And now back to the furniture. Living in a neighborhood full of apartments means that the dumpsters frequently have furniture piled up next to them. Sometimes it is just what you would expect - broken Ikea bookshelves and sketchy couches with exposed springs - but every once in a while I find a sad, neglected piece of furniture that desperately needs a home.
Like this guy ... I'm not even sure I'll be able to figure out how to rescue him, but isn't the shape cute?
When I picked him up I was horrified because it looks like someone glued sand all over him. And then I had a friend over and he said "Oh yeah, they used that sand spray paint." Sand spray paint? I googled it and apparently such a thing does exist. And it looks exactly like you would expect. I'm not sure why one would want a table to look like a sand sculpture, but I guess someone thought it was a good idea.
How do I go about this? I think my first plan of attack will be to try to strip and gently buff the textured paint off, to get back to the wood finish. If it fails, I will do a thin coat of stucco to cover the texture and top it off with some glossy paint. Do any of you talented readers know anything about refinishing furniture?
Of course, if I ever get it finished, then I have to figure out where to fit it in my apartment. I'm thinking for now it could be a little foot of the bed bench.
i think this would be the perfect thing for the end of your bed. plus, it looks like it's a perfect cubby hole to stash little pillows and what not underneath!
ReplyDeleteooo, very cool. p.s. i love your profile "loves." :)
ReplyDeletei know nothing about furniture refurbishment, but it looks like a legit piece. i say strip and refinish. you could try stripper herk on main street in santa monica. less DIY, but potentially very fast?
ReplyDeletei have no idea. but i, too, think the shape is fab. put up after photos when you figure it out!
ReplyDeletei love stuff like this! i love finding someone's throw away & taking it in.
ReplyDeletei think it would be perfect for a little foot of the bed bench (crazy about those too) but sadly, I have no advice to give you on the subject of refinishing. But I admire greatly for starting this project- I'm sure it'll turn out great!
I know you will give it a good home and the tlc that it so deserves. Sand paint, eek!
ReplyDeleteI've always had good luck with sanding, then priming, then painting. That's how I did my dresser, and it worked out very well: it's smooth and glossy-looking. I'd wear a little mask if you're dealing with sand paint, though--that stuff sounds like it could be rough on lungs!
ReplyDeleteI love the table !
ReplyDeleteYes, the foot of the bed would be a perfect home for your new treasure. This is the easy part. Oh boy now to get that sand paint off. I wonder how much it would cost to dipped to remove it.
ReplyDeletehow cool is it that the name remains. this is going to be gorgeous refinished.
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting table..I've never seen anything like it. Can't wait to see what it looks like when you're done...I'm sure it will look amazing!
ReplyDeleteperfect for the end of your bed. good work salvaging it and goo luck with that paint!!
ReplyDeleteI suggest you use peel away http://www.dumondchemicals.com/html/peelaway.htm
ReplyDeleteper website above: "The PEEL AWAY® I System is an environmentally safe method of removing up to Thirty two (32) layers of paint in a single application from most surfaces and there are NO FUMES AND NO FLAMMABLE SOLVENTS."
It looks like it might be pretty wood underneath all that mess and if so, I'd just keep a natural finish on it.
Sand spray paint?!? Gross!
ReplyDeleteOh what a lovely treasure! The shape is just splendid, and it is blasphemy that someone would sand spray paint the poor thing!
ReplyDeleteIs the piece solid wood or particle board? If it is real wood, gentle sanding should do the trick. You can start with a rougher grain, and then as you approach the wood, use a finer one. Depending on the shape of the wood underneath, you may be able to revitalize it with stain, or else satin/semi-gloss paint will still make for a cute piece.
I can't wait to see what you create!
Gasp!!! Sand spray paint? Who would do that??
ReplyDeleteIt is a great shape, I'm glad you've rescued it!
I think it's the greatest piece, really! Look at it's lines?
ReplyDeleteOh my, this table is gorgeous...well, the potential it has actually, not really it's current state! I can't believe someone would spray paint a sand texture onto it. Can't wait to see the after shots!
ReplyDeleteI just started my first ever refinishing project today - so I'm interested to see how you get on. I think how much you attack it depends on whether it's real wood or wood veneer - either way, I'm pretty sure you can get that sand stuff off easily enough. Can't wait to see the 'after' photo!
ReplyDelete