Moving On To The Refinishing ProjectsThis table, that once sat in my grandmother's kitchen nook, got passed on to me years ago. Refinishing it has been on the to-do list for a long time. But now that I've found a place for it in the bonus room, it's time!
I actually recall watching my grandmother working on this table when I was a girl, giving it a liming finish with a green tint, which apparently she redid at some point to this achieve the finish seen below. Need I wonder where I get my DIY genes from?
The table has gotten a lot of use since its last makeover, and I wanted to see what I had to work with.
I've had fabulous results with Smart Strip, removing paint from a brass light fixture and a mirror frame, so I figured it was time to see how it would work removing the layers of stain and polyurethane.
After testing a small area I then covered the entire table with a fairly thick layer.
After letting it sit for a couple hours the table was ready to be scraped clean.
Using a large putty knife a gooey mess was scraped away, taking most of the previous finish with it!
Afterwards, to remove the final residue of stain and even out the table surface, the table was sanded.
Instead of using stain this time around, the wood is so beautiful with its grain and various tones of beige and grays, I was thinking I'd use either clear or Tudor Brown Briwax to complete the makeover.
But then I moved the table into the room.
(It will sit in a far corner, next to a closet and the filing cabinets, to provide a work surface and also a place for games and such...)
Now I can't decide which finish of Briwax I like better, if either! I like the lighter wood against the dark walls, and could use the clear Briwax, but it leaves a yellow tint. So then it occurred to me, hey, how about a full circle move and use Briwax's liming wax! The reviews say it lightens the grain to a whitest finish...hum.
Anyone have any experience with this or other liming products?
41 comments:
I am hopping you pick the liming wax. I have always wanted to try it. Love your blog and your new mag. I wish you would allow me to buy a printed copy of it like Lonny. I get more satisfaction from turning paper pages than a keypad and am more than willing to pay the price for the luxury.
I haven't tried any of them so I can't help you there. But I'm sure whatever you choose will turn out amazing. What a lovely shape to that table :)
Hmmm, is right, Janell. Sometimes I hate when I have more than one option for something like this. Usually what I do is leave it in place and think about it, while looking at it every so often to see if anything jumps out at me. If you are in no hurry to get it done, I would say come back to it but leave it in the room so you can give it a once over.
I hate when something happens that turns my decision into an indecision. I'm not familiar with the liming so I can't say. I do love the table and can't wait to see how it looks in the space. Knowing you...I am sure you will make the perfect decision. Have a great weekend.
I don't have an answer but a question - did you follow the same process on the legs for removing the old stain? I have a similar project to tackle! Thanks!
I don't have any experience with the liming wax. You're always showing me cool new stuff - thanks! I can't wait to see how it turns out!
Decorating Spaces...Yes I did, I applied the smart strip on the legs and table apron and let it sit there a bit longer. Of course a bit more tedious than the table top, but it worked! Good luck with your project! Janell
Whenever I'm rolling around an idea for a new project, someone in blogland always posts the most relevant info! I have a coffee table that has great shape but needs to be something besides dark brown. The other day I was thinking how great it would be to strip and lime it... so I'll definitely be watching the your progress.
Obviously I have no experience with liming wax, but I'm rooting for it anyway! :)
You smart girl, you! Looking great! (Now you can really appreciate the pretty lines). Grandma will be proud!
I would, like you, also keep the color light (perhaps light gray?) as a contrast to your dark walls.
If you have some extra sun tan from your Texas trip, send it over!
Happy labor day weekend, Janell.
ox, Mon
P.S LOVED your post about kitchen counter top options.
http://www.splendidwillow.com
It's a lovely table and I like that it has history. You make it look so easy!
Very curious about this product too and will wait to see how your turns out. I have an oak chest that looks yellow. Don't want to paint it but would love for it to appear more gray, less yellow. Perfect timing!
Have you ever tried a tung oil finish? It truly reveals the patina of the wood along with creating a waterproof seal. Easy to use, it is applied with a rag and then rubbed in. Let it set for a short while and wipe off excess. It comes in satin and glossy, depending on your taste. It is all I ever use!
teaorwine
That came out AMAZING!!!!!!!! As you might have guessed we are big fans of limed finishes...since we are doing a lot of that in our own home. This table came out incredible, love the new beautiful life you gave it!
I cant believe how well that smart strip works. It looks amazing! I have never used it and I have never used the lime wax. Cant wait to see it done.
I get my DIY gene from my Grandma too! She is still always painting something and she's like 80! I stripped a bookshelf a few weeks ago and I used a different stripper and it was stinky and gross. Worst project ever but it turned out cute! I'll have to try the Smartstrip. Can't wait to see if you use the liming wax.
I just used a pickling white stain... turned out fantastic!! Even the boy, who is against all things white, is into it! Can't wait to see how the liming wax turns out. You always have the most fun products that I've never heard of to try!
