Vinegar and Rusty Metal

Oh my goodness, not another post on that ugly craigslist table and chairs!! I bet that's what you're thinking. Sorry. Yes, it is yet another post on what I've affectionately been calling the table and chairs from hell.  It's almost embarrassing how much work I've put into this quick little make-over.  Who am I kidding, almost embarrassing? It is down-right embarrassing. In fact, I had a whole post written detailing all the steps I've taken (forward and backward) but I couldn't possibly put you through all that. Suffice it to say, I could have made over at least three table and chair sets in the time I've spent on this one. Ugggg! And you know what? I'm still not completely finished. I gave it what I hope is a final coat of poly tonight. 

What about that lovely photo up there, what's that? It is steel wool soaked in vinegar. I read about it here after googling ways to replicate the look of aged wood on a farm table. This was after my attempt at a light driftwood-look failed.  I declared it a failure only after applying several coats of this. No problem. At this point I'm an excellent stripper.  (imagine the disappointment that comment will cause some google-searchers when they find themselves here. Hee-hee) Once the first failed finish was removed and sanded, and sanded, I applied a dark wood stain.  I can't begin to tell you how bad it looked. Really, really B.A.D. I've since read that pine, (I'm thinking the table top is pine) tends not to take stain evenly.  That would be an understatement. I also read the squiggly marks you can get from using a power sander are amplified when stain is applied. Understatement number two. The only good thing I can say is that at least I had not applied a top coat before deciding the dark stain was not working. Back to my google search and Sheena's lovely farm table.  I loved the way her table turned out and hoped I could get similar results, and at this point, what have I got to lose? Apparently, I've already lost my marbles.  

Guess what? It worked. It went on evenly and gave the table top a gray weathered appearance. It was a happy moment. I may have cried a little, or it could have just been sweat. Geez, it's hot in North Carolina in August!

These photos do not at all give you a true representation of the color, but you can see how evenly the rusty vinegar stained the wood. It was a cheap, stinky thing of beauty and this made me exceedingly happy. I may have danced a little.  This time to seal the top I used  this, because I had a full can and wasn't about to spend another cent on this project from you know where.  Like Sheena shared about her table, some of the gray color is lost once the top-coat is applied. Also, it got a lot darker. Much more than I expected, but at this point, I'm fine with it. In fact, I think it will be a nice contrast to the blue chairs. I'm so ready to call this project complete.  Good Lord willing and the creek don't rise, I'll be back tomorrow with pictures of the finished project.  Make that later today since it's after midnight now. Why am I not in bed, clearly I need all the beauty rest I can get.  Good night friends.

Comments

[april francom]

I soooo feel your pain!!!! I too have a project from HELL going on :) Although mine is dealing with the polyurethane...going on my 8th coat! It just seems to keep streaking. I think it's just too hot ...who knows! So happy yours has finally turned out for you!

PS. I have never tried the sealer you used. Can you wipe it on or do you need to brush it? Thanks

[Autum]

Hi April,
I think you may be right about the heat. Especially for these fast drying products. The one Im using is applied with a brush. Im using a foam brush and sanding between coats.  I hope your project ends up heavenly, despite the road it took to get there ; )

[Lynne in NC]

Congratulations Autum! Whew!!! that was a lot of work. But, it looks great, so far. Looking forward to the full reveal.
Peace.

[Elaine]

Wow you have put a lot of sweet and tears into this project! Can't get over rusty steel-wool vinegar stain! I will have to find something to use it on. I've used Burnt Umber (think that was the color) tube oil paint just a dab and turpentine mixed together to stain wood for a dark stain.

I love mixing stuff to make my own stain much better than ready made stain.

Can't wait to see the finished results pictures tomorrow!!!

[jackie]

Looking forward to seeing the finished project. Jackie