When possible I prefer to use scrap wood around my shop. And I enjoy re-purposing things that had a previous life.Finished results. Process shots below.I planned this out to use the entire door. Chose a fir pocket door.Unfortunately re-purposing usually involves the step of stripping down to the bare wood. Chose Klean Strip. Brush on with cheap bristle brush. Use putty knife to remove old paint.This step can be challenging, just keep thinking of the finished product. I find careful use of a chisel can help.Sand after stripping process has dried. A blade can help get to the tight places.Sometimes I tape my pencil marks. This helps me better visualize the cut to make sure it’s what I want. I’m very visual.Remember, my original plans were to have minimal waste. And I chose to keep some of the dings and imperfections of it’s previous life. (For me it’s a metaphor to our own lives. Our past chapters make us who we are today. This is one of the reasons why I’m drawn to re-purposing.) I chose the most dinged portion for the legs.I decided to add a fine art piece to it with oil based wood stain. Because this is a previously stained door (there was stain under the white paint), “pre-stain wood conditioner” is not needed. The can in this shot actually has stain in it. If it’s fresh new wood, you can choose preconditioned if you wish. It helps reduce blotchiness depending on the wood and stain type. Test your process on scrap wood!The table isn’t put together yet. Again just placed the top on the legs to help me visualize things.The painting process is long due to my detailed work.Sometimes I worked on this upright on an easel. But mostly I created the art down on horses.The art just about done herePocket holes used to put table together.Oil based varnish for clear coat. The better quality your brush, the better the outcome. Buy the best your money can buy and take care of it. Sable works well.Between 3 layers of varnish, sanded with higher grit each time. Fine steel wool is best for hard to reach areas.The last two clear layers were wet sanded. I little soap helps it glide and be more gentle on the clear coat.Chose Watco rejuvenating oil as the last layer. Wipe on.Close up of finished piece. (I create them as you see here. No glass. It's new owner decides if they want to add for an entirely flat top.)Try giving old things new life. Can be rewarding. via /r/DIY https://ift.tt/2PkB3y9