I've never used this product but was really disappointed when I used Citristrip (in an effort to be green). I might revisit the project with Smartstrip. Thanks for the always-helpful tutorial!
I love the shape of the table but more importantly, I love the history of your table. It's always so nice to have a piece in the home that has sentimental value.
I just tried the Briwax liming wax last month on an old oak settee. It definitely didn't work out as planned, but I am assuming that I messed it up somehow and it was not the fault of the Briwax :) It looked amazing until I got to the final step of "sealing" it with the clear wax and then all the liming wiped right off when I tried to buff. So sad! It's still sitting here staring at me while I screw up the courage to try again. I vote for you to lime it so I can see where I went wrong!
P and R, good to know!! Sorry about your problem with your project, it didn't make sense to me when reading the directions about the product online that they suggested sealing with a clear briwax after liming, it seemed to me it would just add back a yellow I didn't want in the first place. But, I may have done it anyway without your comment!
The liming wax is on order, so hopefully will get to this project in a week or so.
Also, regarding the wish one could order up a printed copy of House of Fifty to read, we are adding that option with the next issue. Lots of people asked, so we are providing! :)
Janell
Glad to hear you are using the liming wax. I've never tried it but would love to see how it comes out. I have used the regular briwax and love those on stained pieces but have problems using them over painted finishes. Do you find that they lift the paint?
I've only used Briwax on unfinished wood, never over stained or painted finishes...I believe these products are intended used on untreated wood in lieu of stain and paint. I think.
Janell
There is a shop that builds furniture close to where we live that uses the liming wax often. The pieces we've seen are beautiful! We have been thinking about trying it ourselves. We can't wait to see how yours turns out.
Angela and Renee
Janell I would love to see your table finished in this limed look!! I love it. I haven't tried the product, knowing you it will turn out great!
Come and join my new fashion Giveaway from Fresh Produce!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
I've never used liming wax, but I'm sure it'd look lovely!
I don't know anything about liming wax but I do have a question for you since you use the Rub N Buff quite a bit. Would it work on a brass lamp to make it look more 'aged'?
I love the results of your table! I need to get some of the SmartStrip for a similar project. I personally do not have any experience with the liming wax - where did you buy it? Would love to play around with it!
Great post.
Tiffany,
I think so, take a look at this post!
http://isabellaandmaxrooms.blogspot.com/2011/08/more-rub-n-buff-happiness.html
Good luck with your project! Janell
Hey Janell,
I used the Briwax liming oak on my breakfast room table, and I love it! it took away the yellow from the pine and made the table look new. It is so awesome! It is one of those products that is so fast and easy, you start daydreaming about what you can do with it next! I am getting ready to do it on a pine buffet that i bought for a client. I used cloth rags to apply and buff it into the wood.
I have used briwax over paint, it does lift the paint a little, so things end up with a "distressed" look, especially on the edges, intentional or not! I have also used briwax on lamp shades and picture frames with great success. Jsut let the shades dry and air out completely before putting them next to the warm light bulb.
Can't wait to see how your project turns out!!
It is really funny how things come full circle! I have never used the product but it has been around for years {obviously!!} I think the lighter wood looks great against the dark walls! can't wait to see how it looks!
Tiffany {Living Savvy}
I know this is off subject but have you considered using a tung oil. I'm getting ready to oil my solid mahogony front doors that I just finished sanding the polyurethane. Just another option to consider.
Oh how I love this table! it's a beautiful piece, can't wait to see it finished Janell.
it's glorious, I cannot wait to see what you decide~what every you do I know it'll be beautiful!
Janell, I was just on Houzz and ran across your article on "11 Area Rug Rules..." and had to come tell you how great I thought it was. I find most of the guest articles there to be ok, but not great, and not that helpful. Yours was in depth and had so many photos. I liked it so much that I emailed to a client who wants to put a tiny rug under a huge dining room table :). Great job!
Stacy
I am not familiar with either but can't wait to see the result. My gut is leaning towards the liming wax. I think something white-ish or light would look nice in that room and on that table. Good luck!
Janell. I have used it many times. The more you put on the lighter it gets. Try a little underneath first. I did a post on it once where I took an oak mirror and made it lighter.
More great advice! Thanks Sherry...
And for the question of where I ordered the wax from, here is the link:
http://www.highlandwoodworking.com/search.aspx?find=briwax+liming+wax
Thanks! Janell
lovely table. I could also see it painted in an enamel in a gray or a lovely color.
pve
No experience with these products, but what a darling table! I love the curves around the edge of the tabletop. Can't wait to see it finished!
I certainly enjoyed reading about your experience with liming wax. I love what you did with the table -- it looks awesome. I have become a fan of The Briwax Guy’s blog: briwax.wordpress.com – and there are some good hints there about using liming wax. I have read to “clean up” the piece, after using liming wax with Clear Briwax? What do you think about that suggestion? I look forward to continue reading all of your fabulous design ideas!
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