Project MISTAKE!

by Liz Dowling

Sometimes, my projects don’t turn out quite the way I had hoped…..


I decided I was really sick of this coffee table one day.

 
There were a bunch of dings and scratches – which I now realize I could have easily sanded and restained.  But no, I had to forge ahead and stain it a different color.


I did no sanding, no prep work at all.  Not smart.


Here is coat one going on in a random circular fashion.  This was a mistake because it dries this way instead of in the direction of the wood grain.


First coat done.  I am starting to realize it looked a lot better before.


Coat one vs. coat two.  Now I am painting along the wood grain and am mildly hopeful this is not a total disaster.


This is what the table looks after three coats of stain.  Not loving it.  It also took FOREVER to dry, a whole week.


Here are a series of pictures with the coffee table back in the room ~


See how the table has a shine to it?  I thought that would be the finished product until it REALLY dried to a dull matte that shows every fingerprint, piece of dust, magazine imprint….


See above – gross!!  My daughter made fun of it last week when she was home for dinner.  And guess what, she is RIGHT.  I have to replace the table or sand it down completely and start over.  I am moving in the direction of the replace camp…


I like this mid-century coffee table from West Elm.  It has a 34″ table top, but I need one that is 48″ – so that is an additional expense to have a bigger glass top made.  This little project has cost me a lot of money!


Or, sand it all the way back to the wood and start over?   WHAT SHOULD I DO?????????


the wry home

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9 comments

sherry Kelley July 26, 2018 - 8:42 am

sand it back down. It’s a flat easy surface to sand. The table is perfect, just sand and re-stain. If you have electric sander it would be a cinch.

Elizabeth Dowling July 26, 2018 - 8:54 am

Agree – what a mess!

Anonymous July 26, 2018 - 8:45 am

🤣😂🤣 go to the beach.

Janet Burt July 26, 2018 - 8:52 am

Have you considered chalk paint? It covers everything (no prep) and can be waxed to your desired finish (more shiny than matte if you like).

Elizabeth Dowling July 26, 2018 - 8:55 am

Great idea Janet!

Amy Harden July 26, 2018 - 9:23 am

Ok so admittedly not your best work but onward! Glad you showed the missteps w your triumphs! I’m w Sherry back to sanding as the wood grain is beautiful but i do like west elm table. Or do both — get yourself new table and go w chalkboard paint – might be fun for one of the girls’ apartments! Oh the late night messages we would have written!

Elizabeth Dowling July 26, 2018 - 10:29 am

LOL, a pretty bad piece of work! I can have my painter sand it down – I am done with this table 🙂

Anonymous July 26, 2018 - 11:41 am

Love your idea of chalk board paint for a college student or graduates apartment!
Time for a new piece Elizabeth! Love, love, love West Elm!

Elizabeth Dowling July 26, 2018 - 11:46 am

Agree!!! West Elm, here I come

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