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You can see here that the finish had this terrible alligator texture to it. \u00a0It was so even it looked like it was intentional instead of just cracked finish. \u00a0But what you can also see here is the reason I brought it home – look at that wood underneath! \u00a0That my dears is very old, beautiful grained oak.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n I think oak is beautiful but the golden oak of the 80s gave it a bad rap. \u00a0Those golden oak stained cabinets you see being ripped out of every kitchen on HGTV still make me cringe. \u00a0But old school, vintage oak that was cut by a craftsman is a different animal. \u00a0It usually has a crazy grain through it when it is cut a certain way, like when you hear of quarter sawn oak. \u00a0 I’m not sure how old this is exactly but it does have the old flat head screws I see on a lot of very old things. \u00a0(Phillips head screws weren’t invented until the 1930s). \u00a0So with that in mind I set out to get at that grain.<\/p>\n First you must know, oak is a bitch to sand. \u00a0The “mighty oak” is a thing for reason. \u00a0It’s hard as hell. \u00a0So when you are looking at curved surfaces that you will have to hand sand I highly recommend starting with paint stripper. \u00a0As always I slathered a thick coat of SoyGel on and let it work. \u00a0Since Soygel is clear you can see all the black goo lifting off, and is quite addicting really.<\/p>\n After the bulk of the finish was off, \u00a0I started sanding. \u00a0This can be like going down a rabbit hole with oak. \u00a0It has an open grain which means there are tons of tiny spaces that will have bit of stain or patina in them that you may never get out. \u00a0And instead of seeing that as a problem, I try to use it to my advantage. \u00a0I let it enhance the grain so it stands out even more. \u00a0It also helps to keep the patina of a piece instead of looking brand new. \u00a0I like to see the beauty in the scars, a story about where it’s been.<\/p>\n Another great way to bring out the grain? \u00a0Pure tung oil. \u00a0It is known for making grain pop. \u00a0I use the Pure Tung Oil from Real Milk Paint which is just tung oil with no dryers or additives. \u00a0It’s even food grade for cutting boards and it won’t melt your skin like some other finishes.<\/p>\n The upholstery was original from what I can tell. \u00a0It was held in with tiny nails and was stuffed with dried hay. \u00a0The fabric looked to be leather but it was hard to tell as it was so dry rotted it fell off in my hands. \u00a0I reupholstered using a cotton fabric in a cool and breezy blue and white print. \u00a0(For those paying attention, this was a leftover square from the Habitat for Humanity Rocking Chair<\/a> I finished last spring). \u00a0I think it helps the oak from being too stodgy, making it more modern and beachy.<\/p>\n And here is it all finished.<\/p>\n I love the grain on the arms. \u00a0I don’t tend to swoon easily but really pretty wood grain makes me swoon. \u00a0This is one of the reasons I love my husband because he understands this swooning and thinks it’s cute. \u00a0(He also knows that when I say “He’s cute!” really loudly, I am probably talking about a horse I just saw online.)<\/p>\n Even the back of the chair has wonderful grain.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n