I currently have a bookcase in my garage that is very similar to these before tables. Jacinda found these tables for a steal online. I paid $2 for my bookshelf at a yardsale.
Her tables needed to be stripped. My bookcase needed to be stripped. She buckled down and powered through SIX DAYS of stripping and staining. I spent approximately one horrible hour stripping, then made a sandwich.
She finished her tables and is enjoying their fabulous new look in her living room. My bookshelf has sat in my garage for over three years. I’ve moved with the dumb half-stripped thing two different times!
But, if Jacinda can do it on three tables with curved legs and carved details in less than a week, by George, I can do it to my little bookcase too. For reals. I’m going to do it. Seriously. Hold me to it, you guys.
See more on her blog Northern Nester.
11 Comments
Jen @ Restore + Style
July 23, 2015 at 1:07 PMWhat a transformation on those tables!
For your bookcase, if they are pretty flat without any intricate angles or details, get your self a paint and varnish scraper. It will change you life (and probably save your lungs)!
Molly
July 23, 2015 at 1:43 PMThose look amazing! That stuff always takes SO much longer than I think it will! A few years ago I refinished a nightstand for my son’s room – this tiny little thing, and it took me like 3 or 4 weekends to get it done. Plus lots of time outside in my nasty sweatpants letting the neighbors think I was crazy… 🙂
Havok
July 23, 2015 at 2:58 PMLove love love the dark wood coloring!!
Also, absolutely always love your commentary.
LeeAnn
July 23, 2015 at 3:37 PMThose are beautiful! I would love those in my home, but I do not want do all that work. 😉
roberta
July 23, 2015 at 5:37 PMThose tables are divine! Look forward to seeing your bookcase looking just as good!
Reenie
July 24, 2015 at 7:28 AMYou can do it!!! 🙂
amy
July 24, 2015 at 8:27 AMjust an fyi, it seems that when I click on your website, it is taking a really long time to load. I don’t know if it’s the ad you have at the bottom or what, but just wanted to let you know.
beck campbell
July 24, 2015 at 11:37 AMLOVE…I am a sucker for stained tops and painted bases.
Lindsey…seriously, try the 1/2 acetone 1/2 lacquer thinner I use! I PROMISE you will find it is super easy to strip anything! I use to cringe at having to strip old finish but now I just scrub it right off and start with a fresh “template” perfect for a new finish or paint! I have an intricate Eastlake chair I started on and I can’t imagine how hard it would be if I hadn’t discovered this little trick!
Karen
July 24, 2015 at 11:45 AMWow, they turned out gorgeous!
You can do it, Lindsey, go go go! :^)
Linda
July 25, 2015 at 10:50 AMThese are just beautiful!! You would not normally see the beauty in them. All that work was well worth it! What gorgeous tables!
Sue
July 29, 2015 at 8:25 AMbeck Campbell – Thanks for the tip on 1/2 acetone 1/2 lacquer thinner for stripping. I’ve used other very thick strippers and what a mess. I’m going to give this a try. Do you just use rags then? Thanks!