Thanks, Jan and Brenda, for your replies to my queries about painting knotty pine!  Now I realize why I always see knotty pine furniture, cabinets and wall paneling with just clear varnish or polyurethane on them rather than paint.  I had no idea that the knots will continue to bleed sap – my chest of drawers is at least 20 years old and I’m taken aback that after all this time, the knots are still doing that, even with a couple coats of paint over them!

Oh well, lesson learned…  Next time I buy any unfinished furniture that has knots in the wood I will be sure to seal them first with varnish.  Actually, I think I’ll do better than that and just buy clear pine instead – if it’s affordable.

My poor little chest of drawers will be moving to the basement and I’m sure I’ll find a use for it.  I’m relieved to have it out of my sight.  Time to move on…

—MC Kathy