-
Clean and inspect the pie safe. Remove old screening or punched tin, if necessary. Remove the doors and drawers and remove the old hardware.
-
Sand the cabinet, drawers and doors thoroughly, using a heavy-grit sandpaper, and working up to a fine grit. Remove as much old paint as you can with the sandpaper.
-
Apply a commercial paint stripper to those difficult areas. Protect the floor by placing newspapers under the legs of the safe and under the drawers and doors. Leave the product on as long as the manufacturer recommends. Remove the softened layers of paint with a putty knife.
-
Inspect the dovetail joints on the drawers for signs of rot or damage. Repair the joints using wood glue, not nails. Hold in place with a clamp until the glue sets.
-
Replace the old drawer guides with new ones to allow for smoother movement of the drawers. Screw the guides into place.
-
Fill all gouges and cracks with wood putty. Sand the entire cabinet once more with fine-grit sandpaper.
-
Apply new stain or paint with a soft cloth or brush. Add a top coat of varnish or sealer for extra protection against moisture. Add new hardware to the drawers and doors, if desired. Replace the screening or punched tin, if desired.
Check out this related video from Homesteady on Youtube.