Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Furniture Features

I am back to show you my latest projects. I took this lovely pine table and sanded it down.

Once I was done with the sanding, I picked up a quart of True Turquoise by Glidden and gave this table two coats of paint. The paint contained primer so it was easy. Once the paint was dry, I used a 220 grit then 600 and 1000. I know that's a lot of sand paper, however, I've found when I used these three, the surface is smoother and when I add wax or poly coat it adheres better. I especially love using all three grits over chalk paint and the becomes silky smooth. Then when you add the wax it absorbed into the pieces, like a baby's bottom. In case you want to find the 600 and higher grit go to an auto store. 
Once I was done sanding the table I added two coats of Minwax water-base poly coat. In 24 hrs. the poly is completely dry and the table can be used. On dining tables I do prefer to use water-based poly over wax because it's a piece that will get the most wear and over time wax will wear off.























I have more pieces to show you this week so pop over on Thursday. I am still learning to manage my time with family, business and blog. I don't want to give up my blog because I love blogging. So bear with me as I go through these growing pains. :)

Thanks so much for stopping by and have a great week!

Hugs,

Vanessa

Thursday, April 4, 2013

How To Apply Furniture Wax

I have received many requests on how to apply furniture wax and what brand I use. I'm going to share with you today what I like to use;

Pic 1 - I use a plain white tee shirt and apply a small amount of clear wax. Work in small sections at a time. Do not apply wax to your entire piece of furniture at once. Then to go back to rub it in. I found the wax tends to dry and you don't want that.
Pic 2 - When I apply the wax I go in a clockwise motion.
Pic 3 & 4 - Use another clean tee shirt and going in a clockwise motion to rub in the wax. Continue this motion till you feel the tee shirt is gliding on the surface. Also, when you touch the piece of furniture it should feel smooth to the touch.
Pic 5 - In this picture the top half of the table to the middle you can see a faint line this is where I left off when I applied the wax. Once I rubbed in the wax, I then over lap the first section when I am applying more wax.
 Pic 6,7,8,9 - The table all done.




To summarize this post is apply the wax clockwise and rub in the wax going left, just like in the original movie, The Karate Kid. The two brands I have used are Annie Sloan clear wax and minwax clear wax paste. The Annie Sloan is low odor and easy to use, however the minwax has a strong odor. I plan on picking up the SC Johnson paste wax and giving this one a try. Diane from In My Own Style recommends it. Thanks for stopping by and see you all on Tuesday. Have a Bless Weekend!

Hugs,

Vanessa

Monday, April 1, 2013

DIY Furniture

Last week was a long week for me, because my family and I had been sick. It was the worst Spring break ever. We all had stuffy noses, coughs, headaches and fevers. We are at the tail end of it now and everyone is back to school and work. It's hard to believe school is going to be letting out in 10 weeks and I have so much to do before the kids are out.

Here are the DIY furniture painting projects I have lined up for this week.


Pic 1 - I have this great wooded step and cabinet. I have not figured out what color to paint the cabinet in, but I'm sure it will come to me.


Pic 2 - Last year you may recall this table I stained in cherry, well I plan on changing the color. Also do you remember this lovely reading side table. I have it prepped and ready to go for a fresh coat of paint.


This lovely desk is something I picked up for my little girl. At first I was not sure of the color, but it isn't too bad and I am going to leave it for now. My girl loves her new desk and the drawers are her favorite part. Too funny!

On Thursday, I am going to share some things about wax paste. I have been getting a lot of questions about different waxes and the application of it, so come back on Thursday. Thanks so much for stopping by. Have a great week.

Hugs,

Vanessa