Chest of Drawers

What is the best (and most economic) way to preserve and treat pine. I have a grubby pine chest of drawers.?

The pine has shaded to a light dusty colour.

Public Comments

1. Oil it. Use equal parts of vinegar, linseed oil and mineral spirits. Keep sealed and use as dusting spray.
2. First, I would give it a good cleaning inside and out. You can use Fornby's, Murphy's oil soap, Scott's Liquid Gold or any of the other mild citrus wood cleaners. Wait to see what it looks like, sometimes just cleaning and moisturizing the wood makes all of the difference. You can also try Howard's Restore a Finish in the pine wood tone or clear. It does not damage the finish it renews it. You can find it in the paint & stain aisle at the home improvement centers. It also leaves a protective finish. If you still don't like the results, you can give it a light sanding with steel wool following the grain pattern. You can work up to a fine grit until you get the results you want. You can also re-seal it with a non-yellowing polyurethane, like Varathane.
3. Lightly sand it down. Then either linseed oil, or varnish, yacht varnish is good.
4. I only ever deal with pine (and oak) with very fine wirewool, to give it a clean. How long and how hard you rub dictates the degree of cleaning. I then use "Briwax" in different shades, depending on the finished tone I want.
5. There is a brand new product by JML in WOOLWORTHS just now in a red tin and you rub it on with a cloth and leave it when it dries it has cleaned the wood and left a wax coating on it -forever it is marvellous stuff!
6. Use Restor-A-finish then follow with Orange oil or paste wax.