Buffet O'Rama

I'm on a buffet kick! Seriously, I've got like 3 of these waiting on the assembly line! I had picked this one up months ago. And, so it has sat in the garage awaiting my divine inspiration and artistic creation......OK,,,,gag! It sat because I was too lazy to get around to working on it. There. I said it. 

         However,,,,,sometimes things are best left to sit and simmer for a spell.....don'tcha think??

As usual, I took down the top to the raw. I love to sand! be careful when sanding veneer woods. Start at an 80-100 and work your way up to 220. Use your hands to feel. I Applied a pre-conditioner (a MUST before you stain to avoid uneven absorbency), a gel stain (don't remember exactly what I used. I mix my stains. Probably walnut and a red mahogany) and 2 coats of Deft water based acrylic top-coat in satin. I like using satin finishes on these old pieces. They weren't meant to be all glossy like the mid century stuff. 
Please don't use a wipe-on poly on a nice piece of wood like this. Deft in a can is so easy and it goes on beautifully. Get a good brush. I also like to use General Finishes Arm r Seal Urethane. If you have to use a wipe-on, use this one. It's amazing. 

           This is a fine example of "ribbon mahogany". See all the lines running across the top?

I think distressing all the nooks and crannies really adds so much to these old pieces. 

Sometimes you can go overboard or "patchy placement" can look phony. So, be careful.

 I hate the look of random distressing smack dab in the middle of the sides or drawers. 

                            I mixed my own CP again. Used "divine pleasure" by Behr. I like using the little Behr sample pots for CP. 2 parts paint to 1 part plaster of paris. mix the PP alone w/a little hot water until it's like pancake batter. Then slowly mix into the paint (you will need a separate container to store your new paint. 

I am the absolute worst when it comes to handles! I always lose one. Although, I think this piece was already short one handle when I got it. Of course I don't discover these things until I'm all done! So I went to my stash and found these chippendale style handles to put on the doors. First they all got sprayed with gold spray paint and then dry-brushed with the white. A quick go over with some sand paper and a quick spray of poly sealer. 

Love!!

To get a smooth surface before applying your wax, sand your paint with a very find grit 220 or 320. Be gentle! Go in one direction until it feels smooth as silk. Wipe it down. Now apply your wax and buff until you get a nice sheen. It shouldn't feel gritty, before or after you wax! Sand, people!

                 
                         The body got a good waxing with Myers clear wax. And that's all she wrote!

This one sold quickly. I believe the buyer said he was going to use it as a vanity bathroom cabinet.I cringe to think this beautiful top was going to hacked up, but hopefully he's using vessel sinks!

Linking up at these great parties:

Restore Interiors - Restored it Wednesday

Kammys Korner - Trash to Treasure Tuesdays

Domestically Speaking - The Power of Paint Party

The Shabby Creek Cottage - Transformation Thursday

Miss Mustardseed - Furniture Feature Friday

Redoux - Friday Link Up Party

Homespun Happenings - Rustic Restorations Weekend

Funky Junk Interiors - Saturday Night Special

1929 Charmer - Sunday's Best Party

Knick of Time Interiors - Knick of Time Tuesday

Elizabeth and Co., My uncommon Slice of Suburbia,

Savvy Southern Style. Weds, Beyond the Picket Fence, PJH Designs

From my Front Porch to Yours,  

Between Naps on the Porch

                                                   The Dedicated House, Redoux