Mainfloor Half Bath: "In Progress"

<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The main floor half bath is another work in progress, but definitely an improvement!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>It is much easier to begin to transform a space in which everything is replaced (see the progress in the guest room half bath <strong><a href="http://dans-le-townhouse.blogspot.com/2010/11/master-bedroom-half-bathroom-before-in.html">here</a></strong></span>.  Deciding to keep the perfectly functioning toilet and the mint condition vanity (read about my reasoning for trying to salvage <strong><a href="http://dans-le-townhouse.blogspot.com/2010/11/diy-re-varnished-cabinet-fronts.html">here</a></strong>. made creating a beautiful space more challenging.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  So I welcome suggestions . . . </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_zRCrHDjwjwb-gpOo-V-k4_V-SRTbZUb-9m92GVB624aLuEuEPPZhhVGycBtrdA9ZANKkGvmiVnrPIsqKc08QE-rFsH1HvJQc_9RRSuLn0_w-p2sGbHi582HuECjtRWUbGsngBkJAfCY/s1600/P1030158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_zRCrHDjwjwb-gpOo-V-k4_V-SRTbZUb-9m92GVB624aLuEuEPPZhhVGycBtrdA9ZANKkGvmiVnrPIsqKc08QE-rFsH1HvJQc_9RRSuLn0_w-p2sGbHi582HuECjtRWUbGsngBkJAfCY/s400/P1030158.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Before"</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmfF_O6GzVPOWK2tIMQ3MhH4Kyvd3-U_Cul0fhLStfZzCNuHNKClpEvTvvrNAkqDA1npRF-rVQeZulKNSkefSz5idL6mkVWst5JgMccKN7PzKjwFx4VtwD3BqxZGyjWMB8O1cOyjxYw5c/s1600/P1030159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmfF_O6GzVPOWK2tIMQ3MhH4Kyvd3-U_Cul0fhLStfZzCNuHNKClpEvTvvrNAkqDA1npRF-rVQeZulKNSkefSz5idL6mkVWst5JgMccKN7PzKjwFx4VtwD3BqxZGyjWMB8O1cOyjxYw5c/s400/P1030159.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEAsqCEx5i3cuKQ4NTZ0y1lwqJEksOTKv8bsHpLm_f2hnvI3IhNyZjDpSgM1sSe61DFP7CZDn3I2cnwXTHBA0rMVcVGUkfCJIjwsaxsQhJz2jZw8kgvK0C2nelBV83iFPMUT4ZOol5Nts/s1600/P1030160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEAsqCEx5i3cuKQ4NTZ0y1lwqJEksOTKv8bsHpLm_f2hnvI3IhNyZjDpSgM1sSe61DFP7CZDn3I2cnwXTHBA0rMVcVGUkfCJIjwsaxsQhJz2jZw8kgvK0C2nelBV83iFPMUT4ZOol5Nts/s400/P1030160.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEianYDlFRsJkVho5Ljtg_Wrwq0pYqdf9JtWJAY0S5SpmYjpj8xwosuD2kQWytnlxvq55j-sgnxN0JzEp9LiWqfelozhOVjQzqhue3QHbrS4RwRyj8UtS90XRoP-CpDvH-tFsositxv_Z2Q/s1600/P1030321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEianYDlFRsJkVho5Ljtg_Wrwq0pYqdf9JtWJAY0S5SpmYjpj8xwosuD2kQWytnlxvq55j-sgnxN0JzEp9LiWqfelozhOVjQzqhue3QHbrS4RwRyj8UtS90XRoP-CpDvH-tFsositxv_Z2Q/s400/P1030321.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This light fixture needed a photograph of its own</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>First step</strong>: remove wallpaper in a fit of near-hysteria.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>I just wanted it gone, gone, gone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>Using a spray-on wallpaper remover helped, but when I ran out and refilled the bottle with water it seemed to work just as effectively.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>Working slowly, drenching the paper then peeling like crazy seemed to be the best approach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizvNEkvthyphenhyphen0XdS24X06GVKxoRg1R8RcwAgsQdN5G7iv7yiQaOTABSAgqDOGSl2bl3uL1y7ID1p1G6I9j5xbyQs-XO_4px2BQu6FN2BICVjP63TGwg3SA-qnI5QJ1TvznaPUdfM2jwdh1U/s1600/P1030707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizvNEkvthyphenhyphen0XdS24X06GVKxoRg1R8RcwAgsQdN5G7iv7yiQaOTABSAgqDOGSl2bl3uL1y7ID1p1G6I9j5xbyQs-XO_4px2BQu6FN2BICVjP63TGwg3SA-qnI5QJ1TvznaPUdfM2jwdh1U/s400/P1030707.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEv3zFBDvvBQfM_1MvrNvnx3_JIpf12SZ-Cecm1WJLX3AVF0CSOMXMpF8oeMwFLxEzhyKzGZ_iGF7sDDXBUPsQ8XZwZdW1N62B67GMaEdV72n-QSaOgqTq8mZ7XmWFhHvvsWkpvCutC-0/s1600/P1030705.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEv3zFBDvvBQfM_1MvrNvnx3_JIpf12SZ-Cecm1WJLX3AVF0CSOMXMpF8oeMwFLxEzhyKzGZ_iGF7sDDXBUPsQ8XZwZdW1N62B67GMaEdV72n-QSaOgqTq8mZ7XmWFhHvvsWkpvCutC-0/s400/P1030705.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It is more effective if you rip with dramatic gusto</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG-Cwpx7RPTrwx62A4RJzFeU0ZXV7rjTbcONX7CwhurFpPjJZNvpaeWIlmaloX4Z7syYQZxjubrTXxTpPBn-CdwtO0km0UTpKNVZ0EASwxjcpOEI7f1ZOQIM4XppKmU8-pqoRpdH5-7dI/s1600/P1030704.