Take a stroll on a transformative journey of mirror restoration with me
Good day, folks! I'd love to take you on a journey of self-fulfillment sprinkled with a little bit of dedication and love.
Story -time,
An amazing couple walked into my shop about year ago! They brought in the most stunning ornate mirror for restoration. The mirror's shapes and curves seemed to dance around the entire frame, creating a mesmerizing effect. Originally in a soft honey oak finish, the clients had a dream to transform it into a rich mahogany shade to match their other furniture pieces. I was absolutely thrilled to take on this project! Imagining how this gorgeous mirror would enhance their home had me bursting with excitement!
So, imagine this: all hyped up, then the thrill takes a nosedive as we hit the stripping stage. (smirk, giggles.) But hey, no need to fret, the excitement makes a grand comeback. (wink.) We tackled this beauty in December, and let me tell you, it was a tad nippy when we commenced the strip-down operation. (chuckles.) To our surprise, the stripping process went pretty smoothly, although we did need a mountain of stripper to get the job done. (It can drive up the cost on a project, but we can talk about that another time.) The secret sauce to reviving this gem was stripping more than just sanding and you'll see why! Stay tuned for the big reveal below!
Alrighty, folks! Our little beauty has been stripped down, scrubbed clean, and is now all set to hit the dance floor for the refinishing extravaganza! Can you believe it? Week 4 of this rollercoaster ride and we're about to dive into the world of staining and sealing. Now, I see those puzzled faces wondering, "How on earth do you stain all those nooks and crannies, twists and turns, without losing your mind?" Well, my dear friends, it's a magical mix of time, patience, skill, and a sprinkle of luck from the furniture gods! (winks and gives a mischievous grin.) Couple of applications of stain and seal and this baby is ready for her debut!!! Check it out!
Before you go, here are some amazing tips and tricks to take with you! 🌟
Tip 1
When you're scrubbing away that pesky stripper from nooks and crannies, just mix a bit of Dawn dish soap with water for a quick clean-up. Grab a trusty toothbrush to tackle those hard-to-reach spots. No need to splurge; just keep it simple and you're good to go!
Tip 2
Prior to commencing the sanding and stripping process, it is advisable to thoroughly clean your furniture to prevent the accumulation of dirt and grime within the wood. An effective prepping solution that I recommend is Krud Kutter. Alternatively, for those seeking a more budget-friendly option, a mixture of water and rubbing alcohol in a 1:1 ratio can be created by using a spray bottle from a dollar store. Apply the solution onto the furniture and wipe clean using a towel or rag.
Tip 3
For optimal results, consider utilizing a spray stain when working on intricate projects that require meticulous attention to detail. This method can effectively minimize any inconsistencies in color across the entirety of the project.
What would you do? would you spend the hours in sanding to save a coulple of dollars OR would you bite the bullet and spend the couple of dollars to strip it down? There is no wrong way in either option! Remeber, not all strip jobs are equal! (chuckle, wink.)
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With love,
Pamela
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