Continuing work on the Realife Country Store fixtures. I cut more away from the window opening and cut new sides to replace the warped kit pieces. I was mistaken about the window shelf – there was a ledge included in the kit. I just hadn’t cut that piece out or gotten that far in the instructions. It’s a usable piece as is, as long as I don’t break it. I trimmed the window since I had used plywood for the front (for stability). This covers the striated edges.
I added trims to finish the postal teller window side, revamping some of the design with trims from my stash. Just a little pizzazz. The sorter side will need to wait until I finish and install the pigeon holes.
For finishing, I’ve opted for Bittersweet Chocolate mixed with Staining Medium, both by Americana. Actual stains can be harder to work with in small spaces, and the Staining Medium makes paint behave like a stain without the fumes or the long drying time. There’s the benefit of stained wood grain without as much mess. Acrylic paint also helps bind the wood fibers to make sanding between coats more effective.
I sanded after the first application and then reapplied to complete the staining portion. For any glue mishaps or large grain, I added undiluted paint. I then sealed the pieces with satin varnish, making the finish less than perfect to add some character.
Painting the pigeon holes was the worst part. Tiny brush, 15 compartments, four sides each, from the front, then the back – two coats of paint, one coat of varnish. And, they still need touching up. Oy. Good thing the tiny mail will distract. :D
I did paint the first coat on the countertop followed by sanding, though I have work to do on that before I can finish it. It won’t be a contrasting lighter tone in the end.
