Safe Stripping Update

Several months ago I wrote a post about safe stripping in regards to refinishing your wooden antiques. So called “safe” strippers are a good place to turn for refinishing your wooden antiques. Safe Strippers don’t irritate your skin, their fumes aren’t damaging to your health, and their contents aren’t flammable or explosive – though, of course, rags and residue must be disposed of safely.

At the time we had two projects in the works. One was an antique fireplace mantle that we still plan the turn into a headboard for our queen-size bed and the other was a set of antique wooden twin beds that had been once been painted pink then painted red. The beds were maple and in dire need of refinishing. The twin beds were our first project.

To be safe the entire project was completed in the garage, we had an empty bay where we set up and workstation to complete the project. To read more about the beginning stages of the safe stripping project click here.

It took awhile to get all the paint removed especially on the spindles.When the paint was all removed a final cleanup was done using fine sandpaper. Finally the beds were ready for stain.

My husband used a cloth to rob a stain into the wood. To match the other bedroom furniture we used a dark stain, which would cover up the tiny imperfections, while at the same time reveal the grain of the wood. The finish coat was a satin polyurethane to protect the wood. The end result was perfection! The beds look great in the bedroom. You would never have a clue that they were once painted pink and then red! This top coat of polyurethane should last for many years. Any future projects on these beds will not be done by us, we’re going to enjoy them just as they are!

Next project for this winter will be to turn the antique fireplace mantle into a queen size headboard!