Lookin' kinda rough as purchased! They were cheap enough that I thought I could do very little harm in attempting a quick refinish job on them. The good news is that they are already nice and solid...just that finish...it's gotta go! See Video Inside!
So at first I didn't think I was gonna buy 'em. I just shot some quick pics to post up here as a
"looky at what's avaiable" entry. Then I went back before leaving and took another look. Since
they were solid and there were very few scratches or dings in the wood I changed my mind and
decided to take a chance on the set. Eh, they were only $40 for the pair. I didn't think I could
mess them up enough that I'd be throwing away good money.
Here's a good set of "Before" pics. Notice the water rings all over the sad things! Somebody
must have had plants on these and missed that day in home-ec when COASTERS were
discussed. ::sigh::
It's a good thing they's cute! They certainly could be used as purchased. You wouldn't have to
worry to much about taking care of them. But, I had bigger plans for these! I went right out and
bought a couple more cans of the Minwax Antique Furniture Refinisher ($15 a quart - not
cheap), a bunch of 0000 Steel Wool and some of that Howards Feed-N-Wax. I haven't tried out
the Feed-N-Wax yet but I've heard a lot of good things about it. I'll be using it on these after the
refinish dries thoroughly.
Hey! Where did all those water rings go? It's like magic! This only took 30 minutes...for both
table tops! Used up about a half a can of the Refinisher on both. I hesitate to say it can save all
the messed up tables out there, but I think it's worth giving it a try! This pair will be available
shortly.
Here's a little video of Mr. Modtomic in action. This was a 15 minute, one take, start to finish
video...but that would have taken about a week to upload so I made a few breaks and included
a little ditty by a local band (that is sadly broken up) called Tripstar. It's a live recording. I hope
you enjoy both the video and the tune. I tried to include voice over commentary but my mic /
computer combo wasn't being cooperative. Let me just say this. All you got to do is pour a little
of the Minwax Antique Furniture Refinisher into a bowl, dip a pad of 0000 steel wool into it and
"scrub" the old finish off.
The longer and or harder you scrub, the more you'll strip the original stain off and lighten the
look, at least so it seems with this mass produced and likely "tinted" as apposed to stained
pieces. You gotta be carefull with this acclaim stuff because if you strip the edges too much
they turn a VERY light color which makes the piece look obviously refinished. I prefer the
edges still have a little darkness while having enough contrast to be able to see the cool
dovetail details.
Those look great and thanks for the information. Now, what will you do next to them?
ReplyDeleteI can hear those tables sighing with relief and saying "Thank You". Thanks for the video for us DIY folks.
ReplyDeleteWow! Those tables look great! I'm going to have to use that stuff on some of the stuff I will inevitably end up getting.
ReplyDeletei think i could use this idea on my tables too
ReplyDeleteOhhhh, I just picked up a couple of cool American of Martindale side tables that need some TLC; I'll have to try giving them some Minwax Refinisher love.
ReplyDeleteI haven't tried that product before, but I think I'll go get some. I really like the Feed n Wax for pieces that are dry and betting for some TLC.
ReplyDeleteWe just pulled an exact table out of our new, 1950 Jeff City home's storage area, and cleaned it up as best we could. I can't wait to do this treatment to it. I love these little tables!
ReplyDeletehey
ReplyDeleteI have a question, i just bought a table and it was literally for free...the owner has abused it so much that i almost cried...:(..would be it ok with you if i send in pics and u could guide me in putting it back together...it wouldbe of immense help!!!!! plz
Sudha - shoot me a note via my craigslist ad(s). We can talk via e-mail then.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great tips! I just picked up a pair of Lane Acclaim tables for $12 (!!!) at a local Goodwill. I will be getting the Minwax and going to town on them tomorrow.
ReplyDeletewillow - Good luck! I hope they turn out nice. Remember...don't get to crazy around the edges as that wood is a much lighter color and if you strip too much of the tinting off it'll look almost white. No problem if you like that but it definitely won't look original. It'll probably look a lot better than un-refinished either way! Be sure to get some Murphy Oil Soap and some Howards Feed & Wax while you're out! Maybe some Danish Oil too. I've never used it but need to get some to try out.
ReplyDelete