About eight years ago, I decided I needed to replace my dining room furniture. The china cabinet and table were purchased back in 1982, soon after we were married. We used the table practically every day and it was showing plenty of wear. It didn't take long in my search to discover that china cabinets were a thing of the past. They had been replaced with low buffet - type liquor cabinets. After all, I don't think new brides are interested in using fine china. I used mine to display my teacup collection ( which was all the rage back then) and some pieces from my grandmother. Maybe I could just find a new table in light oak? Nope, everything in style was dark, nothing would match... now what?
I re-evaluated my china cabinet, which was still in great shape and the style was plain enough and decided to refinish it dark and buy a new table.
Now the search began for how to do that with the least effort. I had refinished a few pieces before...I remembered the endless sanding, the mess, the strong smell...
Then I found this article at Monica's blog!
She stated that you could successfully refinish a project without all the sanding and smell. Her directions were very easy to follow and plenty of the comments on her post were helpful.
I decided to take it on. In hindsight, here are a few key things to remember:
- I followed her instructions to the "T", no shortcuts. Yes, there are precise waiting periods between coats but they pay off in the end.
- Using a tube sock instead of a brush was so much better! You can use your fingers to get into corners or any ornate details in the wood.
- Use the product she used General Finishes... no substitutes. There are plenty of wood shades to choose from. I chose the Java shade Monica used. I only bought a quart and when I was finished, there was over half a can left. I did several other pieces before the can was empty. It really stretches! I found it at a local furniture store but I've also since purchased this brand from Amazon.
- IMPORTANT: This product is only for stain over stain. I don't believe it would work over paint.
This is the dining room set when it was purchased. Light oak with a very high gloss. I lightly sanded the piece for 15 minutes to remove some gloss as instructed. If you are redoing kitchen cabinets you will need to thoroughly clean them with a degreaser. No need for heavy sanding. This is a very easy product to work with. It's a gel that sits on top and doesn't need to soak into the wood. You do not wipe it off.
After putting on thin rubber gloves, I used my hubby's old tube socks. They will reach up to your elbows and you'll be glad of that. lol
Dip into the stain and apply.
I referred back to Monica's instruction many, many times to be sure I was following exactly.
Don't be discouraged at how the first coat looks, It's all going to work out...trust me.
Finished off with the General Finishes poly as suggested...
I used the same hardware because they were plain and not outdated. I gave them two coats of Rustoleum oil rubbed bronze spray paint.
Now, to purchase a table. There were plenty in a dark shade to choose from...
This is the table I chose! It's a perfect match! You would never believe that they weren't purchased together.
It's been eight years and it still looks like new. No wearing off, no fading, and the finish is scratch-resistant.
Again, here's the link:
https://monicawantsit.com/staining-oak-cabinets-espresso-color/
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