Roadside Bench Turned Coffee Table, Part 1

ScARy isn't it? My hubby and I found these at a roadside junkyard last fall and paid 10.00 a piece for them (yes, there are TWO of these!).  I had no idea what I'd do with them but for that price, who could pass it up so into the trunk they went.  Not only had these been exposed to the elements for who knows how long but they are definitely handmade and aside from the spindle 'arms', they appear to be hand-carved, including the appliques on each side.  That said, these were two very 'rough' pieces.  I began by taking off the lovely crushed velvet cushion and removing 127 rusted tacks and 52 rusty nails (yep, I counted).  Taking the piece outside, I used gloves to pull off the velvet and the stuffing and other assorted things from underneath, leaving me with this:

I have no idea if this plywood seat is original, thus making this not as old as I thought OR if this was added later to replace the original seat.  I then went on to begin repairing some loose, cracked joints with Gorilla Glue, wood putty and nails.  After sanding, it was time to prime.  I thought it would be easier to use spray primer.  Bad idea. This is untreated wood and it soaked up two cans and barely looked white! 

I applied THREE coats of Kilz2 Latex primer, sanding in between and continuing to fill in some of the holes and rough areas.  There are still a lot of 'notches' and imperfections but I've concluded these will just add to the character of this piece.

My next step is going to be to apply the paint -- probably white as it will go with other pieces I've refinished in my living room.  Have to find some upholstery fabric for the cushion and then she will be ready to be used as a coffee table/foot rest in front of my sofa!  Oh, I've pretty much concluded I do NOT want to work on its twin . . . anyone interested??


To be continued . . .