Filling in a crack w/some wood filler.
This left leg had a some serious gouges and a chunk missing from the molding. No problem.  Heres what it looks like after sanding and staining. And heres what it looks like after painting! I dont think anyone would have known.And those deep gouges kind of faded after I hit it with sandpaper.  |
Ok...So off to the top! I start with my orbital sander and a 60 grit, then 150, and finishing with 220.Go easy around the edges or youll hog em off! I usually do those by hand.  Um, hello??? Can you say pristine maple?? Like butcher block maple quality???Its gawjus! So now comes the fine tuning with a 320 grit that I use in a block sander, going with the grain. This gets any circularmarks the orbital may have left behind and really gets itfeeling as smooth as a babys behind!  I used this pre-stain to avoid blotchiness.  Maple takes stain very easily although its difficult to get very dark. I used a dark walnut, which it sucked right up, and then went over it again with jacobean. I use a foam brush to apply it and then a lint free rag to work it in and wipe off the excess.  Very important to use a seal coat. This locks in your color and gives you a finish you can sand without stripping your color. You must sand after this and all subsequent applications. From here on out I use a fine steel wool.  Last night I put on a poly finish in gloss, water based. I have the oil based too, but sincethis isnt going to get that much usage, I chose the water. Plus the water baseis easier to brush on and clean-up is with, well, water! I hatecleaning oil stain brushes!  I use a 0000 steel wool. Once the poly dried, I gave the top a once overwith the wooly. Go easy and try to see where the streaks are. Yes, you willdull the finish. Thats okay cuz you are going to put on at least another2-3 coats (sanding in between each one). You never stop at one coat. A lot of work you say??? Why yes, it is. But thats why it will look so good when its done! This is the inside bottom shelf. I gave it a quick sanding, a once over with some stain and one coat of the poly. Im calling it a day on this part. It was in decent shape and I didnt take it down to the bare wood. I think it looks beautiful. Look at that rich color!   So I just finished the bottom portion and brought this in the house. Ive since acquired a new piece and I need room in the garage! Repeat after me,,,,,, I have a furniture addiction!  I came across these vintage knobs at the Re-Store.The pulls came from Lowes. I tried to spray the originals, but I didnt like the way they came out. I think these suit the hutch better.  Im so in love with the way this top finished. This is after two coats of glossy brush on water based Poly. I could probably use one more coat.   In case you forgot the before.....        |
