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.

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.

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!

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.

Kandinsky on Red