...at my 'take what's dark and make it light' list.
Hopefully these are the last images you'll see of my dark, shiny, dining room table.
Somehow, spraying a few quick coats of gray and white paint on my {once dark brown} little kitchen bench,
evolved into a BIG mess and ordeal in the dining room.
I'll be sure to share my progress with you along the way.
It may take all summer to finish, but I finally put something into motion {my arms, ha!}. Ideally, I'd love to strip the table down to the bare wood. I've stripped a leg and it's a big improvement already. The wood is rustic and full of imperfections~ I'm hoping to achieve a farm table look in the end. 
I'm using a spray 'handi-strip' and it's a lot of work. I also tried wiping a coat of paint thinner/turpentine and leaving on overnight, but it didn't do much except take away the sheen.
Please send me any suggestions you have on stripping the finish!
Hope you're having a good start to your week everyone.
Only 5 work/school days until our Spring Break- yahoo. ☺
Posts
uh oh ... I can hear a paint brush rustling!
ReplyDeleteso fun!!! Such hard work, will be so great after its all done....!
ReplyDeletexoxo
good luck T! Not a fun job but worth it in the end.
ReplyDeleteIt's going to look fabulous, T!
ReplyDeleteXO,
Jane
Have you tried the stuff that's like an orange gel at Wal Mart? I used all of mine last time I "stripped" so can't remember the name but it's low odor and does a fabulous job. I think it's around $8.00 or $9.00 for the bottle at WM....might want to give it a try.
ReplyDeleteWell, I'm no help to you, T. I've never stripped a piece of furniture in my life. Always just painted over them. :) But believe it or not, that table leg looks great as it is! Very farmhouse rustic!
ReplyDeletexoxo laurie
My favorite is Citrustrip, I found it at Home Depot. It's an orange and lime green aerosol can. Low odor and efficient! (Maybe the product Judy mentioned?) Your table will definitely be worth the work, can't wait to see it!
ReplyDeleteHi T, I see you have been a busy gal. I just took out some dark pillows in my family room, I am with you on this, bring in the light. Go to Janells blog she did a great job stripping her new dining room table and I am sure she found the best method to do so!! Good luck sweetie, happy lightening and brightening, KS
ReplyDeleteIf you've never been to these two blogs do check them out. These women have made a business out of refinishing furniture. Their blogs are beautiful and so full of creative ideas. Worth taking a look.
ReplyDeletewww.perfectlyimperfectblog.com
www.missmustardseed.blogspot.com
Good luck T!
Karen
Holy cow! You're going for it!!! I'm VERY impressed! Sure beats looking for the perfect one! ;)
ReplyDeleteXoxo,
Linsey
P.S. Dying to see you in real life!
That is a major project. I am sure it will turn out fabulous. Good luck-now go soak those arms in a bubble bath or something.
ReplyDeleteYou are very inspiring (and a little mad). I like it! :)
ReplyDeletexo Terri
hi, you shouldn't have to strip it. sand it, just enough to get a tooth.. just take the sheen off it.
ReplyDeletethen undercoat with an oil based undercoat. this will take any paint finish that you choose, even acrylic... you can sand distress or wax.. easy peasy..
its the only method i will use and you will never have a problem. good luck :)
The table will all be worth it when it is done! Just keep looking at the bench for the incentive! It looks perfect!
ReplyDeleteOh, it's going to be gorgeous when you finish! I can't wait to see... I've been pecking away at my dining table. Takes forever! Wish I had good tips, I just used a palm sander, but the paint was cream color. Good luck :)
ReplyDeleteBlessings
Becky C
I have no great ideas, however I know it will be amazing!! Love your tabletop , the flowers, candlesticks etc!
ReplyDeleteDo come and enter my Artful Offering!It is truly beautiful!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
I love your 'go for it' attitude! I'm sure it will be worth all the sore muscles - can't wait to see it all done! Your bench looks fab!
ReplyDeleteHello T,
ReplyDeleteI admire your energy and guts to do this! I can visualize the "farmhouse table" and think before you know it....it will be done- you have all the inspiration with your bench..keep on going girl! Colx ~Afrique du Sud
Good luck! I hope
ReplyDeleteyou work faster than
I do ~ HA!! I'm still
finishing my stencil
project : ) Speaking
of which, WHERE did you
get your "3" stencil??
Have a great week!
xx Suzanne
Oh wow,going to look amazing when its done,I just love that stool with the # on it....stunning!! All the best,Chrissy
ReplyDeleteI wish I had a good answer for you.....I've tried stripping furniture and it is an ABSOLUTE pain!!!! Lots of goo, lots of scraping, its just nuts. Good luck dear!
ReplyDeletexo,
Shellagh
Citristrip...it's orange and smells more pleasant than turpentine. Use gloves though bc it is stripper and can burn you. It's messy but it makes the dark stain come off really nice and easy. Good luck! it's looking great!
ReplyDeleteI can already see this make over of your dining room table will be such a success!
ReplyDeleteKeep up the good work!
Thanks to everyone for your input. I bought citristrip yesterday and it's working well and isn't smelling up the entire house.
ReplyDeletexo~
T
i'm sure it'll look great! i'm sorry i have no tips, i usually just get out the sander! we just had our mid-winter break i love vacation! xo susan
ReplyDeleteLove all the pretty pictures in your house. Things are really looking GOOD! I'm with you....I'm itching to start some painting. :)
ReplyDeleteHappy Spring!
hi t,k
ReplyDeleteyou are quite the stripper!
i do not have the patience for this kind of job. this is why your house is so fabulous though.
good luck
xo
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ReplyDeleteI would love if you could check out my blog...
www.fashboulevard.blogspot.com
And don't forget to follow us on Twitter for all the latest celebrity fashion news, from an LA stylist.
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I love those flowers :-)
ReplyDelete