I discovered an exciting product this week that may have saved my sanity during this One Room Challenge, and I’m so excited to share it! I’m not the most experienced DIY-er, but this is up there on one of my favorite updates.
I purchased this midcentury modern dining table on Facebook Marketplace a few months ago for about $200. It was in rough shape — cracked and chipped veneer, missing a center leaf, and extremely wobbly. I couldn’t get over the sleek base and perfect oval shape.
I was DREADING the refinishing process. Last ORC, I refinished this buffet. It was a beast, and I just didn’t have the time or energy to tackle a similar project right now.
An Autumn DIY Miracle
I came across Restor-a-finish while waiting for paint at Lowe’s. It claimed to restore color, blend out scratch, remove heat rings, and (most importantly) be EASY. It was worth a shot. The table couldn’t get worse!
I read the instructions and grabbed some extra fine steel wool and walnut-colored wood putty (for the chips in the veneer).
I first gave the entire desk a light sanding with the steel wool. Then, I used my handy, old putty knife to fill the holes in the veneer. I used my fingers to smooth it out – I’m not fancy, y’all.
Once the putty was dry, I went back over it with the steel wool, and also scrubbed out the permanent marker and places with flaking veneer. Next, I used a clean steel wood to wipe on the Restor-A-Finish. I wiped with the grain of the wood. Holy moley! That stuff worked like a charm!
I seriously couldn’t believe my eyes. I left it on the desk overnight. I’m not sure if that is too long, but I figured it could use a good soaking.
The next morning, I wiped it off with a microfiber cloth. There are still obvious imperfections, but this is a work table. I am absolutely THRILLED to have saved myself HOURS of time.
Indecision strikes
I’m so happy that I was able to refinish the desk so easily, because choosing a paint color hasn’t been so simple. I have three interior color schemes that I love, and I am stuck on which to choose. I turned to my Instagram friends for help.
Our home is mostly the middle one, but I think a rich pop of color like the other two options would be seriously amazing.
Until I have a better idea about the direction for color, I’m focusing on the gallery wall and DIY bookshelf. Hopefully I’ll have some updates to share about that next week.
I also had to pivot on my light fixture. The one I loved isn’t available to ship until January, but I found more affordable option that will work. I always look at those situations as opportunities to stretch my interior design style. So, I’m excited to see the new choice in the room.
If you missed any of the Fall One Room Challenge posts, you can check them out below.
- Designing an Elegant, Moody Home Office and Library – Weeks 1 & 2
- My Moody Bohemian Office Design Board – Week 3 of the Fall One Room Challenge
If you’d like to follow along with all of the One Room Challenge participants, click on the logo below.
I’ll be back next week to give more updates. Thanks for stopping by my today. Let’s stay in touch! Subscribe below to receive posts by email or follow me on Instagram or Facebook.
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