Countertop Progress — Old Color Vs. New Color

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?