Another Horrendous Waterfall, and How to Redo Damaged Wood.

by Beth H. Makemeprettyagain.blogspot

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Redoing Art Deco Pieces ("waterfall" for the way the wood falls over the edge) can sometimes pose a challenge. The wood on top is often very damaged. But it's usually a beautiful walnut veneer. So instead of just grabbing a paint brush and covering it up, try your hands at saving the wood. You'll be surprised at just how forgiving wood actually is. Even if you have never refinished, with some simple steps, you can give it a try!

complete chest of drawers makeover, painted furniture

This piece was made of bleached walnut, top and drawer fronts, pine (body and frame) and inner drawers are cedar.

Here's what I started with. (Many years ago I did a desk with the worst waterfall top I've ever seen. I actually refinished it for practice, but was amazed at the transformation. That desk has been pinned to the moon and back on Pinterest.

You can see the desk on my blog along with this dresser.

Here *** http://makemeprettyagain.blogspot.com/2015/05/another-horrendous-waterfall-piece-gets.html.

Do these tops by hand. The orbital sander will chew through the veneer and then you are up that proverbial creek. The curved front is very thin. Don't burn through it. Most of the finish was already stripped off. It's always best to use a stripper to remove old finishes if you plan on staining.

Use graduating grits. 80,120,150,220

Looks pristine doesn't it?? I tried to redo the drawers but there were too many patches where the veneer was missing.

Wiping it down with mineral spirits will give you an idea of what it will look like.

I was playing around with colors to paint.

Think of your stain like nail polish. Doesn't actually penetrate but rather sits on top and dries. If you want a darker finish, use a darker stain,,,not multiple coats. It can get gummy. Gel is fine. Minwax stain is fine. Varathane is good too. Aniline dyes are a whole other game. Those do penetrate.

I actually can't remember which one I used, as I have them all! Probably walnut stain. I apply with a rag, making sure to rub it in the grain of the wood. Let it sit for a minute or two and wipe it clean.

Mama cat blends into the rug!

Let it dry well before the top coat. On this one I used a brush on acrylic top coat by Deft, in satin. 4 coats. Sanding with a very fine (600) grit in between coats. It feels as smooth as silk. Use your hands when you are sanding to feel for rough spots.

Take your time when painting with different colors. I had to tape off the wood top while painting the black and white trim below it. I used a small artists brush and a lot of patience!

Anyone who has seen my work knows I like to add my signature by painting the sides of the drawers in vibrant color. I used GF Corinth Blue. The black is Lampblack by GF. The body is a very pale gray called "Vapor" by BM. The handles were sanded down to remove all the gunk and sprayed in a silver metallic.