Day Two of the 4 drawer chest makeover

3rd coat of paint
&
2nd coat of stain

3rd coat of paint
&
3rd coat of stain

First thing this morning, I got the second coat of stain on.  I didn't get to the painting until this evening.  Normally, a second coat of paint is all that is needed with this type of paint.  However, I did have to give it a third coat, which I did as soon as the surface was no longer tacky.  I simply couldn't go to bed without seeing another coat of stain on it so even though it was past midnight, I gave it another coat of stain.

I'm done with painting, but I will be doing more coats of stain.  To me, I'm not satisfied with the look yet.  I find it blotchy looking.  My husband thinks it looks amazing as is, but . . .

With gel staining, I find the first few coats don't change the colour much.

Once I'm satisfied with the stain shade, I will need to leave it 24 hours before I can clear coat the stained part.  The painted parts do not need clear coated because it is porch & floor paint and has clear coat already built into the paint.

Next, I will need to decide what to do with the handles.  Ideally, I had wanted them stained (as they are wooden) but they weren't taking the stain well.  I've got three ideas for them so far.  Option 1 is to simply paint them black and let them blend in with the drawers.  Option 2 is to paint them black but paint gold into the indented lines in the handles.  Option 3 is to spray paint them oil rubbed bronze.  Option 4 is to spray paint them gold.  And lastly, Option 5 is to spray paint them gold and paint the indented lines black.  Oooops!  That was 5 ideas, wasn't it!  LOL