Custom Dark Stained Farm Table

I finished up the custom farm table I've been working on for my friend Heather, finally.  She has been so patient.  The process began a few months ago when she asked if I could help her re-work her current dining room table into more of a farm house look.

She has had this table for about fourteen years and was just tired of the color and style.  First thing we discussed was to paint the bottom and leave the top as is.  Second idea was to change out the legs.  I happened to have some really beefy farm table legs in my stash but then we'd have to change the apron and strip the top of it's super shiny finish.  I asked her to give me a few weeks to finish some projects and I'd get on it.  During that time I found this farm house table and we agreed it was perfect.  Now she can just sell her old table and chairs.  

The table had a very orange finish and needed to be stripped and re-stained.  I don't typically strip entire tables but I thought for her, why not.  The legs are the only part that gave me any trouble.  Stripping a flat surface is no big deal but turned legs are a pain.  I ended up taking the legs off so I could handle them easier.   

The before-ish.  In this photo the top has been stripped and the legs are in process.  You can see how orange it was.  

She wanted the finish almost black with no orange or red undertones.  I mixed Minwax brand Ebony and Dark Walnut oil based stains together and made a sample board for her to take home and think about.  This board is with only one coat.  She chose the mix of 2 parts Ebony one part Dark Walnut because with two coats it would be a little darker.  To finish the table we sealed it with Miss Mustard Seed Furniture wax for a low sheen rustic look. 

The color turned out to be a very warm blackish brown that looks great with black or wood tones.  I am in love with the color. I also love her warm gray walls with the gold curtains and white wainscoting.  It's such a pretty room.  I'm jealous of all the light she gets in her home. 

So is her dog Sid.  I kept telling her I expected her dog to talk to me at any minute because of that dog in the movie Men in Black.  Too funny.  He just needs a cigar.

She is on the hunt for two upholstered chairs for the ends of the table.  The creamy white chairs she picked up and painted herself.  At the last minute after I took all the photos she said "hey I wonder what my living room rug would look like in here"  so we tried it out.  I want a farm house table now.  If only I had the room for it. 

  

For those who asked.  The paint color was a custom match.  Here's a shot of the formula.