I believe you remember the farmhouse table that was my favorite find a few weeks ago?
After a failed attempt at removing the shellac, I tried again, and again, and – well, you get the idea. It was a time consuming process. 
For the leaves, I used a tip from a reader and wrapped a plastic bag around them after applying the Citristrip in order to keep the product wet and not let it dry out. Honestly, it didn’t help all that much. The shellac came off but again it took a few applications. This tabletop has been a ton of work, folks.
After I stripped the finish off, I used wood filler and a sander to get it smooth. The deep dark bits were never going to come off. I decided to not fight it and whitewash it. This way, the imperfections show through and give it a farmhouse look instead of my trying to hide it all in a darker stain.
Here’s a previous video on the product I used, General Finishes Whitewash Wood Stain. I love it.
One more thing! My top kitchen cabinets were just painted in General Finishes Antique White and I’ll share more of that later. Plus, I know my double doors into the dining room need a coat of bright white but I haven’t had time! I spent the entire weekend visiting colleges and working on my son’s college applications. Stressful times folks 🙂
Beautiful! I wish I had thought to white wash a similar table I refinished last year. I’ll have to try GF whitewash.
Absolutely give it a try! It’s a great product.
WOW! such a beauty!
I can’t believe how great it turned out! I love it! Good luck with the apps. I went through that stress last year with my son. It all worked out and he’s a happy college freshman now, but I really miss him.
Thanks, Caroline! This college app thing is super stressful. I am really hoping its all over soon. I know that I will feel the same as you this time next year. All this work for him to leave and then miss him lol! I know it is the way it goes but it hard to let them go 🙁
you did a great job.
Thank you so much Leslie.
I know it was a lot of work for you but it turned out beautiful. Some times we never really know how a project is going to go until we delve into it but perseverance prevails 🙂 Great job Suzanne
I tried to strip my 1972 kitchen cabinets, so I know what you went through. What ever they coat these things with is like a plastic shield. On the door where I was successful the woods didn’t seem to match each other. So in the end I painted them an off white and antiqued them. Good for you for hanging in there. It turned out great!
Hi Jean – OMG I was “this” close to painting that table a few days ago. Truly one of the worst projects I have ever taken on. I’m finally happy with it and can step away from it lol! I bet stripping kitchen cabinets was a nightmare! I can’t even begin to imagine!
It came out great. I like the white wash look on the table top.
Suzanne, a LOT of work getting there but your determination paid off – its stunning! Love the size too. I know your pain with removing layers of shellac. Did a piece recently like that and it took several days with a lot of elbow grease. Good luck with college selection! From one Mama to another, sending hugs your way.
Thanks so much, Marie. Honestly, the college applications are a really stressful process. I hope that he gets into a Maryland school and we have our fingers crossed! As far as the shellac, OMG what a total pain! This table has been a huge project that looking back on, I should not have tackled until after the holidays. Thanks so much!!!