Have you uncovered an old trunk or piece of furniture that has been in the family forever that is in need of refinishing? If you don’t know where to start, keep reading to find your answer. I have hosted refinishing workshops in the past and have enjoyed the friendships and comradery of others while sanding away on a special treasure.
My interest in refinishing furniture started when I was a teenager enrolled in the “Home Improvement” project in 4-H. At the time antiquing furniture was popular so I finished an entire maple bedroom set in antique white. Twenty-five years later my then teenage daughter and I worked hard to remove that finish and restored the set to its original finish. It is fun to follow the cycle of popular furniture finishes and experiment with the latest products.
This year’s refinishing workshop is set for Monday, May 2 through Thursday, May 5. The best part of having the workshop at the 4-H building between Great Bend and Hoisington, is that the participants have plenty of space to spread out. If the weather cooperates many people move their projects outside to work on them during the day. Some of the newer strippers on the market do not have the harsh odor like those in the past; still I prefer to work where there is good air flow.
The schedule for this year’s workshop is to bring projects out on the 2nd at 2 p.m. We will evaluate what each project will need, and plan where to start. The next three days will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with lots of elbow grease needed by participants. There is a $10 fee to cover a few supplies that I provide. Several have already signed up for the workshop and I would love to have a full class. Letters will be sent to those who pre-register. Call me soon for more information or to sign up at 793-1910.
Donna Krug is the Family & Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension. You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or dkrug@ksu.edu