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG-Cwpx7RPTrwx62A4RJzFeU0ZXV7rjTbcONX7CwhurFpPjJZNvpaeWIlmaloX4Z7syYQZxjubrTXxTpPBn-CdwtO0km0UTpKNVZ0EASwxjcpOEI7f1ZOQIM4XppKmU8-pqoRpdH5-7dI/s400/P1030704.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><strong></strong><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>Second step</strong>: the vanity, walls and even the metal pipe cover were painted a soft, taupe grey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>The white used elsewhere would have made the bone coloured toilet stand-out and I wanted it to blend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span></span><br /><br /><strong>Third step</strong>: details.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>We replaced the light fixture with one that matches the stairwell and upstairs hallway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>A new mirror, (refurbished) cabinet pulls and new hinges, plus a print by my mom were added.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>But it still looked worn out.<br /><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg69NwMiYiy-qvIEsieyqUazAOcO_35dpy1ka55_AvC39MjPZXrxJLp7i6E3yD0clEXLZMOvddc9X6YsUSeORnQh3791RV6JOHUh8m7ibXWuKp5Qe-bg795TM02QSWpyMqXdCp1BufQXsM/s1600/P1030886.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg69NwMiYiy-qvIEsieyqUazAOcO_35dpy1ka55_AvC39MjPZXrxJLp7i6E3yD0clEXLZMOvddc9X6YsUSeORnQh3791RV6JOHUh8m7ibXWuKp5Qe-bg795TM02QSWpyMqXdCp1BufQXsM/s400/P1030886.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking better(ish) . . . </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>Fourth step</strong>: bigger stuff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>We replaced the countertop with the same counter used in the kitchen and added a square-ish vessel sink (round sinks looked way too mod for the space) and a new black faucet and drain (which were ridiculously hard to find) and some colourful hand towels.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2WMD7yq8jGhc8M0aUhEV15AdBcph-UVoeWiEDIw8RaOxVNaBFudsWBuyNq2-QaivGLCOxJSRcbObvl47DOzMVUXoNaj5oFWl5sSPlN59mQ-GTFATejSuQhM3akUZfURMpobF9mY0yefg/s1600/P1050726.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2WMD7yq8jGhc8M0aUhEV15AdBcph-UVoeWiEDIw8RaOxVNaBFudsWBuyNq2-QaivGLCOxJSRcbObvl47DOzMVUXoNaj5oFWl5sSPlN59mQ-GTFATejSuQhM3akUZfURMpobF9mY0yefg/s640/P1050726.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I spray painted the handles from the guest room half bath black and installed them here!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9qSQY39r1vwSw4s0bK-X-puARqFQjIyykE4x8G61jHhEjnV2mpvnGk_F5y8MAN8rKlizRw4PFjj9KtuiTn3Hn7GFJLzn_FqNQYNCHHY6A-NqhcVJ7bMDGy1a44YEtDHU-yGH6kdrtXqM/s1600/P1050731.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9qSQY39r1vwSw4s0bK-X-puARqFQjIyykE4x8G61jHhEjnV2mpvnGk_F5y8MAN8rKlizRw4PFjj9KtuiTn3Hn7GFJLzn_FqNQYNCHHY6A-NqhcVJ7bMDGy1a44YEtDHU-yGH6kdrtXqM/s400/P1050731.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXtSzfOkCOnMkRq-uQfJhlpKlKG0bXyLl6Ls2FUkkFFYZtODUGE0OxHOTdtJe_CwQBFx97z_rkt_5OxBuMSwZnzBv4knmJ2q2uBuziWSo_vUFQFsfmg9dVDLKgPkQQh0O6abEc-W9Jh9A/s1600/P1050733.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXtSzfOkCOnMkRq-uQfJhlpKlKG0bXyLl6Ls2FUkkFFYZtODUGE0OxHOTdtJe_CwQBFx97z_rkt_5OxBuMSwZnzBv4knmJ2q2uBuziWSo_vUFQFsfmg9dVDLKgPkQQh0O6abEc-W9Jh9A/s640/P1050733.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLcrAil59aMqCIpIyHQRs0z3n9rnzur3YdEEZCgARHsSaEm_Zz0-EqDdg0_uAQ2DPboF4MWUZLVEV_joZNe7kePZe3wXYxtVTJG55NwwpZk28t1m2rDu2DetaZZH_g6pu_hO1oq0o7bQc/s1600/P1060435.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLcrAil59aMqCIpIyHQRs0z3n9rnzur3YdEEZCgARHsSaEm_Zz0-EqDdg0_uAQ2DPboF4MWUZLVEV_joZNe7kePZe3wXYxtVTJG55NwwpZk28t1m2rDu2DetaZZH_g6pu_hO1oq0o7bQc/s400/P1060435.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">This bathroom isn’t anything super special (yet), but it is definitely better!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>I still need to change the towel bar, paint </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">the radiator (is that possible?) and add some more artwork/accessories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>Any suggestions for a great towel bar?</span>

