I showed you all a few days ago how the top of the shell dresser was just too reddish for my taste. I decided to re-stain it with a darker stain. Tpyically, I stain my furniture tops and add a wipe-on poly. It gives them some protection without the shiny look. As in my walnut topped dresser (with my favorite book series from when I was little. My daughter is busy reading them now)..
This time, I tried something totally new. I used Minwax PolyShades. This is a stain with poly in it already. 
After first sanding back the “reddish” regular stain with 220 grit sandpaper, I made sure it was super clean and then applied the first coat of the PolyShades. I initially chose the color Bombay Mahogany.
PolyShades is much different than just a stain. A good brush is necessary, which I found out the hard way. My cheap brush started to drop bristles everywhere as I applied so I had to quickly take them off and go over it again with a regular brush. I let it dry and it looked amazing.
Except…still reddish!
After another trip to Home Depot, I chose a color called Ebony Stain. First, I gently sanded the top with a fine grit steel wool, cleaned it well and then applied. Here are the pics – mind you, it was only just finished and isn’t fully dry yet. It takes at least 6 hours for it to cure. 
Still slightly reddish but much better and darkened to my taste.
The PolyShades is a more sophisticated look which will really suit some of my pieces. Honestly, I think my favorite is still the not-so-shiny look. My style is more along the farmhouse chic but I am glad to add this to my skill set.
Looking forward to finishing it up tomorrow!
***Walnut Dresser now listed on Etsy and under Shop Furniture/Dressers***
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i love dark wood with light paint- so pretty!
Lovely change!!
I love it! Maybe I’ll try on my diamond? What do you think?
Hi,
I`m a big fan of your work and I have a question which bothers me for a long time.
I very often face problem with dirty marks appearing on the surface of my furniture after painting with Annie Sloan’s chalk paints. It happens especially when wood is sanded.
Can you please advice me what primer or undercoat I should use to make my life easier?
Or at least point me to a link on the Internet?
Have a Lovely Christmas.
Best regards
Kat
Thank you so much for your help and your time. I am really appreciate that.
We wish you Very Happy New Year.
Kat
I really like the Polyacrylic. What I have learned is that you MUST mix, mix, mix the matte very well or you will get shine. At first I couldn’t tell the difference between the glossy and the matte finish. Stir, making sure you scrape the ‘glumps’ that settle in the bottom of the can — than stir some more!
Hi Jo, yes you are so right. IF it isn’t stirred properly, it will not adhere properly and it does tend to goop up on the bottom. Great tip! Thanks!
Oops. I mean Polyshade!