In my part of the country, finished basements are pretty typical. Some are really tricked out with elaborate wet bars, and I really question how much use they get.
When I've toured Mary Carol Garrity's home, one of the things I've admired is her mini-bar which moves from room to room, depending on the season. I've seen it set up in her foyer ready to serve guests at a holiday party or tucked aside in the living room.
While I try to keep the liquor put away, it always seems like the old stand-bys don't stay in the cabinet. I had a spare corner in the dining room that would be perfect for a small cart or table, if I could find one.
I searched my favorite thrift stores and second-hand shops until I found this table at a local antique store.
Being a reproduction, not an actual antique, the price was right. I didn't like the backing or the spindles, but they were easy to remove. The shelves were wood veneer, but I figured it could strip it and restain it.
And that's where my troubles started.
First problem: The original stain was stubborn, especially on the legs. The stripper was pretty ineffective, so I had to sand the majority of the legs.
Second problem: I couldn't get the new stain to "take." I wanted it to be a dark cherry color. I applied one coat of Minwax Red Mahogany. Then a second coat. Still too pale. So I switched to Ebony. (Thank goodness I had all this stain on hand already). Closer, but not quite. The grain was disappearing and it looked muddy. At this point, I'm ready to ditch the stain and head for the spray paint.
Good thing I didn't give up.
How did I achieve that rich finish? I wiped down the excess stain with mineral spirits and tried one more thing: a wash with burnt sienna acrylic craft paint with just a dab of black paint. Brushed it on a small section with a chip brush, then promptly wiped the excess. Let it dry, then sealed with Minwax's Wipe-on Poly.
Perfect!
I know that distressed chalk paint is all the rage...to the point of being passé in my opinion. Give me that subtle shading of stained wood any day.
Shhhh...the lamp came from our neighbor's trash. Formerly shiny brass, I spray painted it ORB. I think their daughter recognized it when I was painting it in our driveway. Yes, that was a little embarrassing. The lampshade was a ReStore find last week.
Cocktail, anyone?
And my most recent Nell Hill's purchases: This little fern plant and decanter.
For all the hours I spent trying to get the finish right, I'm so glad I didn't give up on it.
I'm linking up...
I'm glad you didn't give up too because it's perfect. You are the second person recently to mention Minwax's wipe on poly. I'm definitely going to have to try that out.
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