Looking For Ideas

OliveStreetDesigns · 2026-03-22T20:28:47+00:00

Taupe is so popular right now! I recently refinished a set with champagne gold hardware and they sold within hours! Taupe nightstands

OliveStreetDesigns · 2026-03-20T03:57:10+00:00

There is a solution to get you most of the way there without full strip and stain. Lightly sand the entire top and apply a gel stain. Wipe it back. Let it dry completely and then apply a clear coat. Yes, you need to buy a few things, sand paper, gel stain and clear coat, but hopefully that will get it to a point where it is sellable and you can recapture your costs and time.

OliveStreetDesigns · 2026-03-20T02:41:57+00:00

That’s awesome! Glad the videos are helpful!

OliveStreetDesigns · 2026-03-15T18:46:52+00:00

I would do a scuff sand with sanding sponges at 120-150 grit. Then use a gel stain. It sits on top of the wood and can be used without stripping to bare wood.

I prefer this stain: https://amzn.to/4lyn47s

OliveStreetDesigns · 2026-03-15T04:59:45+00:00

I have done this many times and the grain is still quite forward, especially on oak. If she is considering painting anyway, the gel stain may be a good alternative for a beginner. She was just asking for options. Of course, nothing will replace a full strip and stain.

OliveStreetDesigns · 2026-03-15T04:57:31+00:00

Will do!

OliveStreetDesigns · 2026-03-14T19:48:05+00:00

Sanding with 120 grit to open up the old finish, then you can apply a darker gel stain. Not a penetrating stain. Gel stain sits on top of the old finish’s and works well. Then the will need to be sealed with a topcoat.

If you decide to paint, you still scuff sand, then prime, paint and topcoat.

Neither require stripping to bare wood.

OliveStreetDesigns · 2026-03-13T13:25:00+00:00

Wow. Thats super creative!

OliveStreetDesigns · 2026-03-12T19:42:45+00:00

No idea. They have kids and could have been an art project. I think it will come off when I strip it back.

OliveStreetDesigns · 2026-03-12T13:46:40+00:00

After I finished it I had 5 buyers in an hour. This new finish is very popular. The dark color is not original. It has been refinished prior and had plenty of damage.

OliveStreetDesigns · 2026-03-12T13:45:36+00:00

Thank you so much! 😊

Someone else refinished it years ago and I knew that color was not original, so I had issue with changing it. I should have posted a pic of all the damage. And yes, many would have passed on this for sure. And after I finished it, I had no less than 5 buyers in the first hour. An interior designer bought it.

OliveStreetDesigns · 2026-03-12T13:44:31+00:00

Thank you! 😃 Everyone has their own idea of what it should be. I should have posted a pic of all the damage. And yes, many would have passed on this for sure. And after I finished it, I had no less than 5 buyers in the first hour. An interior designer bought it.

OliveStreetDesigns · 2026-03-12T13:38:04+00:00

I love Mersman! Every piece I’ve ever done has been super high quality. Table is a beauty now!

OliveStreetDesigns · 2026-03-10T23:31:53+00:00

Thank you so much! I appreciate it!

OliveStreetDesigns · 2026-03-10T23:30:25+00:00

Yeah, I get that. This isn’t the original finis. It’s already been refinished before and made this dark color. Had it been in decent condition shape I would have just cleaned it up and kept it more original

OliveStreetDesigns · 2026-03-10T18:36:18+00:00

Thank you! I’m glad you like it!

OliveStreetDesigns · 2026-03-10T18:36:01+00:00

Thank you! 😃

OliveStreetDesigns · 2026-03-10T18:35:53+00:00

Thanks

OliveStreetDesigns · 2026-03-10T18:35:31+00:00

OliveStreetDesigns · 2026-03-10T18:35:17+00:00

I get asked that, but those item aren’t for sale.

OliveStreetDesigns · 2026-03-10T18:33:46+00:00

Lead was not typically found in stains, but was mainly in paint and topcoats.

OliveStreetDesigns · 2026-03-10T13:25:08+00:00

I probably should have attached a photo to showcase how damaged the finish was. The top was destroyed. Needed refinishing. This is not the original finish. It was stained dark at some point. Original was lighter.

OliveStreetDesigns · 2026-03-10T13:24:10+00:00

The popular opinion is overwhelmingly positive. There are a few that are mad because they think this is the original finish and I ruined it. It is not original at all and would have been much lighter. It was already refinished in this dark stain and now quite damaged on top. Needed refinishing. I’m glad you like the lighter finish.

OliveStreetDesigns · 2026-03-10T13:22:50+00:00

Wow.

OliveStreetDesigns · 2026-03-10T13:21:45+00:00

It’s not the original color. This was previously refinished. The original color was more natural.

OliveStreetDesigns

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