A lot of the times when I am doing projects I’ll try new products.  You never know when you are going to find that one perfect product (which there usually isn’t for everything) but I thought I would give you an update on old projects… how they are holding up, would I have used a different product or technique… I am all about honesty here so let’s review.

Butterfly Nightstand…

I cannot get a picture to show the problem with the butterfly nightstand… but it is YELLOW.  I didn’t know the rule about how oil based products will yellow over time.  Well it happened.  Luckily, people that see it think that it was intentional (which it absolutely WAS NOT).  I am still planning on getting a beveled mirrored top cut for the nightstand.  I think this will camouflage the most obvious area, which is the top.  Doing it again, I would have used a water based polyurethane for sure.  I have actually thrown that can of oil based poly away so I wouldn’t accidentally use it again.

 

Campaign Inspired Ikea Malm Dresser…

Everyone has been skeptical of the Rustoleum Appliance Spray Epoxy holding up… Well, 6 months later, it looks as good as new.  I would recommend leaving your sprayed piece(s) alone for a full 24 hours to cure.  I did chip one of the drawers within the first day.  But I simply added another coat & let it sit.  It has been fine ever since.  If this is going to go somewhere with a lot of wear & tear I would recommend the old fashioned method of priming & painting with my fav Sherwin Williams ProClassic paint.  It’s enamel like finish will hold up to the test.
Before
6 Months Later…
Again, I tried a new product on this one.  I used Minwax PolyAcrylic & it did not protect the surface.  So I applied a coat of WATER based polyurethane.  This has solved the chipping & scratching problem.  Luckily it scratched in an area that I cover up with decorative books…
 
Luckily, all the other projects are holding their own.  We are still especially proud of the quality of our headboard.  It looks just as good today as it did the day we built it.
I’ll be sure to keep you all posted on products/techniques that I attempt to use.  I must admit, I do much more research now.