About a month or so ago I stopped into the Habitat for Humanity ReStore to donate a couple of things. This was Michael's first trip there and he was completely overwhelmed with the amount of "stuff" they had and how reasonable it was. We came across this headboard ($15), which I wanted to paint white and stick in my guest room, but Michael thought it would look better if we refinished it and stained it dark. I agreed, but dreaded the extra work. It was his plan to do it, but between his crazy work schedule and my expected company I went ahead and did it myself. 
I completely forgot to take a before picture, which sucks, but you can get a small idea of what it looked like before from the back of the headboard. First I used a stain remover which I also bought at the ReStore for $10 and I still have over half left. All I did was pour it on, let it sit for minute and scrub it with steel wool. It took a couple of times, but this entire process took me less than 30 minutes. 
Next I went out it with my mouse, sander that is. I started with a medium grade sandpaper and worked my way down. This was actually kind of fun and only took about 15 minutes. It would have taken less time, but there were a few nicks and dings I wanted to rub out. 
After being sanded, I wiped it down with a wet cloth and let it dry in the sun before staining. The framing took two coats. The inset part took a little longer because after it was stripped I discovered that it was particle board and not actually wood. I did several layers, which took awhile to dry, but I am super pleased with the way it turned out!
Every good carpenter needs a helper! Gracie sunbathed while Mommy worked. Michael did come to Huntington in time to help me connect it to the bed frame. In total this project cost me less than $25 and I still have half a gallon of stripper left. Not to mention one less thing in a landfill! Now I just need something on the walls....
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