Mainfloor Half Bath: "In Progress"

The main floor half bath is another work in progress, but definitely an improvement!   It is much easier to begin to transform a space in wh...

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DIY Re-Varnished Cabinet Fronts

This project makes a subtle but important <span style="font-family: inherit;">difference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>Here’s the back-story and the how-to:</span><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">We have sent a lot of renovation detritus to the landfill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>None of what we tore out was suitable for the Habitat for Humanity Restore (or anyone else).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>Literal truckloads of carpet and baseboards were hauled away, plus two toilets, two vanities, two bathroom sinks, two bathroom faucets, a kitchen sink, and other bits and bobs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>So we have been trying really hard to salvage what we can.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>One thing we decided to keep was our kitchen cabinetry.</span></div><div> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">But our cabinets needed a lot of work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>Although keeping cabinetry seems to be a new trend in renovating (especially when budget is an issue) a lot of folks paint their cabinets as a solution.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>Well, painting ours weren’t an option.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>With a husband who grew up in a wood working studio, getting him to part with natural wood can be difficult.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>And eventually I grew to love the grain of our cabinetry too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><u><strong>But what to do when they looked like this?</strong></u></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVSI5G3AFvnqv5LjEj5oHcPO9FVztf-zlramtRPhrw7QPqYokQ5WefDN7RWATw4nqi_5UeOFWDfLerrQMZnrme7-fjljL2i6AdFAIc25rk2RIg2APp5UkGVaBj2l4FN6C-LcsGFpZxyuE/s1600/P1030148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVSI5G3AFvnqv5LjEj5oHcPO9FVztf-zlramtRPhrw7QPqYokQ5WefDN7RWATw4nqi_5UeOFWDfLerrQMZnrme7-fjljL2i6AdFAIc25rk2RIg2APp5UkGVaBj2l4FN6C-LcsGFpZxyuE/s400/P1030148.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Before" - Yikes.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD-vJKrnzpL9Ia-Ua3IiVJa5_2cLuR_-qK2F5sDf77sXNNSYP8NuNM2-YcieRkOfkYXUVVYx7KONm0YEY58Jimt0q1rGkGsKzsDEVAcJnV0tEeaOq9aQWyGjP_X10jT9Lkig2S2MhfjuQ/s1600/P1030208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD-vJKrnzpL9Ia-Ua3IiVJa5_2cLuR_-qK2F5sDf77sXNNSYP8NuNM2-YcieRkOfkYXUVVYx7KONm0YEY58Jimt0q1rGkGsKzsDEVAcJnV0tEeaOq9aQWyGjP_X10jT9Lkig2S2MhfjuQ/s400/P1030208.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not our taste, but I sold these handles at a garage sale!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">We headed to our local Home Hardware store for advice and while there, also garnered some advice from a professional in the field.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>My father-in-law (a woodworker) recommended a chemical stripper because a belt sander might remove too much veneer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>So, with everyone's advice in mind, we made a <strong>list</strong>:</span><br /><br /><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Chemical stripper</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Water based varnish (semi-gloss)</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Inexpensive brush for stripping</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Better brush for varnish application</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Rubber gloves (the stripper ate right through the first pair)</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sandpaper (80 & 180 or 200)</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Paint scraper (metal, not plastic)</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Protective eye wear</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Rags</span> </div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">How to re-varnish cabinet fronts:</span></b></div><ul><li><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Take down cabinet fronts and remove hardware</span></div></li><li><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Put on gloves and protective eyewear (stripper will <u>sting</u>!)