Stop....Fabric time

So here are my choices for our upholstery redo. After some careful consideration I've decided to go with fabric that closely resembles a set I saw at Rooms to Go. 

This particular set from RTG is called the Pemberton. It's $1355 (current sale price) for a 7 piece set. All we really needed was seating for the tables and lamps would go. We would just be charged more for the individual pieces. This set is also at Value City Furniture for $999. Still a little more than we have to spend. So in my ever so crafty DIY/Nesting ways I have decided to recreate my own version of this set. Just suited a little more to our taste

That's not illegal is it?

The Skinny: Getting A High Gloss Finish

I get jealous pretty easily. Especially when it comes to awesome furniture makeovers. You know the ones where the furniture is all shiny and you can't see the slightest hint of imperfections? Where everyone is ooohing and ahhhing over how gorgeous it looks and secretly you wish you knew where these folks lived so you could steal all of their supplies (just kidding, but no seriously)?

Thanks to good old www I've been able to figure out their secrets. Although, it requires time, patience and more time. Whenever you take on painting furniture you have to make sure you do it right. That means no cutting corners. I've scoured dozens of blogs and each blogger seems to have their own method. I tried them all--and to be honest I wasn't too thrilled with the results. So I have decided to give it a go on my own and I loved the way it turned out.

Whenever you paint you need the essentials: paint, brush, sander, wood filler (if applicable). But what most people may not realize is that they need a finisher aka protective coat to give it that gloss. When I was shopping for paint, I picked up these items, but was told by the gentleman at Home Depot that I would not need them because the paint had a gloss in it already. I was even told my by dear sweet DH that I wouldn't need it either. Well, let's just say he doesn't question me anymore when it comes to these things.

My next challenge

So until we can find another dresser, I've been thinking of what I can do to bide my time. Well I told DH last night that this weekend we are going to attempt (key word-attempt) to reupholster his college days recliner. It's in great condition, structurally, but like all seating after several years it gets pretty worn and stained. So that's what I'm hoping to do.

I spend all Labor Day traveling to fabric stores to get an idea for fabric colors. And of course DH didn't care--just nothing girly or ugly. My guess when it's actually time to buy the fabric he will have more of an opinion.

The one thing I don't want to do, is match it to our current craigslist couches--because they are in fact an fugly green color that I would love to reupholster as well. I just don't know if that will be done before the end of the year. Somehow I highly doubt it.

Here are some close up pictures of the recliner below. You can see where it's ripped and stained--and I really don't want to rock another newborn in this chair. I need something different!