Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Frustrating

I have had a frustrating day. First, I thought hubby was going to be home today, but informed me last night that he had a school in-service all day. I was hoping for his help with the children who need some space from each other (7 more days until school starts!). Grounded 1 of them today--too much fighting!

I am working on a special order that is taking me much longer than I had hoped--6 chairs and a dining room table with 6, yes 6, leaves. I am painting it black and distressing it. Which distresses me. I've done it plenty, but it just seems to be having issues. First, I used tinted primer, which I never do. The darkest they could tint it was a blue gray, which when I sanded, you could see and the stain wouldn't cover. So after a trip to get darker stain, and doing some touch up to cover some of the gray , some praying, it turned out like I wanted. My sandpaper is gumming up much more than usual, I don't know why, but I bought more so I can change it frequently.

I am getting up at 6:30 AM to work on it--I want it done. I quoted a fairly high price for doing this because I knew the chairs alone would take time. I told my husband before I even did the job, that I was earmarking the money for a new chair for the living room. I keep saying to myself, "This is worth a new chair."

We went for a 5 or so mile hike this evening, which completely helped to clear my head and attitude.

I hope to show you more fun things in a day or two--this painting is just plain boring! But, it is worth a new chair, really it is.

12 comments:

  1. I did that exact same thing with a little side table chest for my daughter. Never again with the gray primer. Ugh. Hope the rest flies by without any problems. The chair looks beautiful. Cant wait to see the whole set.
    Lisa from MN

    ReplyDelete
  2. Black is a beautiful color but so tricky to work with. If I'm distressing something with black I sometimes skip the primer all together. Then make sure to add a coat or two of polyurethane for durability. The gummy sandpaper might be becuase the humidity has been a bit higher than usual, and the paint just doesn't cure as fast. Good luck with your project...looks like you're doing a great job!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I was feeling the frustration and relate to what you were saying so much. I've taken on a few jobs that turned out to be bigger and more headachy than I anticipated they would be. At the end, I always feel grateful, like I've progressed and learned something new. It looks really great!
    T

    ReplyDelete
  4. I am doing a hutch right now for someone and I feel the same way! It will be done today and I'll post it on my blog. Sometimes it's just so time consuming!!! The chair looks awesome! Enjoy your new chair-
    krista

    ReplyDelete
  5. I am doing a hutch right now for someone and I feel the same way! It will be done today and I'll post it on my blog. Sometimes it's just so time consuming!!! The chair looks awesome! Enjoy your new chair-
    krista

    ReplyDelete
  6. Bec the chair looks great! Have a wonderful day:)
    julie

    ReplyDelete
  7. Bec... I have been painting stuff black for a few years now... a little tip for you... instead of sanding... try a damp cloth to distress... I don't prime first though... it will give the "worn" look without the roughness of sand paper... it takes a bit of practice but works great... ... I use a hairdryer to dry to the touch, then wipe it down with the damp rag... those miracle cloths work the best.

    PS... Love your blog... I am a faithful "lurker"...LOL

    Regards, Deborh

    ReplyDelete
  8. It's going to be very pretty, but I'm sure it is boring for you to just "paint" and not paint creatively!
    gail (aka wendygail from hgtv boards)

    ReplyDelete
  9. Sorry you're frustrated right now :( You are doing a fabulous job and I'm sure it's all gonna come together and look wonderful! (Love how the chair turned out.) Keep reminding yourself it's worth that new chair!

    Warmly, ~Michelle :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. Dear Bec...take a deep breathe and think "new chair", "new chair", "new chair" constantly!!! In the meantime - you are doing a wonderful job!!! That is gorgeous!!!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Please share pics when it is all done...looks great!
    Sue

    ReplyDelete
  12. I know that it will look beautiful when you get it finished! Sounds like a huge job. I painted a buffet and hutch black for my kitchen a few years ago and that was tough! Sometimes I even think about going back to white, but when I think of all of the work that would be involved...I change my mind. LOL

    Can't wait to see the pictures!

    ReplyDelete

Thanks so much for taking the time to comment, I really appreciate your kind words!