It started with me walking Loula. We have choices in our lives to sit quietly and observe, spread negativity, or make a positive difference – in any form. It’s with great joy today that I share this pair of step back side tables and the story that goes with them.

You see, about this time last year, I am finishing my first-year post-divorce with summer coming to a quick close.

Enter in Mary Jo.

I share this story in my vlog below, so be sure to take a peek.

Of course, I couldn’t say no to such a sweet gal.

So, for Mary Jo, I want to breathe new life into these step back side tables so they have many more years of enjoyment in her home.

Initially, Mary Jo kept the drawers as she only wanted the tabletops refinished. But that quickly changed. (you’ll see that in a bit)

However, I haven’t really worked on furniture for several years now. You can see my full project gallery HERE.

REFINISHING

First, I sand down the top surfaces with my orbital sander as well as hand-sanding.

Isn’t that wood GORGEOUS?!

As Mary Jo states, “There is absolutely nothing wrong with these tables. They’re solid wood, and I like them”.

Honestly, seeing all the love the tables received over many years (they originally belonged to Mary Jo’s inlaws), is a sweet moment.

Oh, and did you see what I found inside them in my vlog?

Crazy, cool!

They have build-up on the legs, so I use my 2:1 water/vinegar mix to refresh them.

Mary Jo requests that the tops match the skirt and legs, so I choose Early American stain that I’ve used numerous times before.

As soon as I stain and let cure as directions advise, I then apply a satin poly topcoat.

Since I use a oil-based topcoat, it needs four hours to cure. Then, I use steel wool to buff, then clean, and topcoat again.

Now, I did end up getting the drawers because I am refreshing all of this and want these tables to be cohesive. I even take a minute to polish those lovely brass batwing pulls.

MEANWHILE

If you know me, I don’t have much time to spare, so during the four hours of the first coat cure time, I set my mind to FINALLY pressure washing my driveway.

If you recall, during my garage build, the builders had no choice but to make a wicked mess. I spent freezing time trying to get off what I could, promising myself that when I am finally able, I will get that thing clean one way or another.

You can see how previous owners did a bit of cleaning before listing and it was so annoying to walk out my door and see it. tsk.

Now it is GONE.

Part of the fun of pressure washing is getting rid of dirt and grime, even mentally.

RESTORED

Now, back to these step back side tables getting a new life!

Here they are ready for Mary Jo and her sweet pup, Sadie.

Mary Jo said, “They look like they’ve never been damaged.”

And she shares a few other amazing savory bits of advice in my vlog. What a treasure you are, Mary Jo!

Hopefully, you’re feeling inspired in some form. Leave some comment love below as well as pin and share to inspire others.

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For more inspiration like these step back side tables, check out these past posts: