My Vintage Porch

Interior Design, DIY, and Refurbishing

How To Lighten And Update Stained Furniture

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I found this hutch in a thrift store, just before Christmas… good for me that it was before Christmas! That made it easier to convince, Trav, my husband, to bring it home for me! I loved the shape of it and all of the glass! I don’t see hutches as often with glass on the sides too! I didn’t love the piece across the bottom that was more decorative, but I knew that we could remove that.

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Initially I thought I was going to paint it. I even painted the entire bottom half and part of the top half black, before I started sanding the finish. When I had the bottom half painted black, I realized i didn’t love it painted.

These photos of me refinishing it may not be the best of quality, I actually forgot to take photos of the process so I did screenshots of my videos that I had shared on Instagram. I wanted to try to make it lighter in wood color so I started sanding…and sanding…and sanding…and sanding…..

I added some photos below of me refinishing the backer board. This was the same process that I did on the entire hutch.

Step One: sand to bare wood

I used 60 grit sandpaper to sand the finish off, followed by 150 grit to smooth it out. It’s important to be careful during the 60 grit process because it can scratch the wood and make permanent sanding marks. It’s tough not to get sanding marks, but going back in with 100 grit to sand the marks out usually works great! Since this hutch is solid wood, it didn’t matter how much I sanded it.

Step 2: White wash…I also find it at my local ACE

I made sure to wipe off all of the sanding dust with a lint free damp cloth and let it dry. It’s very important during this step to make sure that the white wash is applied as smoothly as possible. If there are streaks, the streaks will show up more when the glaze is applied after. Being outside in the dry air of Tucson made my white wash dry super fast. I realized that taking it indoors helped me a little in this process to decrease the streaks.

Step 3: my favorite part… Glaze

The glaze goes on so smoothly once the white wash is applied! I made sure to wipe the glaze off immediately after wiping it on…wax on, wax off. If the glaze dries in an area where it’s too thick, or where it dripped on accident, it stays that way, unless it’s sanded off. It’s “key” to “work fast”.

I did the same thing with the bottom of the hutch, and the top. It was a super long process!

After I had the whole hutch was done, I started working on the shelves. Originally, the hutch had glass shelves. I wanted the hutch to have more of a rustic feel so we cut wood to fit inside for shelving. I refinished the shelving the same way…white wash, then glaze. The nice thing about the shelves is they didn’t have stain on them to start. I just sanded them down with 150 grit sand paper and wiped them clean before, applying the white wash and glaze.

Trav was such a big help during this process! He helped me take out all of the glass in the doors. It was attached with rubber stripping that was stapled in. He took all of the rubber stripping off, removed the staples, took out the glass, and then put the glass back in for me after, with the same rubber stripping, when I was done refinishing the hutch! What a guy!

He said it was very easy to put the glass back in. He just used our staple gun. The only thing is, he had it on too high of a pressure at first and accidentally broke one of the pieces of glass on the sides. We will eventually buy another piece in the future. It’s a small crack and it’s not noticeable since that’s the side that sits in the corner of the room. We also unscrewed and took out the lights that were in the top. Since it originally had glass shelves, the lighting showed through the whole hutch. When I changed the shelves to wood, the lighting would have only showed on the top shelf. I didn’t really want them in there anyways, since they were kind of junky looking.

I’m sure I have to be forgetting to explain something. It felt like this took six months to finish this hutch! I can’t even believe that after! I’m so in love with this technique!! I will eventually put hardware on it. I think I’m going to wait until we build our new house so that I can see what kind of hardware fits that space.

I love that we took off the bottom decorative piece in between the feet! Trav used a hammer and a chisel to remove it. It did make a few jagged spots, but I was OK with that because it just added to the rustic feel!

Do you think this is something that you would ever try? It’s one of my favorite techniques! I’ve actually even refinished pieces and then decided to sand them back down and do this technique because I love it so much better! Don’t be surprised if I do this technique on my entire house, haha! Maybe that’s why I have tendinitis in my right arm now, ugh!

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Comments

    • This is very informative and full of info. I’ve been working on one small piece a little table and the detailed legs are super difficult! It’s a process! You are doing amazing pieces that someday when I get some more space would love to do!! Keep inspiring us and teaching us all new things!! I’m stunned by the oven cleaner on that piece your doing now!! Mind blown!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

  2. ???? Swaggerbecks
    Gorgeous!!! I cannot wait to be out of my apartment and into a house where I can do some things like this!!!

  5. ???? Trav is such a wonderful husband. Your vision and recycling of furniture is so heartwarming. Your process is amazing ????

  6. Thanks for the info… and the contest entry ???? If there was an emoji with starry eyes, I would surely have also added that to my comment. Thanks again!

    • Oops, forgot to add my Insta handle : @gardenerbetty ????????????????????

  7. Oops, forgot to add my Insta handle : @gardenerbetty ????????????????????

  10. Love how you brought that hutch into this decade. I will certainly be taking a second look at some of those honey oak pieces I pass by at the thrift store. BTW, thanks for the laughs. @fine_anddandy ????????

  12. You make me laugh daily. Such a bright spot on IG. Love everything g you do! ????????
    IG name. Janiefox2

  15. ???????? Absolutely love the project and such great tips to try this on my own.

  17. Gorgeous ???????????? Thanks for sharing all your tips, tricks and adventures and for making me laugh daily????
    @naenaekoz

  18. ????
    ???????????????????????? absolutely gorgeous!!!
    @avani_lourdes on Instagram ????

  19. Natalie, ever since I started following you I have been nothing but inspired, humored and blessed to be able to see all of your creations and sharing your family. Your a unique human and glad I found you!

  25. ???????? Your DIY’s are always so inspiring. Thank you for sharing all your tips and tricks. Thank you for also being so open about your love for God❤
    IG handle: @CKTROCKS

  29. So cute.
    So much better with decorative pieces along bottom removed.
    @angiehockeymom

  32. Natalie, your transformation of the hutch is incredible! I’m not sure I would have the patience you had to do all the steps needed to complete the transformation. Great job!???????????? @simplepatina

  36. Handles? Did you ever put handles? It’s gorgeous!
    ???????? kimsuechopsue

    • Don’t answer. I reread the article. Must’ve skipped that paragraph earlier. Good idea to wait!

  38. Beautiful hutch!???? I used to paint furniture but after following you for a while I have fallen for the bare wood look. You are truly blessed with a wonderful talent????????
    @patchouli_and_rose ????????

  41. I just love this hutch!! You make the most beautiful pieces. I always enjoy the process, and seeing the final product. ????????????????????
    @b2982

  42. Do you have any project that you don’t like after it’s all said and done??
    You’re work is great! ????

  45. Love all of your work! So pretty! Would love to try this one day ????????????????

    @mhm006

  51. ???? I love this! I just faux bricked my wall and I found a cheat. I painted the wall that I wanted my grout color first and then mud/ bricked it and it turned out AWESOME! No going and painting all the grout lines! Thank you for the inspiration! It turned out so good! Wish I could show you a photo. Instagram: malerit

  52. Love how your furniture pieces turn out. I really want to do my kitchen cabinets just haven’t taken the time or got brave enough to do it yet. Or maybe it is the fifty thousand other projects I have going. ???????? @deanamattosart

  53. Loving everything you do! How you have the energy is beyond me!
    ????????????????????????????❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

  54. I keep forgetting to put my Instagram name???? it’s @kellycgonzales27. As I said earlier, love all your treasures and thanks for the smile and laughs every day ????????

