Tea Anyone? Vintage Tea Cart Gets A Major Update

She sent this picture asking if it could be done in a dark stain and warm white like a coffee table I recently did, why sure it could :)

I started working on the top. The existing finish had chipped and was loose in many spots. It was necessary to remove the old finish to get a smooth surface. Using my trusty carbide scraper from Richard tools I began the process of removing the finish.

There are videos of this process on my detailed tutorial linked at the bottom of this post or can be found on my blog.

Every piece needs the most important step next; scrubbing the entire piece. ALL grease, grime and grunge needs to be cleaned off to prep the surface to paint. 

I use warm water, a bit of dish soap and some  TSP Alternative along with various sized scrub brushes to get in all the nooks and crannies inside out and upside down. Wipe with a towel so no sitting water and let dry.

Tipping on its side allowed me to get in and under the edges and have a better painting vantage. The first coat that went on was a coat of Fusion Mineral Paint discontinued product called concealer. This product was made of left over paint that was reused to transition between colors to save money as it was cheaper then the actual paint.

Here is the first coat of  Homestead House Stain Oil Finish in cappuccino going on.

Here is the parts table with concealer coat on all and one coat of Fusion Mineral Paint in Champlain.

Two more coats were brushed on for a total of 3 light coats. It may surprise some but white is one of the most labor intensive colors to paint as it always needs more coat and the upmost of prep.

The final step also adds to the vintage vibe; it is the dark waxing step. Fusion Mineral Paint's wax in espresso was brushed in the nooks and crannies and along the edges for a further aged look.

And it is complete ready to serve tea, anyone?