Prepping for the Prep Work

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't scared to tackle the buffet. In fact, I'm so scared that I'm going to mess something up, I decided that I needed a pre-buffet project. Hence the title, Prepping for the Prep Work. Before going all out with the sanding, priming, painting and staining, I wanted to make sure that I knew what I was in for. In other words, I'm procrastinating (at least that's what my husband thinks).

So this weekend I set out to the local thrift store with the hopes of finding something cheap.

There were plenty of solid wood pieces, but most of them were at least $80. 

Not quite what I had in mind for a trial project.

As I did my final loop around, I noticed a cute little side table tucked underneath a shelf. It was solid wood (check), in great shape (check), and it was only $14 (check).

After I loaded the little table into the car, I stopped by Home Depot to pick up my supplies.

I spent the rest of the afternoon sanding ...

taping ...

priming ...

painting ...

And painting again ...

I let the paint dry overnight (and through most of Sunday afternoon) before I tackled staining.

For the staining process, I brushed on a wood conditioner (thanks for the tip, Cassie!) ...

waited 15 minutes before brushing on the stain ...

Waited another 15 minutes, and then wiped off the stain to reveal this ...

I'm pretty much in love with it ...

So there you have it. I was able to practice each step without risking a casualty at the expense of the buffet. I learned several lessons along the way and ended up with a finished piece of furniture. Alright, it's almost finished ... I still need to spray it with the Polycrylic tonight.

Once I'm all done, I'll share some of the lessons I learned, along with a few more pictures.

Next up, the buffet!

Bring. It. On.


This project is linked up to Thrifty Decor Chick's Before and After Party, Primitive & Proper's Piece of Work Wednesday (POWW), and Miss Mustard Seed's Furniture Feature Friday: