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/AVvXsEjk7P6_gXLci1JuSfnwRmw6gR3SQMu9YA1V4i7RyXvt-D6NviM8Qr4TybQ_RnvFiBP-Iz0tTQjMjeAqKhIn_73SdMnwoRhd9eKSn2Br_OsDJCZxxekmbN3SO95hLLcdBQCO52YlahSvnjY/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/AVvXsEjk7P6_gXLci1JuSfnwRmw6gR3SQMu9YA1V4i7RyXvt-D6NviM8Qr4TybQ_RnvFiBP-Iz0tTQjMjeAqKhIn_73SdMnwoRhd9eKSn2Br_OsDJCZxxekmbN3SO95hLLcdBQCO52YlahSvnjY/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/AVvXsEirvdHTM3eKNu6sFLiFQCEXMXXXv3xH_XtrHv7y-zmigOo44YWPYS403BDSsYEXd1SU4nRgOetp4RYyNg-Bu5gNi37XdXCocSTImhbsXiU6XtWoY2VsBCpCvlotB6-BbecBJl63UvvXCtU/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/AVvXsEirvdHTM3eKNu6sFLiFQCEXMXXXv3xH_XtrHv7y-zmigOo44YWPYS403BDSsYEXd1SU4nRgOetp4RYyNg-Bu5gNi37XdXCocSTImhbsXiU6XtWoY2VsBCpCvlotB6-BbecBJl63UvvXCtU/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/AVvXsEit8XHb4QBJwvVHyQww6qov-IcDuLhe_8V9OcpyILU2Wi-9X5LOcl558hNpIy7wWRcKqpHtolIrvycVZVYmMb0lbERlLBrnE2SAg3E8FsKSYQ5Wj7943WRGBMU3NkLn8vFxEhRHYJQkkNo/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/AVvXsEit8XHb4QBJwvVHyQww6qov-IcDuLhe_8V9OcpyILU2Wi-9X5LOcl558hNpIy7wWRcKqpHtolIrvycVZVYmMb0lbERlLBrnE2SAg3E8FsKSYQ5Wj7943WRGBMU3NkLn8vFxEhRHYJQkkNo/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/AVvXsEj-m8eOFHIo5QTsuO69xtXkOlYeZrnldrbjKu6gQxNVeHxiNzpYJOwqpCNm4w-ok-5TGsrdroQxxwqUIusVuppvjRnsWCJ91YTHhdDtZMQezaVG4RDBzUq4Sp30tLp4M4KoON4U8wH6GMw/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/AVvXsEj-m8eOFHIo5QTsuO69xtXkOlYeZrnldrbjKu6gQxNVeHxiNzpYJOwqpCNm4w-ok-5TGsrdroQxxwqUIusVuppvjRnsWCJ91YTHhdDtZMQezaVG4RDBzUq4Sp30tLp4M4KoON4U8wH6GMw/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/AVvXsEiMGdTFQqR_Uro0ZV6kven42uVKLsSLc7L_woJGz5sYbScGDDJEtAxcnPQaN-uXk28S2ltuhK_sBTYsLa_DcFbJEHgyPvynoTSIrVoP3XpRLqCztzzIFKs9CuvTXMTuJIPokyZ741BWhRk/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/AVvXsEiMGdTFQqR_Uro0ZV6kven42uVKLsSLc7L_woJGz5sYbScGDDJEtAxcnPQaN-uXk28S2ltuhK_sBTYsLa_DcFbJEHgyPvynoTSIrVoP3XpRLqCztzzIFKs9CuvTXMTuJIPokyZ741BWhRk/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/AVvXsEjYBhrm37_v80BTGpDQfUVQAf7NfIElO8zgM6yq846t2jeHIo6hXsmJtRE7LtafdwT1DlCecogkt6P7ogk0DLCt4_vgVciSEebqbKauT_dTNjqz820tlBjH-96qGzx7O4ewgr_yjN7MLwY/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/AVvXsEjYBhrm37_v80BTGpDQfUVQAf7NfIElO8zgM6yq846t2jeHIo6hXsmJtRE7LtafdwT1DlCecogkt6P7ogk0DLCt4_vgVciSEebqbKauT_dTNjqz820tlBjH-96qGzx7O4ewgr_yjN7MLwY/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