Farmhouse Table - Simple up-cycling. Part Three: The Finish.

So, the final and some might say the most exciting part of the whole thing - Finishing.

But what to choose? Paint? Varnish? (Surely not). Natural?

For this particular table I chose to paint the legs and underneath generally with Laura Ashley Pale French Grey, painting straight onto the prepared and perfectly keyed wood. Nothing wrong with that - the paint's made for it.

Alternatively you could primer and  undercoat first if you wish but there's really no advantage to doing this as all the extra under-paint will not add any additional lustre to the Chalk based top coat.

When the paint is dried (and you may need a few coats especially if you have not given the tin a good stir) - you can coat with a clear wax, letting it dry and then buffing - This is what brings out the additional lustre!.

The top has been taken back to the bare wood and then treated to as 50/50 water white wash mix before being 'dragged off'.

Dark Wax is then applied to produce the distinctive Verdigris tint you can see in the photo.

Once dried, the top is then clear waxed to bring out the Brown tint in parts of the now exposed wood grain.

The base and legs are painted in Pale French Grey Using: Laura Ashley.

The Dark Wax is by Rustoleum.

Farmhouse Table - Part two: Preparation.

Having found somewhere suitable to make a right old mess, (and get away with it), we can start the preparation.

I like to get the table top right down to bring out the grain of the wood - and I do this whether I'm going to paint or wax or varnish the finished item.

,,,,and at this early stage too, I really haven't fully decided on the final finish, (unless it's a customers; then it's pretty clear)!

Use a good quality paint stripper and a scraper, following the instructions closely, or hand sand.

On this table top, I went straight past GO and used my belt sander, which brought out the grain nicely.

Whichever you decide on, always sand in the direction of the grain, (not cross ways), and this will start to bring out the grain.

For the drawer front and Knobs and the rest of the table legs etc, use sand paper in hand and hand sand, taking your time and exercising a little patience. You'll get there. Don't worry.

Test a lighter grade of sand paper first and not rubbing too hard. You'll soon get the hang of how much pressure to apply with different grades of paper.

If you've got something to rest the up-turned table on, you'll find it much easier to work on the legs and underside when they're at a comfortable working height. Quicker too!

Well, as they say - "Thant's all Folks" - For now.

Look out for My third and final blog on up-cycling a simple Pine Farmhouse table

Things couples need to know....

So this is how it works:

• You both take a browse around the London Road Retro Stapeley warehouse.
• You each take 5 photos of furniture and/or accessories you see whilst browsing...

1. You choose 3 photos you like
2. You choose 2 photos you think your partner would like

• You then compare and maybe discuss the photos you've taken....
• Have fun with it...it's only a game...
• 
  

...and Don't worry if you can't visit because you can play this on Facebook by Tagging and Sharing photos on London Road Retro's photo page.

Keep it simple and fun and as they say, 'stop when the fun stops....'

Happy Valentines Day!

Things couples need to know.....

Watch out for a fun Valentines 'event' that you and your partner can get involved in at London Road Retro.

...and don't worry if you can't make it to the Stapeley warehouse, you can play this 'test of compatibility' at home either together or separately using Facebook.


More in the follow on Blog 'Things couples need to know...' on Tomorrow at 3pm... See you then lovers...

For my second ever Blog, I Thought I'd do a 'How to..' about the simple and easy Art of up-scaling an old pre-loved piece of furniture - like a Table. Useable, Necessary and pleasurable to have.

I've chosen a Farmhouse Pine table with Cutlery draw to show you the simple steps to take to achieve the Quality result like the one in my photo.

The Top measures 4'6" x 2'6" so the first thing you need is some space to walk around it, reasonably unrestricted.

Also, space where a degree of mess can be tolerated, particularly during the preparation stage of sanding down.

While you're thinking of where you're gong to do this - I'm going to pop off and catch you up later this week.

Stay tuned and catch part two, (preparation)

So, Welcome to my very first Blog...Ever! But what do I say? Where do I start?

"Start with your name Pete..." - Oh, ok. My name is Peter and I'm the proud owner of London Rd Retro, a fledgling little one man business buying and selling Vintage, Retro, Rare and Unusual furniture. There! Done it.

I love furniture and think most people do - I think we all get pleasant and joyful feelings when we purchase, acquire and own particular items/pieces to use and enjoy every day.

I met a Lady the other day, only in her mid seventies, who was passionate about old dark wood furniture, explaining that it reminded her of her younger days:

"My husband doesn't like it but I do..." She said, "... and I've decided to surround myself with things that I love in my remaining years."

...and listening to Rhona, I realised what brought Me here - it was how older furniture for Me, 'triggers a memory' of younger more care free times. Mostly happier times.

I also realised that was why I tend to buy only things that I like, believing wholeheartedly that other like minded people will like them too - and not just because Older is better made than most modern stuff,

Working on older furniture certainly has given Me an appreciation for the Time and Care that went into its creation.

Talking of which, Thank you for reading my very first Blog, which only leaves me to say: Merry Christmas to you all at this very special Time for Caring.

God Bless