wear protective gear, including gloves, masks, and goggles, to protect your skin, lungs, and eyes. Be mindful of how you dispose of materials—follow local guidelines for hazardous waste disposal to keep everyone safe and the environment clean.

Tips for Setting Up a Family-Friendly Workspace

Set up a family-friendly workspace to make the project enjoyable and inclusive. Create designated areas for different tasks and assign specific roles to family members based on age and ability.

Use colorful bins or containers to keep tools and materials organized. Lay down drop cloths or old sheets to protect surfaces from spills and stains. Encourage kids to take part by giving them simple, safe tasks like organizing screws or sanding small parts.

Disassembling the Chifferobe

Here’s how to disassemble the Chifferobe step-by-step, with some simple tasks kids can help with.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Remove Drawers and Doors: Start by taking out all the drawers. Gently lift and pull them out to avoid damaging any parts. Next, remove the doors by unscrewing the hinges.
2. Label Hardware: As you remove screws, hinges, and other hardware, place them in labeled bags or containers. This will simplify reassembly and ensure you don’t lose any small parts.
3. Detach Shelves and Other Components: If your chifferobe has removable shelves or other components, take them out and label them as well.

Simple Tasks for Kids

Let your kids pass you screwdrivers, wrenches, and other necessary tools, making them feel like an essential part of the project.

You can also give them stickers or labels to mark where each piece of hardware belongs. This will help them feel involved and teach them about organization.

Stripping the Old Finish

Here’s how to strip the old finish effectively and safely from your old chifferobe, along with some tasks your kids can help with.

Methods: Chemical Stripping vs. Sanding

You have two main options when stripping the old finish: chemical stripping and sanding.

Chemical strippers are effective and can remove multiple layers of finish quickly. However, they involve strong chemicals requiring proper ventilation and protective gear.

Sanding, on the other hand, is a more labor-intensive method but avoids harsh chemicals. It’s great for smaller projects, or those who prefer a more hands-on approach.

Eco-Friendly Paint Strippers

Environment-friendly paint strippers are being developed to provide safer options. While the performance of these alternatives may not yet match that of traditional chemical strippers, advancements are continually being made to improve their effectiveness and safety.

Look for paint strippers free from methylene chloride and phenol and use safer, tested ingredients.

Safe Tasks for Kids

Kids can help sand small areas, especially when using sanding blocks or lower-powered electric sanders. Ensure they wear protective gear like masks and goggles.

Another excellent task for kids is cleaning up dust and debris as you work. This keeps the workspace tidy and gives them a sense of accomplishment.

Repairing and Sanding

Here’s how to repair and sand your old Chifferobe effectively, with some tasks your kids can help with.

Identify and Repair Damages

Start by thoroughly inspecting your chifferobe for any damages. Look for cracks, dents, and loose joints.

• Cracks and Dents: Fill in any cracks or dents with wood filler. Apply the filler with a putty knife and smooth it out to level the wood surface.
• Loose Joints: Secure any loose joints with wood glue. Clamp the joints until the glue dries completely to strengthen the bond.

Sanding Techniques

Begin with coarser sandpaper, like 80 grit, to remove any remaining finish and smooth out rough areas. Progress to finer grits, such as 120 grit and then 220 grit, to achieve a silky-smooth finish.

Sand toward the wood grain to avoid scratches and uneven surfaces. For detailed areas, consider using a sanding sponge or small sanding blocks.

Simple Repairs for Kids

Using sanding blocks, your kids can help fill minor dents with wood filler and sand easy-to-reach areas. Ensure they wear protective gear like masks and goggles to protect them from dust.

These tasks make them feel involved and teach them valuable skills.

Staining and Sealing

Here’s how to stain and seal your chifferobe right, with fun ways to involve your kids.

Choose the Right Stain

Current trends favor natural wood tones and lighter finishes that showcase the wood’s grain. However, dark stains are also famous for a more dramatic effect.

When choosing a stain, consider durability data as well. Water-based stains are eco-friendly and have low VOCs, making them safer for indoor use, while oil-based stains penetrate deeper and offer longer-lasting protection.

Apply Stain and Sealant Evenly

Start by stirring the stain thoroughly to mix the pigments and testing it on a small, inconspicuous area to ensure the color is right. Use a clean cloth or brush to apply the stain, working with the grain, and wipe off excess stain with a rag after a few minutes to avoid blotches.

Once the stain is dry, apply a sealant like polyurethane, varnish, or shellac to protect the finish. Apply the sealant in thin, even coats, sanding lightly between coats for a smooth finish.

Fun Ways for Kids to Help

Let your kids help pick the stain color by showing them samples and explaining the options. Under your supervision, they can apply the initial coats of stain or sealant using small brushes or cloths.

Ensure they wear well-fitted protective gear like masks and gloves to protect them from fumes and spills.

Reassembly and Final Touches

After all your hard work refinishing, it’s time to reassemble your chifferobe and add those final touches that make it truly special.

Reassemble Your Chifferobe

Start by reattaching the doors and drawers. Use the labeled hardware you saved earlier to ensure everything returns to the right place.

Securely fasten the hinges, screws, and any other fittings. Take your time to make sure everything aligns appropriately and moves smoothly.

Add Decorative Elements

Now it’s time to add decorative elements like new knobs and handles. These small touches can dramatically change the look of your chifferobe.

Choose styles that complement your stain and the room’s overall decor. This is an easy way to refresh the piece and give it a personalized touch.

Personalize with Your Kids

Let your kids help choose the handles and knobs, showing them different styles and finishes to find their favorites. They can also help add decals or other decorative elements that reflect their personality or interests.

This makes the project more enjoyable and gives them a sense of ownership and pride in the finished piece.

Transforming Your Chifferobe: A Family Affair

Refinishing an old chifferobe is more than just a DIY project; it’s a chance to create something beautiful and unique while bonding with your family. You can breathe new life into a cherished piece of furniture by carefully assessing, repairing, sanding, staining, and sealing your chifferobe. Plus, involving your kids in simple, supervised tasks makes the process fun and educational for everyone.

Seeing your revitalized chifferobe standing proudly in your home, knowing it was a family effort, is incredibly rewarding. This project enhances your living space and creates lasting memories and a piece of furniture that your family can treasure for years to come.