/AVvXsEiJ_SZ-S8omY531vi58iqZNBj9U3GMW5KWTw5p6oN3qHMT7-ZyRSJnL0kH7fB8wgmb0EyGwtz9ZHaG_WnRaY62FYPZhbr0pox83b63BJkjtYG7eW7Th-yKy3wavMmlEvqMsmfPKYGU0VjE/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/AVvXsEiJ_SZ-S8omY531vi58iqZNBj9U3GMW5KWTw5p6oN3qHMT7-ZyRSJnL0kH7fB8wgmb0EyGwtz9ZHaG_WnRaY62FYPZhbr0pox83b63BJkjtYG7eW7Th-yKy3wavMmlEvqMsmfPKYGU0VjE/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/AVvXsEjmszJpEXwOzCXld5d5zJbgFgICy7ZqFmCScav4dbp6vo_KvuKm0UAoPN9tLmjAwl2fUsFuHvKPjkkUuHnc96sIBwZRZq3WscsprzS5LwLcaH6T0ygZSYJ_FMhhA2kOuvf-YhVkFxTpFvk/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/AVvXsEjmszJpEXwOzCXld5d5zJbgFgICy7ZqFmCScav4dbp6vo_KvuKm0UAoPN9tLmjAwl2fUsFuHvKPjkkUuHnc96sIBwZRZq3WscsprzS5LwLcaH6T0ygZSYJ_FMhhA2kOuvf-YhVkFxTpFvk/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/AVvXsEhwz2UbjE7JvC8bsinGp8358-nGnl8F-jyqCvwk0-jYsdTAQJYkOBNgYK0MITo-JKgAqu4q4iLG4XaNgEougd8D_4W-3fTOe3AT2RiIpHlCEJLW7m0Mtu-nNhKeizbuYgT9JoiictfDGUs/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/AVvXsEhwz2UbjE7JvC8bsinGp8358-nGnl8F-jyqCvwk0-jYsdTAQJYkOBNgYK0MITo-JKgAqu4q4iLG4XaNgEougd8D_4W-3fTOe3AT2RiIpHlCEJLW7m0Mtu-nNhKeizbuYgT9JoiictfDGUs/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/AVvXsEjMhSKZHuZIG1YHDE8jbxfhoQZm9CJdhdWNK6nZ2SLIVldkLo9ckVcVQvzV5LZpOQyFB12BwU74__64ZFA2nNPUy-9uR9_uxDNrvAgHnJz_hOeYLRtCSjnGvbeLNoxgFgv7-JPvYfhdcGE/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/AVvXsEjMhSKZHuZIG1YHDE8jbxfhoQZm9CJdhdWNK6nZ2SLIVldkLo9ckVcVQvzV5LZpOQyFB12BwU74__64ZFA2nNPUy-9uR9_uxDNrvAgHnJz_hOeYLRtCSjnGvbeLNoxgFgv7-JPvYfhdcGE/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/AVvXsEhT2ly51vNdofKCJFsfJ5YVXaW-YyNO8bA2bDulc8B3OxT43cjv6z-BHa1BxQwXgtaKwBT5IuGQQnm5Kz5jEfB70gZ0fY1AOTsSi73hOu-9tCNAlH3F3VuO8PMCLoLK6O1nwoJEelgFkSM/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/AVvXsEhT2ly51vNdofKCJFsfJ5YVXaW-YyNO8bA2bDulc8B3OxT43cjv6z-BHa1BxQwXgtaKwBT5IuGQQnm5Kz5jEfB70gZ0fY1AOTsSi73hOu-9tCNAlH3F3VuO8PMCLoLK6O1nwoJEelgFkSM/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/AVvXsEikTHP5uBcWCiYfkcWaVemXOhHRWYEbUv4ZPDsl30CgUf-jbG4FitOVuvE3In8TpjfuSxmBdpSTztD9GENzmjcB9QSc56HDO0y2LDlOc8QZWpKxkqrznOseyUwGoAdyfEiwYw5Nnv62Ujk/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/AVvXsEikTHP5uBcWCiYfkcWaVemXOhHRWYEbUv4ZPDsl30CgUf-jbG4FitOVuvE3In8TpjfuSxmBdpSTztD9GENzmjcB9QSc56HDO0y2LDlOc8QZWpKxkqrznOseyUwGoAdyfEiwYw5Nnv62Ujk/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/AVvXsEhdQZ_1_5rommxt0oHZedcDNWCZyzcOwQuk47d60B4iElQvAEFPARR8yDIo1gks5EPgEDBtce3X-lqbPmVA8tWBlQCERg0mNDhNCbiB3hNdJVqyPN_rKJY1PM8A0_fklTTahi-eziVCLaM/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/AVvXsEhdQZ_1_5rommxt0oHZedcDNWCZyzcOwQuk47d60B4iElQvAEFPARR8yDIo1gks5EPgEDBtce3X-lqbPmVA8tWBlQCERg0mNDhNCbiB3hNdJVqyPN_rKJY1PM8A0_fklTTahi-eziVCLaM/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/AVvXsEjOHZ6TR7-mxj-b_o8M63doKzihmKJrZEK3_5AQ-8LYYEoLKV-84Fhvc3TIXaBjK85wbj_XIc0ONG7eF_mTe6dLXaciYaJseGbMy3vmfjsNfoL3BlZXupWR9YrQAhhaAY9vi0CvSpAYXQU/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/AVvXsEjOHZ6TR7-mxj-b_o8M63doKzihmKJrZEK3_5AQ-8LYYEoLKV-84Fhvc3TIXaBjK85wbj_XIc0ONG7eF_mTe6dLXaciYaJseGbMy3vmfjsNfoL3BlZXupWR9YrQAhhaAY9vi0CvSpAYXQU/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/AVvXsEiNOKhK_6C0aIndmdcxwygsBFhRAFrinflX1aSeBPe270NAhEJ5WYNP2qj_sSkk3H42oCgN9qz-ZKa_TpT39Ykt87cJX5Wki8AbwEKK7kLtpbB7IZbeGQ1YvK7HpQOIDa4Km1NpAJb5dgk/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/AVvXsEiNOKhK_6C0aIndmdcxwygsBFhRAFrinflX1aSeBPe270NAhEJ5WYNP2qj_sSkk3H42oCgN9qz-ZKa_TpT39Ykt87cJX5Wki8AbwEKK7kLtpbB7IZbeGQ1YvK7HpQOIDa4Km1NpAJb5dgk/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/AVvXsEhu9ReCSnJCqfBZZlrc8kseK5F_v-WQuxVchIMXCDOUTNy1ReIu4piFnHCVEuitwJDM3SrDoRP7yIR6KaBXDqnafNoWqm6Ne1zAwK6BncHuJXN64sPGjYwUlsYU2LCfXnldFEx-9MXFpfE/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/AVvXsEhu9ReCSnJCqfBZZlrc8kseK5F_v-WQuxVchIMXCDOUTNy1ReIu4piFnHCVEuitwJDM3SrDoRP7yIR6KaBXDqnafNoWqm6Ne1zAwK6BncHuJXN64sPGjYwUlsYU2LCfXnldFEx-9MXFpfE/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/AVvXsEhuUw5GkGrZh6NEnB74FQE81TeloymhUBPtzCV5c45kBj3B3EYuDPD8jDayXh8PIXXURq7Fo6K8alnJkFaFDHC2hG_fgq0H29uzhsEK6ECfZ88FWKpuJDoMM5KiNdK45u1XUdf2V0dvoII/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/AVvXsEhuUw5GkGrZh6NEnB74FQE81TeloymhUBPtzCV5c45kBj3B3EYuDPD8jDayXh8PIXXURq7Fo6K8alnJkFaFDHC2hG_fgq0H29uzhsEK6ECfZ88FWKpuJDoMM5KiNdK45u1XUdf2V0dvoII/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/AVvXsEguxg6C1w0V-7nvJfjJHl2b9LHAG-OiD3vQn3OrBudFdv52W2nLsLNf9CTXW9LVYsMSiw9n7B4XDgwuoT5FNGHf_IyVxI0ByqhvSWa8JahuOQQ5r2D3tD73_UC2m5PEPf3Lq94LtL-2FCA/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/AVvXsEguxg6C1w0V-7nvJfjJHl2b9LHAG-OiD3vQn3OrBudFdv52W2nLsLNf9CTXW9LVYsMSiw9n7B4XDgwuoT5FNGHf_IyVxI0ByqhvSWa8JahuOQQ5r2D3tD73_UC2m5PEPf3Lq94LtL-2FCA/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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