Udaan

Udaan: To take flight, soar, to take off

Tundi-e- Baad-E-Mukhalif se na ghabra, ae Uqaab;

Yeh to chalti hai tujhe uncha udane ke liye.

                                                               ----Dr. Allama Iqbal

Translation: “You don’t get frightened of these furious, violent winds, Oh Eagle!  These blow only to make you fly higher.”

As Featured in the October issue of the Curated Magazine

http://www.thecuratedmagazine.com/current-issue

DIY Table Makeover

Supplies:

Medium grit 80-120 grit sandpaper or sanding block

Latex paint color of choice, stain in color of choice

2” angled brush, stencil brushes, thin paint brushes, foam brushes if necessary

Stencil of choice

Antiquing medium

Acrylic paint in warm white and a dark brown color

Water based polyurethane

Rag cloths and paper towels

Painter’s tape

Temporary spray adhesive

How to:

1. Sand the furniture piece using a medium grit sandpaper following the direction of the grain of wood. Smooth out the surface and remove the varnish as completely as possible. Repair any scratches, damages, dents, and holes by sanding and using wood fillers as needed.

Tip: If the furniture piece is in fairly good condition and you intend to paint the piece, you can skip the sanding step. Just give the piece a light rub with a medium grit sand paper and clean the surface with a rag cloth. Then use a paint primer before painting with the latex paint in your choice of color.

    

2. I chose to paint the legs of this piece and stain the top. Using a 2” angled brush, paint the legs evenly following a single direction. It will take 2-3 coats to achieve a smooth even coverage of paint. Let dry completely between coats.

3. Before the staining step, tape off any painted surface to be protected using painter’s tape. Brush on the stain in the direction of the grain of the wood. Let dry completely.

Tip: The stain penetrates deeper and achieves a deep richer color depending on how long it sits on the piece. If you want a lighter color wipe off the excess stain with a soft rag cloth after a few minutes. Reapply if needed till color of choice is achieved.

4. Find the center of your piece or the place you want the stencil to be in. Lightly spray temporary adhesive on the back side of the stencil and position in place pressing down firmly. Dip the stencil brush in the warm white color acrylic paint and dab off the excess on a paper towel. Using a controlled up and down motion apply paint on the stencil. Repeat a second time if you want more coverage.

Tip: It is very important that the stencil brush be almost dry of paint. You do not want a brush loaded with paint as the paint will spread under the stencil. Do not rush this step and the results will be clear and neat.

5. For the antiquing process; mix equal parts acrylic antiquing medium with the dark brown color. Using a thin paint brush and apply this paste in the seams, grooves, joints, and any place that you want to draw attention to. Use a rag cloth to wipe away excess immediately. Work in small areas at a time.

Tip: If you like a very light antique look, use a wet rag cloth to wipe off as you apply. If you like a more aged look, use a dry cloth to wipe up after application. 

6. Using an angled brush apply two coats of a clear polyurethane to seal and protect all the work.