When the Tiger Oak Wasn't Real: A Surprise Dresser Makeover in Bold Teal
- Sarah C. Bezanson
- Jun 23
- 5 min read
Not long ago, I brought home a beautiful antique dresser that immediately caught my eye. It had that gorgeous “tiger oak” grain - those dramatic, rippling lines in the wood that make your heart skip a beat when you spot it at an antique shop or estate sale. Tiger oak has this rich, bold texture that feels like a piece of history you can run your fingers across. It’s no wonder it’s so sought after.
I was already dreaming of how I’d bring it back to life. My plan was to clean it up, lightly sand it to refresh the finish, and maybe highlight that beautiful wood grain with a clear coat or a soft stain. But as I got to work…the tiger stripes began to disappear.
And that’s when I realized: It wasn’t real!
So, What is Tiger Oak?
Tiger oak refers to a distinctive wood grain pattern found in quartersawn oak. When oak is cut at a specific angle, called quarter sawing, it reveals long, linear patterns with dramatic “ray flecks” that resemble the striping of a tiger. The result is stunning, and it's especially common in furniture from the late 1800s and early 1900s during the Arts and Crafts movement.
Quartersawn oak is prized not only for its beauty but also for its stability - it resists warping more than other cuts of wood. You’ll often see it used in Mission-style furniture or vintage pieces like buffets, library tables, and yes, dressers.
When Faux Finishes Fool You
As it turns out, faux finishes were a common practice back in the day. Furniture makers or finishers would sometimes paint or grain a surface to look like tiger oak, even when the actual wood underneath wasn’t quartersawn oak at all. This decorative technique was a cost-saving measure. Why use the real thing when you could fake it?!
The process involved skilled artisans using brushes and glazes to mimic the natural striations of quartersawn oak. In many cases, it was so convincing that it could fool just about anyone…at least until you start sanding.
And that’s exactly what happened with my piece.
The Moment of Truth
I started cleaning the dresser with my usual gentle method—a mix of warm water, vinegar, and a few drops of dish soap. I wanted to remove years of dust, grime, and residue. Once it was dry, I moved on to sanding. I began with my Festool ETSC 125 5" orbital sander - a workhorse tool I absolutely love for flat surfaces. It’s cordless, powerful, and offers precise control without tiring out your arms.
As I began to sand the top, I noticed something odd. The tiger oak grain started fading. Then vanishing! I switched to my SurfPrep 3"x4" sander, which is ideal for getting into tighter spaces and preserving detail work. Still, the more I sanded, the more obvious it became, this “tiger oak” was a painted-on illusion.
The beautiful grain I had fallen in love with was part of a faux finish that couldn’t be saved.
So I changed the design plan.
Pivoting the Design Plan
At first, I was a little disappointed. But honestly, that’s the nature of working with vintage and antique pieces. They don’t always behave the way you expect, and they often have a surprise or two hidden beneath the surface.
Instead of chasing the original plan, I embraced the unexpected and decided to do something bold.
I sanded the top clean and gave it a rich, medium brown stain to bring out the natural wood tones that were actually there. Then I turned to paint.
I’ve always loved deep, saturated colors, and this felt like the perfect opportunity to create something dramatic and one-of-a-kind. I mixed two Fusion Mineral Paint colors: Chestler (a dark, moody green-blue) and Homestead Blue (a muted blue with vintage charm). The result was a custom teal that’s vibrant but sophisticated. It gave this old piece a new voice—one that’s confident, modern, and still respectful of its antique roots.
Tools and Paint I used
In case you’re tackling a similar project, here are the sanding tools that helped bring this dresser back to life:
Festool ETSC 125 5" Orbital Sander *– This cordless sander is my go-to for smooth, even sanding on flat surfaces. It’s comfortable to use and has great dust control, which makes a huge difference in cleanup. (Affiliate link)
SurfPrep 3"x4" Sander – (you can use code SarahB for a discount) This is my favorite for more detailed work or curved surfaces. It’s versatile, lightweight, and lets me get into corners and trim areas without over-sanding. (Affiliate link)
I also used a combination of 80, 120, and 150 grit sanding pads to gently remove the old finish and prep the wood for both stain and paint.
For the paint, I used a combination of these two colors from Fusion Mineral Paint. If you shop through my link I will earn a small commission. You can add coupon code SBInteriorsFMP
A Final Reveal That Felt Right
Once everything was dry, I added the original, simple hardware to keep the attention on that deep teal finish. The contrast between the painted base and the stained top added just the right balance of warmth and drama. It felt like the kind of piece that could anchor a bedroom, entryway, or even a dining room.
The journey didn’t go exactly as planned, but in the end, it turned out better than I could’ve expected.
That’s the beauty of working with vintage furniture. You listen to what it needs, what it can (and can’t) offer, and how you can honor it while still making it your own.
What I Learned from the "Fake" Tiger Oak
I share this story not just to show off a pretty before-and-after (though I do love a good reveal), but to remind anyone working with old furniture: sometimes what you uncover isn’t what you expected, and that’s okay.
Whether it’s a faux finish, hidden repairs, or just a piece with more character than you'd bargained for, antique furniture always comes with stories. And sometimes, the new story you create ends up being even better.
Have you ever uncovered a surprise like this in a piece you were working on? I’d love to hear your story - leave a comment or send me a message!
And if you're dreaming about transforming a dresser for your own home, or want help customizing a piece you already have, I’d love to work with you. Let’s make your furniture feel like home again.
*As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I also may earn from other qualifying purchases with other companies or get free product to review and use. All opinions are my own.
