A quick transformation

Jun 2, 2015
2 min read

I had a couple of good quality bedsides in my stash and thought it was time for a quick makeover.

They were solid and a good classic shape but very dark and sad.

The wood was in good condition , so I decided to strip the top. I used an old brush and liberally applied the stripper to the top. The brand I used was Polycell and it hasn't failed me yet, also I like the smell .... it smells like marzipan ! For health safety and common sense reasons, please don't sniff the stripper! use in a well ventilated area.

It only took about 20 minutes for the finish to bubble and peel, I then scraped it off and put the goo in a old paint can which I keep for this purpose. I cleaned the entire piece and once dry gave it a coat of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in a custom mix. The colour was a very pale Linen/beige and was made up with one part French Linen and four parts Original.

I gave it another coat of paint and stained the top with Java Gel Stain which is made by General Finishes, it's a dark stain but the top had come up fairly light from the stripping so I didnt leave it on too long before I wiped it off.

When the stain had dryed I gave it a couple coats of a wipe on Poly. It comes in a can and you put some on a cloth and wipe it on, It's awsome ! I then used Annie Sloan clear wax, and waxed the body of the cabinet.