Do you ever have those days when you feel like your waited-forever-for project just isn’t going as planned? Life throws at you work schedules, crummy weather, and even a dead vehicle (the only one your family of 8 can fit in). Did I mention we are pretty handy mechanics too? (sigh)That’s the point we’re at right now. Some of you have asked to see our progress, and here it is at it’s stalled point. Oh, and I have a waterfall dressing table makeover for you!
Yes, that’s my hard-working husband. We finally have time to put the stone veneer on the front of our house to add curb appeal. It’s the little things, right?
 |
So…our project is on hold, but will hopefully be finished by the next weekend. While I am waiting to finish the stone veneer and exterior painting, I was able to complete the Art Deco waterfall dressing table I was working on for my client that I mentioned in this previous post.
I ran into the typical waterfall hang-ups that I’ve encountered on every dressing table I’ve done. You can see the others in my project gallery. Unfortunately, the veneer is aged and brittle and if you even think about touching it with a sander it will begin to lift off.
 |
| See the two worn spots on the bottom-left? |
Ugh. Well, after double-checking with my client, she agreed to go ahead and sand away the remaining veneer and left a nice wood-grain, which in the end was a nice oak piece.
THE REVEAL
The choice of stain she chose was the Minwax Espresso. I love the deep dark color you get, and it took 3 coats to achieve the color you see on the finished piece.
Also, the drawers already had gorgeous brass pulls, so those were kept. But, the paisley upholstery on the bench had to go. What better than Cream and Mint Chevron? Don’t they look great together?
I really do enjoy staining old pieces to see the fullness of wood come back to life again. However, I think my favorite method is painting (mixed with stain too!). Little less elbow grease and less stinky too.
What’s your favorite….stain or paint? In addition, pin and share to see the potential in that forlorn piece.
To get these DIY tips & tricks in your inbox, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. PLUS, you will get your FREE Furniture Buying Checklist and special discount to my shop. Until next time!
Also, more projects like my waterfall dressing table:
Love all your furniture makeovers Larissa. Just perused your portfolio page… and wow…love that rocker. Beautiful job on restoring it and all the other pieces! Now…Pray your house progresses and your vehicle comes back to life!!! 🙂
Blessings!
Kendra
Hi Kendra! Thank you for stopping by and for your kind words. Can you believe I have two other rockers in my stash?! Just need the time… :o)
I’ve been eyeing a dressing table just like the one you show here but same thing, the veneer is peeling away. I didn’t realize I can just take it all off! I was going to use bondo (yes, it works) to fill in (then you have to paint the pc tho) Now I want to tackle it. When the veneer is peeling people don’t buy — so the prices are good for those who just cannot stay away from fixing and re-using! Nice job!
Thanks! Yep, you can repair it or just take it off. Just a word of caution…the grain below most likely will be different than the surface. I’ve got another waterfall piece I will be working on in the near future….follow along! :o)
Great job! I didn’t realize you could possibly take the veneer all off and find nice wood underneath?? I have been eyeing one where the veneer is coming off too, and I was thinking of using bondo on it (yes, car body filler) – and then you can sand and paint. I like that others pass on these pieces — more for us! SKR
Thank you! Sometimes there is nice wood and sometimes its mixed wood. You have to be ready to paint if you don’t like what you see. Most of my clients love paint, so better for me, just in case! Yes…I LOVE hand-me-downs. :o)
Having repaired so many beautiful pieces have you come across any that don’t have all the mirror clips? Where might you suggest i get them from?
Yes, absolutely. There are places online to buy them, but if you’re looking for vintage, try Etsy or eBay too.
I have that piece along with a chest of drawers and a bed frame that I want to something with but I’m torn of leaving it vintage or painting. I love the color you used.
Thank you. Sounds like you have a sweet set. It can be a hard call, but it will be beautiful now matter what, I’m sure. 😉
I found just the base and all excited. However, I do not have an idea of what the mirror should look like- they must have all been different. Do you have pictures of how the mirror mounts? I just have a board!! So excited about it.
How fun! I’m excited for you. They most certainly were all different. I don’t have any pics, but if you email me a picture, I may be able to help.