Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Second Time's A Charm

I'm generally a patient person.  I'm willing to wait my turn in line, don't get antsy at stop lights, and can bide my time waiting for the water to boil.  But when I get a vision for a project, I can't wait for it to be done.  Do not pass go, do not collect $200.


I found this dresser recently in a resale shop.  It was a great, solid piece, but lacked character.  I spent weeks trying to figure out what to do with it.  I even asked your input.  

Well, I decided to strip and stain the top a darker color.  So I used my usual Citristrip, which stripped the top quickly and easily.  I wiped it down with paint thinner, then applied two coats of a new stain, Rustoleum's Black Cherry.  After two coats of stain, here's what the top looked like.

You're not seeing things!  The stain obviously didn't take at one end.  UGH!  It started out looking so promising!  What happened?

Well I posted pictures on a furniture forum and the consensus is that I didn't get the stripper off on that end.

Soooo, I re-stripped, and re-rinsed, and re-stained.
Second time was a charm!  Three coats of ASCP Old White (it just never looks right after two), some distressing, and two coats of clear wax and voila!




 Some things are worth the extra effort. 





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A Diamond in the StuffThe 36th AVENUEHookingupwithHoHshabby creek cottage My Uncommon Slice of SuburbiaPhotobucketFurniture Feature FridaysDecorating InsanityFunky Junk's Sat Nite Special The Shabby NestPhotobucketmop it up mondaysBoogieboard CottageMod Vintage LifeThe DIY DreamerThe Southern Institute
Posted by at 11:28 PM
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31 comments:

  2. Sometimes it takes a little trial and error, but this one was most definitely worth it! Love the color contrast - very sophisticated now! I had to scroll back to the before shot to be sure it was even the same piece!

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  3. SO worth the extra effort, this piece is gorgeous! Why does everyone have to live so far away, because that piece belongs in my home?! It turned out beautifully.

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  4. It looks great, Cyndi! I could see something like that first go round happening to me. Love the painted base and stained top. I was doing that myself yesterday to the side tables in our guest bedroom. I'll be doing more stain to the tops today. They already look like totally different pieces.

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  5. Absolutely perfect! Exactly the right choice - Love it. CJ

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  6. I would absolutely agree (re: the extra effort). Nice subtle distressing. WAY Cute!

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  7. WOW...this dresser is stunning! You did a great job. Thank you for the reminder that even if something doesn't turn out the first time, going back and redoing it can yield amazing results. I needed to hear that! Thanks for the inspiration!

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  8. Gorgeous!
    I would love if you stopped by my linky party to link it up! I would love to have you there!
    Stacey of Embracing Change
    http://staceyembracingchange.blogspot.com

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  9. How did you do your distressing??

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  10. Great job!! I love how this one turned out!!

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  12. Just lovely. I love the 2 tone. Thank you for linking up at Furniture Friday.

    xo...
    mONICa

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  13. I am a huge fan of furniture with dark tops and a lighter body. My husband thinks I need to stop doing this to any furniture I can get my hands on but your dresser is just more proof of how gorgeous it is! Nice job!

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  14. Oh my how I love ASCP! This turned out precious! I would love for you to post this on my link party at... http://www.doodlesandstitches.com/2012/05/link-party-time.html
    Thanks for sharing!

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    1. Thanks for linking up. I absolutely love this piece!

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  15. Beautiful piece Cyndi! I love the stained top as well :o)
    Thanks for linking up - so happy you did!
    Stacey of Embracing Change

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  16. Gorgeous transformation! Love how this turned out! It was well worth the extra time and effort put into it. :-) Visiting you from Kammy's Korner. I'm happy to be now following. Hope you have a wonderful night!
    Sharla

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  17. Oh. My. Goodness. That piece turned out amazing! Your hard work really paid off in a wonderfully charming chest. Thanks for sharing your trial and error with us. I saw your post over at "Kammy's Korner" blog party

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  18. You're right, somethings are worth the extra effort and this turned out amazing! I'm your newest linky follower!

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  19. Excellent job! It does look so much more interesting now!
    A little paint can really transform something!

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  20. Very very pretty! Some furniture I think it's best to leave in natural wood I'm not one of those bloggers who want to paint every piece of wood furniture with chalk paint. But this style I like painted. The combination of paint and natural wood is my favorite. I think you made excellent choices. Beautiful job!

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  21. I'm new to all this and was wondering what ASCP stood for? I love the color!
    Lori Green

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    1. Lori, ASCP stands for Annie Sloan Chalk Paint. It's my fav paint and you can read all about it in lots of blogs in blogland. As a new blogger I would recommend that you go into your bog settings and turn on your email so that people can respond to your comments. I know how overwhelming all this seems! I was in your shoes just a few months ago.

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  22. I agree, worth the effort! LOVe it!

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  23. Amazing transformation!! I love how it turned out!!

    Thanks so much for sharing at The DIY Dreamer.. From Dream To Reality!!

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  25. You did a really nice job on the dresser. I like the dark stain on the top in contrast to the white paint. Thanks for showing it at Your Cozy Home Party.--------- Shannon

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  27. Congratulations! You are being featured tomorrow on http://www.doodlesandstitches.com/. You're welcome to grab a "featured button" and add it to your blog! Thank you for posting this awesome piece of furniture. I love it.

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  28. This is SO beautiful! You are quite the talented lady and I am totally with you about being patient until I get a project on my mind!

    Take care,

    Trish

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  29. Love this! Beautiful dresser, Cyndi.

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