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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