Ah, the humble thrift store wooden salad bowl. We've all seen them lurking in the corner of our favorite secondhand shop, boasting that dark, varnished finish that screams, "I was the height of fashion in 1974!"
Let's catapult these relics straight into the heart of modern farmhouse chic and give that old salad bowl a more contemporary aesthetic by bleaching the wood. Needless to say, it won't return to its former life as a bowl for tossing and serving salad, but it will make a beautiful vessel for holding fruit or decorative items, or it can be an eye-catching piece all on its own.
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So, whether you're a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a newbie looking for a fun weekend project, join us as we transform a thrift store find into a modern masterpiece.
Video: Bleached Wooden Bowl
Things You'll Need
Wooden thrift store bowl (or other wooden treasures)
Liquid detergent
Soft scrubbing tool
Piece of cardboard
120-grit sandpaper
Bleach
Paintbrush
White vinegar
1. Clean and sand wooden bowl
When you come across a thrift store salad bowl that seems to have absorbed its fair share of dinner salad oils over the years, use a gentle liquid detergent combined with a soft scrubbing tool to cleanse away any remnants of the old salad dressing. Next, work on its surface with 120-grit sandpaper to strip away the old finish and give you a glimpse of the natural beauty of the wood beneath.
Tip
This method perfectly suits the revamping of any wooden find from a thrift store. Whether it's a quaint wooden box, a charming animal figure or a classic trivet, bleach can effortlessly refresh and brighten the wood, giving it a new lease on life.
2. Paint wooden bowl with bleach
Now, find a spot with good ventilation and lay down a piece of cardboard to safeguard your work surface. Carefully position the bowl on top and using a brush, apply liquid bleach evenly across the wooden surfaces of the bowl.
3. Let dry
Allow the bowl to dry after bleaching, periodically inspecting it about every half hour. Feel free to apply additional coats of bleach to the bowl as needed until it achieves your desired level of lightness.
4. Neutralize bleach
Once your bowl attains the desired hue, it's crucial to neutralize the bleach effectively and safely. However, it's vital to approach this step with caution to avoid hazardous reactions, such as the dangerous emission of chlorine gas that occurs when bleach is mixed directly with vinegar. To mitigate risks while stopping the action of the bleach, first rinse the bowl in water. Then, dip a cloth in a solution of vinegar diluted with water and rub it on the bowl.
Ideas for Styling Your Wooden Bowl
For a rustic, farmhouse vibe, fill the bleached wooden bowl with fresh seasonal fruit or a collection of vintage linen balls.
If you're leaning toward a more coastal aesthetic, arrange a selection of shells and driftwood inside, creating a miniature seaside retreat.
In a minimalist space, the bowl can stand alone as a statement piece on a sleek, modern table or be used to hold a cluster of white pillar candles of varying heights.
For those who love a touch of whimsy, lining the bowl with a brightly patterned fabric or paper can transform it into an eye-catching centerpiece or a chic storage solution for keys and knickknacks on an entryway table.