🖼️
The project:
When I came across this old, vintage washstand, it was in pretty rough condition. But.. I could definitely see its potential and thought it would make the perfect statement farmhouse piece!
- Materials:
- Tools:
- Step 1:
I started by removing the knobs, damaged back and drawer base.
I sanded off the existing finish with my orbital sander.
For the turned legs, and knobs I used acetone. I wrapped the legs in acetone soaked paper towels and then scrubbed off the finish with a toothbrush. I hand sanded once dry.
- Step 2:
To fix the broken leg I used wood glue, and clamped over night. Once dry, I gave the leg a light sand.
I filled gaps in the timber with wood filler, then sanded back.
Once the surface was sanded, I cleaned the piece thoroughly, ready for paint/varnish.
- Step 3:
I cut a new drawer base and backing from plywood - I used a jigsaw and sanded the edges smooth once cut.
I then used a brush and roller to prime the inside of the piece and plywood backing - I used BIN shellac primer. Once dry I painted the inside a deep green. And then sealed with a clear top coat - I used Cabot's Cabothane in a matt finish.
- Step 4:
One of the sides had a chip in the lower wood veneer. To conceal I added a strip of oak edging to the bottoms of both sides. I attached this with wood glue and clamped overnight.
Once dry, I stained/sealed the exposed timber with one coat of Cabot's Stain and Varnish, followed by two coats of clear - using a 4 nap roller. For the turned legs I applied with a sponge.
For the curtain rod I added dowel and metal hooks to the inside. I measured and cut the fabric to size for the curtains.
- Step 5:
To finish I:
- installed the curtains along the dowel
- applied peel and stick liner to the plywood drawer base, before installing and fastening with brad nails.
- reattached the plywood backing with brad nails, and
- screwed the drawer knobs back on.
And this is the final result :)
