Red Sewing Table

My red sewing table is finally finished. After some long months of deciding on what color to paint it, then finding a good indoor spot to work on it, then actually working on it, it is done. Last summer I picked up this sewing table (sans sewing machine) off the curb and brought it home to refinish. I liked the shape of the legs and knew it would be easy to sand since most of it was flat.

It took me a while to decide what color to finish it. I wanted to try something new for sure. All my previous pieces were either natural oak or black. Since I wanted to spice things up with my furniture color, I decided to go with a colored stain. I chose Spice by Minwax (how appropriate!) in a water-based formula and then I got to work. Before I show you that, take a look at what the piece looked like before. It was pretty beat up on the top but on the inside you could see the previous stain well.

My first step was to sand it down well. I got the chance to use my detail sander in the corners on this one and it worked great.

After the sanding was the conditioning then the staining. it was bright red. For a moment I was afraid it would be too bright, but after the second coat of stain, it darkened a bit.

Last was putting on the poly, which was also water-based like the conditioner and the stain. I put on three coats and lightly sanded in between. I love the finished look of poly, it puts a nice sheen on the piece.

Here is the finished piece.

I haven't yet decided where I will put it on my apartment, so I'll have it in the living room until then. The front had a hole for a knob and I found this cute leaf one at WoodCraft, so I put that on. I think it's a little small for the piece, so I'll be on the look out for one that is more substantial.

Here is one more before and after shot.

Let me know what you think of the red. Yes, no? Should I do more pieces in this color? I'm joining friends for Furniture Feature Friday and Feature Yourself Friday.