DIY - TV Stand

Has anyone noticed how expensive {good-looking} TV stands are? Below is one I like from RC Willey. 

$500 = ouch. What makes things harder is EVERYONE is on the lookout for cute, short dressers off of Craigslist (or CL in short). They make great TV stands and they look good. First you just have to get your hands on one. I had been on the constant lookout for 7 months when my mom called me and had me look at one (on CL) in her area. It was AWESOME! Its a solid piece, every drawer dove-tailed, solid wood, perfect. However, it had been overly loved and needed lots of work.

You can see from the photos below the dresser had permanent marker, scratches, stickers, and dings all over (not to mention I think someone started to sand the top finish off). What you can't see in the pictures are the sewing needles stuck in all the corners, curse words written on the inside of drawers, melted {then hardened} globs of mysterious things in the cabinets, and the just disgusting amount of hardened nasties caked in every corner and crevice. 

It does have its redeeming qualities though. 

• It is solid {beautiful} wood. I am not sure what it is, but it is wonderful.
• It is a little taller than most "short" dressers. We wanted something a little higher than the temporary dresser we were using as a TV stand.
• The two cabinets on either side give us ample room to tuck away all of our digital/electronic needs.
• Every drawer is dovetailed.
• The hardware is in great condition and a wonderfully delicate style. 
• I love the slight "bump-out" in the middle with the great column detail.
• Other than minimally deep dings and scratches, the actual wood of the piece is in great condition.

1. Sand 'er down.

I took 80 grit paper to this baby. The red stain had penetrated pretty deep, although I wanted some "red glow" to show through, I didn't want it that red. I took 220 grit paper to give it a finer finish in the end. 

2. Stain.

 I chose "Dark Walnut" as my stain. My goal was to match the dark stain of our dining table. I love dark stains. I try to save money wherever I can, so instead of buying the {most likely very cheap} gauze-like stuff you are supposed to use to stain, I used an old sock. I don't think this sock was ever mine actually; I don't know where it came from. But it was clean and the material was fine (didn't have cotton balls all over it like a lot of socks get). It did a great job really.
3. Finish Coat.
I had to wait 8 hours for the stain to cure (directions on the can) then I brushed on the finish clear-coat all over. The top I put about 5 coats of finish on top, lightly sanding in between.




4. Line Drawers.
I am currently on the lookout for a great liner to put in the drawers. Something like I've done before:

{See here for Antique Sea Glass Set}