My first fail. But just a beginning.

Well, here we are at the end of September.  Beautiful fall weather is upon us and we even had RAIN on Sunday.  It was lovely. What a change to be outside, under my big umbrella, sanding!  So sweat-soaked face being saturated with dry flying sawdust.  Put Brad Paisley on the CD player and went to town.  This was the nightstand I found for myself.  I needed something with drawers.

Here it is (drawers stacked on the couch) before I did anything to it. 

It seemed pretty straight forward: Sand, sand, and sand some more.  Finally made it thru the sticky, nasty lacquer and then was able to get thru the stain to actual, natural wood.  I felt good.  I sanded more than I thought necessary then got out my stain:  Minwax Wood Finish. Color:  Early American.  I noticed right away it did not to be seen penetrating the wood like I am used to.  


If you will notice it seemed to sit on top of the
wood.  It almost seemed to separate like I was trying to mix alcohol and oil.
I wiped it off and it appeared to be taking the stain fairly evenly.  I stained the rest of the dresser cabinet and the other drawer.  It looked pretty good all considered.  Not a "wow" moment like I had with the vanity or Francis the dresser.... but ok for my use.

See?  Not too bad, right?? 

                                             Wrong....

 Blotchy

and

Ugly!

                                                                           






Live and learn.  I began sanding again.  6 sheets of 100gr sandpaper and I finally made it back down to "clean wood" on one drawer face.  I am planning on sanding down even further.  I am going to give it another shot to take my stain.  I was told by a very bright friend that I should use a chemical finish remover.  I refuse.... I do not like them.  I will try sanding yet again... If all else fails.... paint, it is! Wish me luck!

Completed Vanity

I finished! I only wish I had room in my house to keep it. Oh well. I am hoping to find her a good home from Craigslist or a local consignment shop.

I'm publishing this from my phone. Hope it works OK. I would love some input from someone who may accidentally view this. Thanks.