</span></div></li><li><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Decant stripper into a glass or metal container for ease of use </span></div></li><li><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Apply chemical stripper with a cheap brush</span></div></li><li><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Follow manufacturer’s instructions for wait time</span></div></li><li><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Using metal scraper, scrape with the grain, removing finish</span></div></li><li><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Reapply stripper as required until finish is removed</span></div></li><li><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Use a rag to wipe off excess stripper</span></div></li><li><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Lightly sand areas with 80 grit that didn’t get reached by stripper</span></div></li><li><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Use a clean rag to wipe off an dust/debris</span></div></li><li><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">You could stain cabinet fronts at this point</i></span></div></li><li><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Apply a light coat of varnish with a good brush (don’t want to lose bristles)</span></div></li><li><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Use slow, smooth strokes in the direction of the grain</span></div></li><li><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">When dry (follow manufacturer’s instructions) lightly sand with 180 or 200 grit sandpaper</span></div></li><li><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Wipe clean with dry cloth</span></div></li><li><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Apply second thin coat of varnish, try to smooth out any bubbles</span></div></li></ul><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Some Tips:  </b></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Water based varnish was recommended by a professional in the field because it easy to clean and easier to breathe, but still t</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">ry to do this in a well-ventilated & well-lit area.  </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Do all of the removal and then all of the varnishing at the same time.  And don't forget the cabinet boxes, for a unified look.  </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">There are many finishes available—a bit of gloss/sheen will reflect light and camouflage small flaws.</span><br /><br /><u>Very important</u>:  <span style="font-family: inherit;">A fan may seem like a good idea to speed up the drying process, but you might just blow dust onto your tacky cabinet fronts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>Just a hint.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span></span><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg0rBVhsWhXaRg9dmqrba8XHgDmC34HSd5k5f2FKlKpUU5Zq4Pcri-n4HNpkWlUQc_RQZb4Tom2tY8MHfFwG4jsOGBXxLxVU3qkhDM2jcbMXBF8eqLzRiMH2AM6kTNV6YI_R8RF4n5MDU/s1600/P1050627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg0rBVhsWhXaRg9dmqrba8XHgDmC34HSd5k5f2FKlKpUU5Zq4Pcri-n4HNpkWlUQc_RQZb4Tom2tY8MHfFwG4jsOGBXxLxVU3qkhDM2jcbMXBF8eqLzRiMH2AM6kTNV6YI_R8RF4n5MDU/s400/P1050627.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After the re-varnishing and onto the tiling.  But look at those cabinets gleam!</td></tr></tbody></table><div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwHkDkINXof15vKv-726o-IGYMEuk_ZWb0i4HXxBLI_eOBzOssPm6nHwxVU9vHkXGRrHf2sa8S5ogB0MtoXViAW_pi9uURT7MZ1VLAVMHGJVdRHx569dpcLWNPpMaZdhlX8-03GEiFNFo/s1600/P1050623.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwHkDkINXof15vKv-726o-IGYMEuk_ZWb0i4HXxBLI_eOBzOssPm6nHwxVU9vHkXGRrHf2sa8S5ogB0MtoXViAW_pi9uURT7MZ1VLAVMHGJVdRHx569dpcLWNPpMaZdhlX8-03GEiFNFo/s400/P1050623.JPG" width="400" /></a></div></div> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqSM97WL0ddyPLcIuagvjWiiXAqubacNgIkcN0H4ye9VLc_1vSe7G7c3f3QBP8lBCau852vk1Hhyphenhyphen9Wn-JnV5Q-J3K7ONfTU4JHWd66e9QuEcFktZnsARb2uPN3kyji-7BjdDNOpyVXkm8/s1600/P1060047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqSM97WL0ddyPLcIuagvjWiiXAqubacNgIkcN0H4ye9VLc_1vSe7G7c3f3QBP8lBCau852vk1Hhyphenhyphen9Wn-JnV5Q-J3K7ONfTU4JHWd66e9QuEcFktZnsARb2uPN3kyji-7BjdDNOpyVXkm8/s640/P1060047.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"After" - New hinges and handles helped spiffy up the cabinets</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: inherit;">See more "after" shots <strong><a href="http://dans-le-townhouse.blogspot.com/2010/11/kitchen-before-after.html">here</a></strong>.</span>

