Last Updated on December 25, 2015 by Kristi Linauer
So how are all of you coming on your projects for Make It Happen Monday? I finally got started on mine yesterday, and I’ve made some progress!
The last time I finished my countertops, there were several things that went wrong. I’ve already told you about how I didn’t seal them properly (only one thin coat of Waterlox which began to wear off after a year). But also, the stain color last time turned out all wrong. Initially, I thought I like it. But over time, I began to realize something was just “off”. I couldn’t put my finger on it until last night when I started staining with the new color.
Here’s the old finish. Look how dark (almost black) the grain is in some places!! I think that looks so ugly…
See what I mean about the grain? And the color…what is it about the color? Too green? Too yellow? I still can’t put my finger on it, but here’s the new color…
I think that’s so much better! A little on the red side, which I’m really okay with after living with the green/yellow tint with black grain for a year. And the grain doesn’t look as dark this time. I’m hoping that doesn’t change when I seal them! I’m still considering at least one more coat of stain. We’ll see.
Speaking of sealing them, I’m still in a quandary about what sealer to use. I think I’ve narrowed it down to plain ‘ole polyurethane and spar varnish. I really want it to be durable for many years to come. I’ll make a decision today and tell you all about it on Monday.
So, how are your projects for Make It Happen Monday coming along?
Addicted 2 Decorating is where I share my DIY and decorating journey as I remodel and decorate the 1948 fixer upper that my husband, Matt, and I bought in 2013. Matt has M.S. and is unable to do physical work, so I do the majority of the work on the house by myself. You can learn more about me here.
I hope you’ll join me on my DIY and decorating journey! If you want to follow my projects and progress, you can subscribe below and have each new post delivered to your email inbox. That way you’ll never miss a thing!
9 Comments
Tani
June 8, 2012 at 9:10 amI like the new color so much better!
Kristi Linauer
June 8, 2012 at 9:17 amThanks! Me too! I just put another coat of stain on, and it looks even better!
Kim Kern
June 8, 2012 at 10:10 amSpar Varnish I think is the way to go! We used it on our bar top and love it.
Western Warmth
June 8, 2012 at 10:42 amLooks great! I removed a little more of my family room wallpaper, since I have committed to you. Maybe I’ll finish up the chore today so I can report back Monday 🙂
Fiona
June 8, 2012 at 12:20 pmI like the new color! I’m making some progress on my “Make It Happen Monday” project, but having a deadline is adding some serious pressure!
Linda @ it all started with paint
June 8, 2012 at 1:40 pmThe new color is so, so much better! And I’m so proud of my project this week too. Just finished with wax (a first for me) and love, love it and will be posting on Monday along with my project for next week (and it’s a biggie …).
Thanks so much for the inspiration and much needed accountability! I mean it only took me 365 days to refinish my Craig’s List dresser …
Linda
Diane | An Extraordinary Day
June 8, 2012 at 9:13 pmYay! The new color is lovely!! I’m pretty sure you’ll be happy with it when it’s done!
Great work!
kristin
June 9, 2012 at 8:28 pmIt is looking fabulous Kristi!!
XO
Kristin
Christina Nolen
June 29, 2012 at 5:58 amI like the new color. It is bright and perfectly soothing to eyes. The grains look smooth and they are well polished. You have done a good job. Carry on.