This Heywood Wakefield coffee table was the perfect candidate for wood bleach. And it worked like a charm!

Here’s the process step by step:

Step 1: Sanding

I could have used ammonia to remove the milk paint… but I didn’t have ammonia! I sanded it off with 80 grit, before smoothing with 120, 150, and 220 with my Festool orbital sander.

Step 2: Bleach

I used Zinsser’s Wood Bleach system. First with A, allowing it to sit for 10 minutes. Then I saturated the whole surface with the B solution. I let it bleach overnight, then I sanded away the residue.

Step 3: Mohawk Finish

Two coats of EZ vinyl sealer, then after waiting three hours, I applied three rounds of toner. After 24 hours, I applied the precat lacquer with five coats. To finish, I rubbed out the finish with 0000 steel wool with the grain.

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