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Getting the Restoration Hardware Look

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Hey, everyone!  I am excited to share  a fun project with you. I needed a new project/craft table anyway, so when I came across this gorgeous unfinished pine table from IKEA, I knew I had my canvas.  It did require assembly, but that was worth the price.  Read on to see how I achieved the restoration hardware look.

Restoration hardware look, staining with oxidized steel wool and tea

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Staining wood with oxidized steel wool and tea:

I usually like to just jump right in on projects, but it does take some time for the steel wool to dissolve in the vinegar, so be prepared to wait…and wait…and wait.  It took a few days to get the majority of the steel wool to dissolve in the vinegar, so you’ll definitely want to plan ahead with this one.  Once the steel wool/vinegar was ready, I boiled some VERY strong black tea and let it cool.

I refered to this tutorial several times from Keeping It Cozy.  She has amazing photos and her tutorial is very easy to follow.

These are the steps I used:

  1. Cover the floor…this is a messy task!
  2. Prepare all items you’ll need:  vinegar/steel wool mixture, black tea, inexpensive paint brushes x2-3, cloths to wipe drips (you’ll want to wipe up any drops/spills quickly before the staining starts).
  3. Now for the fun!  Start by dipping one of your paint brushes in the TEA.  You might want to dab it with a cloth to keep the drips to a minimum.  Then systematically paint the entire table.  The table will darken, but just slightly.  The real magic happens when you paint on the vinegar/steel wool, so don’t get too anxious yet!
  4. After the tea has had time to dry, use your other paint brush to paint on the vinegar/dissolved steel wool.  Once again, be very careful of little drips…wipe them immediately.  Try to be as even as possible when applying this layer.  If you put more layers in one spot, it will be darker when it dries.  This is the step you will REALLY notice the staining process.  After you have completely applied this layer onto the table, do a quick glance to catch any spills/drips you might have missed earlier.  Be sure to check around the edges.  Now….time to wait.  Let it dry completely as the color deepens significantly as it dries.  If you would like it a bit darker, apply another layer of the vinegar/steel wool.  But, if you are happy with the results, you are ready for your sealant/top coat.
  5.  Top coat:  I used Minwax Polycrylic in Matte, using two coats.  Be certain to allow dry time between coats and follow directions on can.
Getting the Restoration Hardware Look
Getting the Restoration Hardware Look

I LOVE it!  I use it as my blogging desk and the color is exactly what I was looking for.  Give it a try and I think you will like it too!  If you do, let me know how it goes!

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