I finished the potting bench!

I'm so glad the weather changed a bit over the last couple of days.  I was able to check something off my spring to do list.  I got the potting bench fixed up and stained.  I've been trying to remember how long ago my husband gave it to me, it was at least 5 years ago.  The poor thing started off looking so nice.  I took very good care of it and used it quite a bit.  Over time though it got rained on and used as a toy storage and catch all for anything that didn't have a place.  After realizing that it was looking so bad and the weather was taking such a toll on it, I decided it needed to be taken care of.

Here is how it looked a month ago.  I had even taken off a lot of things to take the picture.  I found a lot of stuff to throw away.  I'm finding a new place for toys somewhere else in the yard.

Now this is its "before" shot.  Very weathered and a little warped.  I had to repair the lid that covers where potting soil is supposed to be stored.  It usually is just full of water, so I need to come up with a solution for that.  As you can see by all the water underneath, I spilled it all down myself as I tried to slide the basin out.  Oops!

The first trick was trying to read the smallest print ever on the can of stain.  Nothing like holding a something at various angles and in different lights to try and read.  I'm not ready to admit I might need reading glasses yet, so I blame not being able to see it on the manufacturer's small type.

I put this on macro to see if it was any easier to read.  

Anyway, I really hope I was able to pick out the most important pieces of information.  One being that it needs to be above 40 degrees, another that no rain is forecast for 24 hours.  Hopefully the weather forecast is correct and both will hold true.

I applied 2 coats, the wood just sucked it in.  I thought I did a pretty good job, especially since I managed to keep my 2 1/2 year old entertained with her coloring while I stained.

Here is the after.  I'm really happy with how it turned out.  I didn't expect it to look new, just better.  It's supposed to be weatherproof for up to 6 years.  I think I'll find some new drawer pulls to make it look a little different.

Glad to have one thing checked off that list.  Now onto the next item!