Stripping, Sanding and Re-creating Furniture

I looked back into my archives and discovered that I started on this ugly green vanity in September of 2011. Clearly, I lost interest. Initially I think I just didn’t enjoy being around that particular forest green. (I’m actually sitting here laughing as I type.)The drawers have been repaired, stripped and primed for two years now. The image above would be the ‘before’ photograph.

This one would be the ‘after’. I now have sitting before me, a blank canvas, to be primed up tomorrow during my work session with the other pieces that I am preparing at the same time.

A few questions have come up for me in the meantime…and things to think about before you start painting the heck out of that old dresser you may have. First, why paint the back? And, in multiple layers? Just wash the back of the furniture down and leave all markings visible. This is what I’ve had to contend with on the green vanity.

Three layers removed from back of vanity. Advice: Don’t paint the backs!

The new/old dresser looks like this.

New old dresser.

Multiple layers of paint? I know. I know. It’s hard work to strip paint and then give your window sills a sanding, but the pay off in the end is fantastic. I like to strip down to the wood each time. Presently, the piece I am working on has multiple layers of paint. I’m onto the third step of stripping the paint because the layer underneath is so tough.

What you’re aiming for is a nice consistent surface for your art. Fill all holes and repair all damages to the pieces at this stage. This way, you’ll have something solid that will serve you for years.

After second session of stripping.

Third time’s a charm.

The paint stripper I use…do you have something that works like magic? Let me know!

Paint over varnish…never a good idea. Ideas for removing paint in detailed areas?

This detail on the left is missing on the right. Suggestions for how I can create a duplicate for the other side?

As I continue with my DIY project, I’ll keep my readers informed. I enjoy the physical effort involved in re-creating furnishings that are a reflection of my personal tastes. It’s good to be back at it!

New Stuff Out of Old

Posted on September 12, 2011

Ready for Stripping

I picked this ‘baby’ up on Freecycle Calgary and took off the hardware today, as well as made a few small repairs. Tomorrow will begin the first layer of paint stripping. I love doing these projects as a way of combining my interests in painting and in creating interesting spaces. I’ve had a great day of nesting! Here are a few of the previous projects.