Just purchased an old cabinet which I will convert into an alcohol cabinet/counter. Deciding on how I will want it to look and at the same time, consequentially adding to my list of supplies. Congrats on the new pooch :-)
I have an antique picture frame I am going to restore. It seems to have a “texture” on it over the wood and am not sure what to put on it first after cleaning. Any suggestions what to use on it to start the restoration process? 😊
Very helpful and thanks for keeping yourself on track but also plugging your other videos!! I’m a true beginner and need to learn EVERYTHING from scratch
You are so welcome! I just started a BACK TO BASICS video series. My most recent video was titled "How to Prep Before You Paint Furniture". You should check it out.
@madelinejeanantiquesrestor9074 Instead of having a tube of activator, which usually runs out before the tub of bonds, Durhams mixes with water. You can mix it a little thin, so it runs into small cracks. Dries 10 mins and you sand in 15. Gets as hard as Bondo
When you started belting out #1-12 from Sesame Street, I nearly lost it. That was one of my favorite bits from that show. I guess it shows me age as well🤣
Love the tips and tricks of the trade that you share. Keep up the good work. Also, denatured alcohol is the solvent in shellac. I use denatured alcohol to clean my shellac brushes. Works for both the Amber shellac and the Zinsser BIN white shellac. After my brushes are clean, I dump the denatured alcohol back in their respective shellac containers. With Amber shellac, I just add additional shellac flakes to the mix. With Zinsser BIN, I don't add anything. I just dump the alcohol back in.
Ma’an your comment is FULL of useful tidbits!!!! Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I usually throw away my shellac brushes. Now I know how to clean them. Thank you so much!
I just started a furniture restoration business. Could you give me some info on the best suppliers and if anyone does ney 30 accounts. I really need some supplies. Thanks
You are right! I should have added that with the foam brush. Ugh. So many supplies that you need. My thinking was probably most people start out waxing furniture and then they branch out to water-based and oil based topcoats that’s where the nylon booty comes into play.
Madeline, I just used Varathane Diamond finish top coat on my table top and chairs. It’s been 3 weeks and the smell is still absolutely potent and I can’t use them yet. What is a better alternative thats very durable but that won’t stink for long?
Are we talking an oil based topcoat? I’m going to assume we are because you mentioned the finish smelled potent. I absolutely love two topcoats by General Finishes. Their Gel Poly topcoat is amazing and so is their Arm n Seal topcoat. I apply both with a 2” foam brush. I have excellent results and no lingering stinky smell.
Bethany, I just ordered 25 lbs of rags from one of my suppliers for my business. My contact said this is what her painting and staining clients order. They are used, washed and in great condition. I haven't found any issues with any of them. They are basically old T-shirts and 100% cotton. Pricing on the rags is about $0.85 to $1.50 per pound. Great Deal. Let me know if you're interested and I'll send you the info.
These are great tips and suggestions! In regards to the shellac…do you use shellac and a primer? Or, do you just use shellac and then paint? Thanks letting us see sweet Bacon. Loved the Bacon and Biscuit pics at the end 👍
I use primer (which is usually white) only when I’m painting white pieces OR I’ll be distressing a gray painted piece and I want the under color to be white and peek through. I don’t like wasting my good white paint so I’ll use cheap white primer as a base when I’m painting white pieces (serves as a primer and a good first coat). I’m hoping I’m making sense. So with white pieces it’s Shellac two coats, white primer (basically first coat), then my good white paint. If I’m painting a piece black, green, dark blue, etc. and I don’t want a white to be underneath and I’m not distressing (like a white primer) I just simple use Shellac, it serves just fine as a primer to block stains and wood tannins. I always apply two coats of shellac. Isn’t Bacon Bits just the cutest? He’s hyper but a good puppy. He’s completely potty trained. Biscuit has warmed up to him too!
I’m glad you found it helpful! I’m currently working on my next video. I’ll be doing another tutorial with a top 10 list, this time on tools and gadgets.