LIVING
Photo and post by Cara Jean Means
thedidenizen.com
The Girl and the Magenta Table; A Love Story
I'm not sure where I originally acquired my love for magenta, but for months I have been conspiring up ways to use it in my home. When I decided to re-redo my kitchen (my first attempt was a failure) I knew I had to find a way to use this color. Sanding the table top proved to be fast and easy. Then it came to me, like it was delivered by some seraphic being sent from the decorating gods; I could paint the table top magenta! It wouldn't be too hard to undo if I ever grew tired of magenta (knock on wood). I had figured out a way for magenta and I to finally be together! Now I just had to convince my husband.
“It's not hot pink honey, it's Ma-gen-ta. No, I KNOW it will look good. Last time didn't count. Because I just messed up, ok. This time the whole design plan is better. It's the only thing in the house that is remotely girlie. It's not purple either. Ma-gen-ta. Ok, pretty much a cross between pink and purple. I'll get you an X-Box on my way home. Pause. Thanks, I knew you'd think it was a good idea.”
I was unable to find the exact color in paint but was ecstatic to find the perfect shade in wood stain. I also liked the idea of being able to preserve some of the natural wood grain look. Since stain sands away about as easily as paint I decided to go for it. It turned out great! It's bold enough to have some attitude but is not obnoxious. I love it even more that I thought I would. The other day my husband was comforting the dog because I was ignoring her. He said, “Don't worry Clover, she still loves you better than me. Actually, she loves her magenta table best, then you, then me.” I'm not sure where the kids place. It changes everyday, usually according to how much oatmeal they desecrate the magenta table with.
Here's how to resurface your kitchen table top:
1. Sand ALL old stain or paint off the wood. Begin with 60 grit sandpaper. It is very important to sand all the way down to raw wood if you are going to stain. If you plan on painting, it is only necessary to good a good “tooth” to the surface. After all the old stain is removed, use a finer grit, like 120 or 220 to achieve an even, smooth surface. I highly recommend that you rent or buy a power sander. Your biceps recommend it too.
2. If your table has previously been stained a very dark color, you will probably not be able to go lighter with your new color, depending on how dark the raw wood looks after sanding. There are two types of wood stain; oil based and water based. This chart will help you decide what type will best suit your needs.
Allow me to expound:
Fast Drying is both a pro and a con to water based stain. A surface as big as a table must be painted in portions, and because it dries so quickly (within 3-6 minutes) it is easy to see the "seams". After four coats and tedious rubbing with a cloth, may finally blend.
Water based is nearly odor-less, which is a pro especially for someone who doesn't have an outdoor space to work in, or if it's too cold to do it outside. Oil based may be smelly to apply and difficult to clean up, but it is cheaper and more durable than water based. Its water resistance makes it a great choice for tables and counters.
3. Follow the instructions on the can when applying the stain, which basically consist of painting the stain on, letting it sit for a few minutes, and wiping it back off. I enjoy oil based stain during this part because it gives you time to play around with the way the stain goes on.
4. Apply two or more coats of lacquer for durability. Use the same base of lacquer as you did stain or it won't be compatible. For paint the rule is slightly different. Oil based paint can be applied on top of water based paint, but it will not work the other way around.
5. Give the surface 2-3 days to fully cure, and pretty much forbid your children to use it until they are 16.
Water based lacquer will dry completely clear, which is good if you are applying it over white or light colored paint. Oil based will appear amber or honey colored when dry which is not a problem if you apply it over a really dark color, but it will cause white or light colored paint to yellow (picture cigarette smokers teeth). Used alone, oil based lacquer will bring amazing color and warmth to raw wood while some believe that water based is cold and lifeless.
If you feel like a certain color and you are just meant to be and are considering taking the plunge, here's a few things to keep in mind:
1. How hard would it be to undo? Paint is just paint, I always say, which can and should be painted over on occasion. It's fairly cheap and the only other thing you are out is some hard work. Decide for yourself whether the possibility of undo-ing is worth taking a bold chance.
2. How much do you like the color? Have you liked it for six or more months? Date the color. Get to know it before you commit. (This coming from a girl who got engaged after only 6 weeks.)
3. Less is More. The major mistake I made the first time I decorated my kitchen was that I used a bold color on ALL the walls. It was too much and I ended up hating it.
4. It's Your House. Although other people may live with you, and you might want to get their approval, realize that all the naysayers don't! You are the one living with it, what do they care?
5. Once you build up the nerve to do it, get er' done! Don't wait around too long or you may change your mind.
I conclude with a quote.
“Such is the pleasure of projecting that many content themselves with a succession of visionary schemes, and wear out their allotted time in the calm amusement of contriving what they never attempt or hope to execute.” Samuel Johnson.
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to see the whole kitchen Re-Redo.