  58. I love this hutch!! You and your projects just amaze me. Really look forward to every one of them. ???? @lpurdythings

  65. I live in a college town and at move out there is so much furniture on the side of the road for trash. Best time to find cool pieces, I’m going to try and lighten something next time. Love this look!
    ????????@thehotseason

  66. I’m always in awe with everything that you create. Love your eye for cabinets. And I love your thrift store finds. Live how you just roll with it. And you’re always authentic to who you are. Please never change. And this hutch is a great transformation. And heather if you’re here, I hope you know that God still loves you.

  67. ???? Absolutely gorgeous! I just started following you and am so glad I did! Not only do you make me laugh every day but you give me great ideas!

  68. I’m always in awe with everything that you create. Love your eye for cabinets. And I love your thrift store finds. Live how you just roll with it. And you’re always authentic to who you are. Please never change. And this hutch is a great transformation. And heather if you’re here, I hope you know that God still loves you. ????????

  81. This is one of my absolute favorite pieces you’ve refinished! Such a dreamy project! ????

  82. This is one of my absolute favorite pieces you’ve refinished! Such a dreamy project! ???? @amber_ella

  91. I love this! I think this is the one that prompted me to buy a palm sander to do my dining room table!????@suzibuck

  95. Natalie, you keep amazing me more and more with every project!!! Gosh I loooove this one sooo much!!! Wish I could have this in my house ???????????????????????????????????????????? God bless you and your amazing work in all your projects, keep it up!!! ???? @mrs.roman22

  96. ????????Love this! I think you’ve convinced me to take the bare wood plunge. ????????
    @pjcain89 IG

  99. Gorgeous! I have yet to see anything that you do that I don’t love!????. I hope your new house has a huge work space for you. Maybe you should open up your own shop!????????????????????????

    swisschalet
    Karen????????

  100. I a trying to try this technique on something I have!!!! I’m in love with it!!! ????????????????????????????

  102. Ms. Natalie, thanks for sharing your stripping and staining tips with us. I think you are smart to refinish the pieces before you move so they will be ready to us. I do get tickled when your husband rolls his eyes but works right along with you. Please hug the adorable Chester for me. ????

  103. Wow I seriously love how it turned out!! ???? so wish I could do this! @baileyyy_elizabethhh

  105. You did a beautiful job on this cabinet! Your perseverance ids admirable! Most of all, I LOVE your humor, your positive outlook and your family – including Chester! You are the brightest spot in all of IG Land! ???? My IG handle is TX_Nonnie

  106. Beautiful as always!! Such a talent!! Great blog post!! Thank you for that!! ???? @nancysthename ????

  107. Your projects all turn out so beautiful! ???? I can’t wait to try some of your techniques this Summer. ????????

  109. You are always such a hoot!! Every night it’s so much fun to catch up on your day! ???? ????

  110. Wonderful tutorial & piece of furniture. I learn so much from you & have gotten more daring changing finishes. Thanks for always inspiring.

  111. What would it have looked like if you didn’t white wash and glaze it? Could you leave it as the raw wood? Just asking because I have a similar piece- would I need to seal it? Thanks- this is gorgeous!

  114. ???????? Love your page and all your quirky content. Chester is the best! ❤️

  116. ???? I love watching the transformations of your pieces! I definitely do not have that vision.

  119. I would love to try something like this to my furniture! It looks really good when completed ????????
    IG traversss15

  120. I love all your projects and have learned they will always turn out amazing so I never doubt your vision! I would love to try this but I’d need your talent and never give up attitude until it’s just right and I don’t think my skill level is much past chalk painting right now! I love to follow along though! And yes Trav is the best. What a great team! ????@t_smak

  122. First of all, well done! It’s gorgeous and your vision for it was perfect! Secondly, Travis cracks me up and we are both blessed with sweet hubbies!

  124. Love how this turned out. ????????????????????????????????. You are so entertaining to watch.

  126. I think this piece turned out brilliantly!???? You have a good eye for pieces that can be transformed!! Plus a good husband who supports your thrift store shopping????

