This to That With Just a Two Main Materials!?

This to That can you believe the difference?

Materials Needed

links -

sander

https://www.amazon.com/BLACK-DECKER-BDERO100-Random-Sander/dp/B00MLSS1SW/ref=sr_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=orbital+sander&qid=1610649854&sr=8-6

polycrylic -

https://www.amazon.com/Minwax-63333444-Polycrylic-Protective-Finish/dp/B000BZYYH4/ref=sr_1_6?crid=4Q3R79NFQFCH&dchild=1&keywords=polycrilyc&qid=1610650124&sprefix=polycr%2Caps%2C190&sr=8-6

This is the before - scratched up and dated stain.

I love the simplicity of this table and the overall design of it, just not a fan on the color so I decided to change it!

Step One - Remove hardware + begin to sand

This table was mostly particle board covered in veneer - not my preference but ya know I'm working with what I got. That being said veneer is very, very thin. So going into sanding I knew I would need to have a light hand. I sanded most of this down with an 80 grit paper with my orbital sander. Most of the corners and smaller edges were sanded by hand with a 60 grit paper and a 60/80 grit combo sanding block. Sanding tends to not be my favorite so this table was definitely a labor of love to get the end result. Over 3 days or so I completed the sanding process.

Step Two - Seal

The look I was going for on this table was a natural, light look. I have redone past pieces and just sealed the top and did not stain and loved it, so I decided to do that with this entire piece. I used my go to, holy grail sealer - polycrylic in matte and sealed everything with at least 3 coats - top 4-5 coats.

This picture shows left to right, not sealed vs sealed. I love the way the grain popped when it was sealed.

Everything all sealed up

Step Three - Put Hardware back on

I'm usually a big fan of bronze, copper but this color combo just wasn't working for me. I decided to go with black

Step Four - Paint Hardware

I used what I had on hand and gave the hardware 3 coats of this spray paint.

Looking good!

Step Five - Put everything back together + enjoy!

Piece after piece I refinish I always say this is my favorite piece I've done to date, but this one is probably my favorite. When you walk in my front door it's the first piece of furniture you see and I'm absolutely obsessed.

Here's a honest picture showing what may happen if you decide to sand down veneer. There are a couple spots throughout this table that I sanded down a bit too much and sanded the veneer completely off, leaving the particle board exposed. I don't mind too much, it blends in. Just want to show what can happen though. You really need to have a soft hand while sanding or use an alternative method to remove the existing stain such as citrus strip. I tend to stray away from harsh chemicals when I can, so I did not go that route.