DIY Re-Varnished Cabinet Fronts

This project makes a subtle but important difference.   Here’s the back-story and the how-to: We have sent a lot of renovation detritus to t...

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Master Bedroom Half Bath: "Before"

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggd8UutAb3uQWe02cAOztCF2tctGB8N7rIXQAIRgaG5QibUjQ0gfUwv3Oyl31JHIt4cW7kIBme3vYVFId4yRCM7NK4kKseKvNwEvRKFZ1TiyyzF-SqFa-4FFIY1dYchAJcZeOm113IwMQ/s1600/P1030169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggd8UutAb3uQWe02cAOztCF2tctGB8N7rIXQAIRgaG5QibUjQ0gfUwv3Oyl31JHIt4cW7kIBme3vYVFId4yRCM7NK4kKseKvNwEvRKFZ1TiyyzF-SqFa-4FFIY1dYchAJcZeOm113IwMQ/s400/P1030169.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />No words.<br />Although, you have to appreciate that this house was built with THREE different coloured fixtures: yellow, salmon and ivory.  One night, while ogling our neighbours' garbage piles (people throw out weird stuff), we spotted a pale purple toilet and sink.  Wow!  It seems that to make up for our homes being nearly identical on the outside, the builders went wild with the fixtures.  <br />Can you see the cabinet handles?  You'll find them elsewhere in the house in the "after" shots!

Master Bedroom Half Bath: "Before"

No words. Although, you have to appreciate that this house was built with THREE different coloured fixtures: yellow, salmon and ivory.  One ...

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