Sunday, February 24, 2013

Spindles EVERYWHERE--How to buff them easier!

Spindles make me CRAZY!   
I thought this twin headboard/foot board would be really quick job to do, but I was wrong!  See all those spindles??  Four skinny ones and two large ones on each!  I painted them with two coats of ASCP Paris Grey, distressed very lightly and waxed with my leftover AS clear wax.  Since I painted two coats and waxed, twelve spindles turns in to 36 spindles since I had to handle them three times.
Next job of four chairs was SPINDLE City!! 
Six spindles on the back of the chair and eight spindles on the bottom of the chair.  6 + 8 x 4 = FIFTY FREAKIN' SIX SPINDLES!

I painted them with two coats of homemade chalk paint in black, distressed them lightly and waxed them with Minwax Finishing Paste.  And again, I handled them three times, so you know what that meant!!
After waxing them, I really wasn't looking forward to buffing them.  I remembered that my husband has one of those electric buffers that he uses to wax our cars.  I bought a fresh Sherpa cover for it and buffed all eight bazillion spindles with it and it worked like a charm and took so little time!
Since then, I use the buffer on all my pieces (with and without spindles).  You can get it at an auto part store, but I have seen smaller ones at Lowes by the sanders.  There is also a buffer attachment you can use on a drill.  No matter which one is in your budget, you really should get it.  It saves so much time and does a great job, especially when you are at the end of your project and you're tired and just want it done.

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25 comments:

  1. Last time I visited my son in Virginia I painted the ugly laminate vanity in their downstairs bath. I used ASCP in Paris Grey, dark wax distressed and then waxed with Minwax. My arms were killing me from all the buffing (since I painted both inside and outside the cabinet). My son asked if I wanted some help. I told him the buffing was gonna be the death of me and he responded with "Ma, I have the perfect thing!" Sure enough, he went into the storage unit, got his automotive buffer and buffed the cabinet for me. What a time saver! I had no idea you could find small ones so I am definitely going to pick on up at Lowes. I wholeheartedly agree with you!!

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  2. you're right about the waxing/buffing. Ugh, my least favorite part of a redo. I too discovered my husband's buffer and it has made my life so much easier.

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  3. I freakin' hate spindles too! I always seem to buy stuff with them though. I can't help it...I love the look. I HATE painting them and all that goes with that though.

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  4. What a wonderful idea! I hate spindles too..painting and buffing. Thanks for sharing and enjoy your day.

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  5. I have buffed spindles for years using athletic socks, but this is light years away from that. Thanks so much.

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  6. I love the white headboard & foot board! Thanks for sharing @ Submarine Sunday!

    T'onna

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  7. I think THIS needs to go on my wishlist! NOW.

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  8. It is settled then, I have got to try my husband's buffer on my next furniture piece. The buffing is my least favorite part of painting furniture and it is why so many pieces sit around waiting for me to finish them up! Blessings, Patti@OldThingsNew

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  9. What a great tip! Thanks for sharing. Have a great day!

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  10. I just "splurged" on a buffer myself...you are right...so nice to have!

    Great blog...have a great day!

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  11. I have used the drill attachment and I didn't find that it was really fast enough. I don't think the drill had enough power. The auto buffer might be the way to go. Thanks for the idea!

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  12. I have been wondering how a buffer would work...I've never heard of anyone using one (or at least no one that shared that time saver secret!). I just know that my arms are killing me by the time I'm done! I'm glad you shared this because I am definately getting one now!

    XO,
    Christy

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  13. Whoa! Thats a lot of work. Great thing you found that buffer -good tip! :)

    Thank you for partying with the Wildly Original Crowd.
    <3 Christina at I Gotta Create!

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  14. I'm all for saving work and use a buffer pad on a mouse sander. You're my kind of gal and I'm following you now!

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  15. What an awesome idea. Wish I had seen this two weeks ago before my 8 pieces of furniture I just finished. I am a new follower...

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  16. Great updates! Please share your entry on Creative Crafts Thursday, www.creativecraftsthursday.blogspot.com, and any of your favorite projects each and every week.

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  17. The chairs and headboard and footboard look great! Is this furniture for your home or do you sell it? I have a quilt stand that I'd like to paint but I am a little nervous trying out something I have never done before!

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  18. I also just did a twin headboard and footboard. I call them an epic fail though. They are so streaked and just a mess! The foot board is so bad I won't even post it. Yours look FAB! I do not envy the spindles at all~!

    Bev at http://diygranny.blogspot.com

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  19. Thanks for the awesome tip! What a great idea! Thank you so much for sharing at A Bouquet of Talent. I always enjoy your great posts. Your newest GFC follower, too! Have a wonderful weekend. :)
    Hugs
    Kathy

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  20. Great tip! Thanks so much!
    very nice pieces, congrats!

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  21. Hi, Susan!! Just stopping by to let you know that you had the most viewed link at the party last week!! Congratulations. Hope you are having a great weekend. :)

    Hugs

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  22. What a great idea! We have one and I never thought to use it. Thanks for sharing!
    I saw you featured at Life on Lakeshore Drive.
    Debbie :)

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  23. I want to paint my dresser and it won't be too hard, but I am dreading the mirror all because of those spindles. I will have to get a buffer.

    Your furniture all looks lovely.

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  24. Thanks so much for sharing this idea. I'm preparing a project now that will include polishing wax into timber.

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  25. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and knowledge on this topic. This is really helpful and informative, as this gave me more insight to create more ideas and solutions for my plan. I would love to see more updates from you.

    Professional Residential Painters Melbourne

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