SHINY HAPPY PEOPLE

The other half is definitely not a happy Easter bunny this morning having been forced to spend the night squashed up on a 2 seater sofa, all in the name of DIY. 

Couch surfing

Yesterday I decided to apply the first coat of gloss varnish to the stair treads.  In my excitement, I’d forgotten to consider that drying times listed on the tin might be subject to variation.  In this case the recommended 4 hours drying time turned out to be pretty much all night as even after 8 hours, the varnish was still soft and tacky to the touch.

Apply only when alternative accommodation available

Perhaps it’s because I’ve used outdoor Yacht varnish instead of the indoor variety I mused whilst keeping the other half sweet with a tsunami of tea and crème eggs all evening in the hope he’d forgive this girlie oversight with a laugh and the odd condescending remark about women and decorating. 

And so we were trapped downstairs for the night with Shelby to keep us company.  Not that she even noticed we were still in the lounge at 2 am, oblivious to it all under her heap of shredded paper next to the radiator.  Tortoises can sleep anywhere and through anything.  Unlike us humans, uncomfortably concertinaed into a space meant for two large bottoms with only a pile of coats and a brown fur throw for warmth.  (Note to self – DFS sofa bed when downsizing)

In the bright light of morning, the stairs look amazing.  Not a lover of anything shiny when it comes to paint, I see this gloss finish has more than brought out the natural beauty of the wood rather like applying face powder and rouge to a wizened old face.  Our house built circa 1911 would be a 106 year old face, that’s a truckload of face powder to get it even remotely respectable.

After one coat of gloss varnish

Beautiful rich shiny finish

Yacht varnish also water proofs finish

The treads now have a deep shiny sheen to them.  Just look at those wonderful swirly timber rings and knots.  Worthy of a few sleepless nights – well I think so.

The natural beauty of varnished wood

Original timber stair treads