I found this light-colored sideboard at the Salvation Army. Well let me clarify, I am making it into a sideboard/credenza. It is actually a dresser. The Salvation Army was having a 55% off sale through-out the entire store and I took full advantage of it. I bought this sideboard for $57.50
After my hubby took the pulls and doors off, I blue-taped the areas that I didn't want to get stained and I lightly sanded it with a sanding block from Lowe's. It works much better than sand paper. I also used a wood conditioner...this will give you a better looking finish. I used the short handle brushes for each application because they seem to be better on the wrist.
After you've finished sanding, be sure to wipe the surface to remove the grit. I used Murphy's Oil soap just because I like it.
My first application was a stain/polyurethane mixture. I do not recommend this. The polyurethane is hard to work with when it is combined with the stain. I re-sanded the piece, went back to Lowe's and bought a can of stain (Minwax Cherry) and a can of polyurethane (Bulls Eye). This worked much better. The stain just soaked into the wood. Depending on the color your aiming for use 2-3 coats of stain. I waited at least 24 hours between coats because the stain will be tacky until it is completely dry.
Since the stain had a pretty shine already, I only coated the top of the sidedboard with polyurethane.
The finished product.
This piece went in my dining room. It doesn't match my table exactly, but I don't want it to.
I really don't think this piece of furniture was ever used. I think some big furniture company donated it to the Salvation Army.
After you've finished sanding, be sure to wipe the surface to remove the grit. I used Murphy's Oil soap just because I like it.
My first application was a stain/polyurethane mixture. I do not recommend this. The polyurethane is hard to work with when it is combined with the stain. I re-sanded the piece, went back to Lowe's and bought a can of stain (Minwax Cherry) and a can of polyurethane (Bulls Eye). This worked much better. The stain just soaked into the wood. Depending on the color your aiming for use 2-3 coats of stain. I waited at least 24 hours between coats because the stain will be tacky until it is completely dry.
Since the stain had a pretty shine already, I only coated the top of the sidedboard with polyurethane.
The finished product.
This piece went in my dining room. It doesn't match my table exactly, but I don't want it to.I really don't think this piece of furniture was ever used. I think some big furniture company donated it to the Salvation Army.
Compared to the pieces that I've looked at over the years, I probably saved over $600.00.
