Thursday, November 2, 2017

Final project update- week 3

   Lots of slow progress as been happening this past week!  I removed all cabinet doors, drawer fronts, and drawers.  I even used an electric drill to remove the vanity top and side piece!  I was a little nervous about power tools, but my screwdriver and brute strength weren't cutting it.  After I got the hang of using the right amount of pressure on the trigger, the screws came out easily.  I only stripped one screw, but my husband taught me how to use a rubber band to help the drill catch and remove it.  The rubber band fills the hole and gives the drill something to catch.









 





   My little guys were desperate to be included in the process, so I had them help me scrub everything down with a solution of Dawn dish soap, washing soda, and warm water.   We used a scrub brush and rags to get everything super clean.  Some tutorials used a chemical stripper to remove grime, but I feel like that is overkill.  I wasn't looking forward to those fumes, and besides, I am sanding to rough up the finish anyway.  The bedroom carpet was a little wet, but at least it wasn't soaked by a flammable substance, right?  Sorry about the photos...this is the best you get when the photographer is 4!



      Then, I proceeded to start on the sanding.  I will be honest, this is my least favorite part thus far.  The sand paper leaves my hands dry and raw and the dust goes everywhere.  I should have invested in a mask.  I am glad I moved the doors and drawer fronts to the basement for sanding.  Sanding the vanity base alone is going to make my bedroom a mess.  I intend to tackle that tomorrow with a power sander!  Maybe I won't mind sanding so much then, but I think the paper and sanding block worked best to get all the nooks and crannies in the doors.   I am attempting to include a timelapsed video of me sanding one of the drawer fronts to give you an idea of how time consuming sanding by hand truly is.  And to be clear, I am only scuffing the surfaces with 220 grade sand paper, not removing the finish entirely.




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