A Gift (Before & After)

Yesterday was a very special day.  It was my dad’s 76th birthday.

My dad is such a special man in my life.  I have so many wonderful memories growing up.  As a child, I remember ice skating with him on frozen ponds followed by a cup of cream of tomato soup at the Shawsheen Luncheonette.  On warm summer evenings, we used to sneak off to Baron’s Country Store for a slushie or downtown to Brigham’s for ice cream cones.  I remember when I was a bit older waiting for my dad to get home so we could ride bikes or play golf.


My dad now enjoys retired life. My parents have a great schedule which allows them to frequent Dunkin’ Donuts and gives my dad plenty of time to watch the stock market (one of his passions) and plenty of cryptic crosswords (another passion).   He likes to sit with his hot cup of joe doing puzzles; his coffee sits atop a silver coaster on this sweet dainty table:

Before

The table was given to him by his father, but I was thinking it was looking a little tired.  The finish on the top was completely scratched:

Top Before

Then inspiration hit.  I could use my passion for painting furniture to refresh his little side table.

Side Table (After)

I first sanded the top and stained it with Minwax stain in Special Walnut (one of my favorite finishes).  It has a beautiful, warm wood tone.

Minwax Stain in Special Walnut

Then I painted the beautiful curved legs in ASCP Country Grey followed by two coats of clear wax.

Stained top and Country Grey (Hemp Oil is drying on the top)

Then I applied a mixture of dark wax, clear wax and mineral spirits (kind of in a pudding consistency)  working in sections and wiping away.

Applying the dark wax

Applying the dark wax gives the look of an aged piece of furniture I love so much.  You can see here how it brings out the texture and changes the color, ever so slightly, of the paint.  It gives the appearance of a much loved antique, similar to the well loved book which sits upon it.

Detail of dark wax.

My dad had a lovely birthday.  We spent the day with him and we all went out for a delicious dinner.  The boys made him some hand made cards and enjoyed playing with him.  Oh, I think he really loved his hand-painted birthday gift.  I can’t wait to see it next to his chair.

Country Grey Side Table (After)

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