My step one is always spray for bugs (just in case) and then clean. I like to clean with a diluted vinegar.

Step two was sand, sand, sand! The old varnish had to come off the top, but the veneer was super thin. I had to hand sand to make sure I didn't go through it. I also gave a light sanding to the sides and details.

Step three was to fix up the top. I used Minwax Penetrating Stain in Red Oak 215 for the base layer and Minwax Penetrating Stain in Dark Walnut 2716 for the stencil. Once that set for 48 hours, I applied Watco teak oil to both condition and make a preliminary seal.

Step four was to work on the body of the piece. I covered the top with newspaper and taped it off. I spray painted it with Rust-Oleum American Accents paint in Heirloom White color and satin finish.

Step five was to work on the drawers. There were two things to paint here. The face of the drawers were painted in Rust-Oluem American Accents paint in Heirloom White color and satin finish. Once that cured, I taped off the front and sprayed the sides and insides of the drawers in Rust-Oleum American Accents paint in Ink Blue color and satin finish. I replaced the drawer pulls with Antique Brass Swirled Edge Metal Pulls from Hobby Lobby.

Step six was construction on the hidden compartment. I used a mix of scrap wood from other projects and a new sheet of 1/4 inch finish grade plywood. The plywood became the false bottom in the drawer. The other wood was used to build a lip for the false bottom to set on. I installed a piano hinge at the rear of the false bottom and a magnetic cabinet latch (both pieces of hardware from Lowes) to make the drawer work. I lined the inside with removable foam that can be custom cut to house a firearm or whatever someone wants to store.

Step seven was to fix the runner rail for the drawer. It was catching due to some knicks in the wood, so I sanded it smooth.

Step eight was to antique the look. I waxed the entire outside of the piece (top, sides, front, and drawer fronts) with Minwax Paste Finishing Wax in Special Dark color. While I had the wax out, I also waxed the drawer runner rails just so they would slide flawlessly. (Just finished 2 days ago on 7/26/17)

Revolutionary Night Stand