When my mother-in-law passed away in December of 2010, while helping the family clean out her home, my husband and I decided to take home the pine trestle table that was in the dining room. At that time, I wasn't sure what I was going to do with it. With it's dark walnut stain, it clearly was purchased in late 70's. I am sure there were many memories seated around that table at mealtime. I remember sitting at it for my first holiday dinner, twenty-something years ago, when my husband and I were dating. Still, I wasn't quite sure what to do with it, so it sat in the garage for quite some time.
Two weeks ago, I decided to see if I could strip it and make it look like one of the beautiful reclaimed wood tables at Restoration Hardware. I purchased a bottle of Citri-Strip Paint and Varnish Stripping Gel.
This stuff is great because it doesn't contain harsh chemicals or give off heavy fumes like other paint strippers I have used in the past. I followed the directions and applied a thick coat using a paintbrush, then let it set for about a half-hour. Using a plastic scraper, I began removing many layers of polyurethane. After applying a second coat of the stripper and letting it set, the dark walnut stain began to come off. After stripping the table, I sanded it smooth using my favorite tool, a random orbital sander. The final step was the application of a coat of beeswax paste
to the top for protection. 
I am very pleased with how it turned out, although the beeswax paste darkened it up a bit.
Thanks for stopping by!
7 comments:
Wow, what a great job!! This is just my kind of project, too. I have used that stripper a lot to strip both paint and varnish and I also love that it is not so harsh. I love what you did to the table, and the runner is great too!! I've been trying to get around to making a burlap runner, so you have inspired me to get going on it!
That's a great idea. I love how it turned out! My mother has a table like this and I would have never thought of changing it to look like yours does now. What a beautiful change! You did an fantastic job on it!
LOVE it!
Love it!! You did an awesome job! Love that price too!!!
I just love restoration hardware, but like you said the prices, they are out of this world and this girls budget too, but what a great job you did on that table. It's perfect for your breakfast room and looks just like something from RH.
Beautiful job! Not only did you upcycle an old table, but now you have the sweet memories of your loved one, too. :)
xoxo laurie
Your table is beautiful! I love the natural tone of the pine! I just finished a factory cart coffee table like those in RH...stop over and take a look. I'm pleased with the way it turned out, but I'd love it even more if the wood were light, like yours!
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