  129. I love your makeovers! I could not find what colored glaze you used though. That was a massive job. Way to go sis.

  130. As always beautiful. You work so hard on your projects and they always turn out beautiful ????

  132. I don’t care what people say I LOVE the light wood too???????????????? I have a desk I would love to do but since I paid full price for the thing a while a go it still makes me afraid to do it???? @leahlynchblog on IG

  133. You make it look so easy, when I know it’s not…….your techniques for all you “saves” are wonderful. You are very inspiring…..❤️????????❤️
    @terryrambin

  134. Love the detailed help. 60 grit scares me because I don’t want to ruin the wood but hearing what you do and how, steps me and enables me to have confidence to do too! Thanks! ???????? @whatetheeodds

  138. You are such an inspiration! I have 6 pieces of furniture to work on.????????

  139. ????Love the way you do your furniture!!
    I can’t do the sanding myself due to health issues so I’m waiting for hubby to have time to do this on our desk!! Along with the 50,000,000 other things he needs to do ????????????

  140. Love watching you take regular pieces and turn them into masterpieces!! ???????????? I can’t wait to see what you do in your new house!
    @loriljensen

  141. Love it.????.you are always coming up with great refinishing ideas. You are lucky you have space to do all your projects..even if it is outside in the heat. God bless you.

  142. I love how you’re breathing new life into old pieces! You do beautiful work!!!

  145. Not worth tendinitis but turned out great!
    Trav is a trooper, I need me one one those. LOL
    ????????
    @tularosa00

  147. Your dedication to making things that could be beautiful…beautiful and lovely and better is just so inspiring, Natalie! Ps. Thanks, Trav, for this early Christmas “present.” ????

  148. ???????? I really love how this turned out! Keep the projects coming! I get so much inspiration from them! ????????

    Sarah – @sc.mitchem

  149. I really love how this turned out Natalie!! Can’t wait to see what happens with the project you’re working on now! ????????

    Kim
    @houseofthehoneythief

  153. I LOVE watching your process and progress with each project! You are such a ???? I have learned a ton from you! @shawnsparkscory

  154. @glitterhappens????????????????????????????????????this is my favorite transformation you’ve done!! I’ve been stalking the thrift stores ever since!!

  155. ????????????Natalie I’ve been following you for roughly a year now. I am so impressed with your gift of refurbishing and your patience doing all these different projects! You certainly have an eye for beautiful pieces and a vision for what they can be transformed into. Thank you for your inspirations and your Christlike heart !????????

  156. You inspire me daily! Thank you for decorating on a budget ( Thrift Store). I love to repurpose. ????????

    • Ccrawford20
      Everything you share is so unique. I love trying to figure out what you will end up with in your car! “ What will she choose!?”

  158. Shout out to the #1 pot changing, furniture remaking superstar on all of the gram!! I live for your visits to the OPT and adorable family!????

  159. You are always so inspiring with these beautiful transformations! Totally love the raw wood look. Gorgeous!! Now if I can work up the motivation to try this technique! ????????????????
    @well_oiled_farmhouse

  167. Ig @spursandstripescreations
    ???????????????????????????????????????? This turned out so awesome just love everything you do keep going girl

  171. What an amazing job you do!! By the way I’ve been trying to figure out how to comment & I finally figured it out geez too me long enough ???? ❤️❤️
    elaineianniello on IG.

  177. ????????melchavis
    This is one of my favorite pieces you’ve done ????????

  178. So in love with the way it turned out. I learned this technique from you to. Thank you. ???????? Shanna
    @our_military_home_front

  179. This is my absolute favorite piece you have done. I’m actually doing this finish on a 100 draw apothecary cabinet. I’ve only sanded the whole thing down three times now. This will be the 4th cause when I saw what you did with this piece I was like I definitely have to do that on it. It’s taking me a very long time haha!!

    Thank You for the inspiration!!
    nancy_r999????????????????????

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