Transforming Furniture: Faux Tiger Stripes and a Rich, Dark Finish
Today, I want to walk you through a recent refinishing project that turned out beautifully. The process was a bit of an experiment, but the results were worth every step!
First, I started by thoroughly sanding the pieces to remove the previous finish and prep the surface for a fresh design. After ensuring everything was smooth and clean, I decided to get creative with a faux tiger stripe look on the two top drawers. Using a stencil and liquid wood, I followed the product instructions to add the stripes. This technique added such a fun, unique touch to the piece! 
Next, I brought the design to life with a rich, dark stain. I used General Finishes Wood Dye in Dark Brown, which gave the piece a deep, luxurious color that really highlighted the tiger stripes. 
To protect and enhance the finish, I applied a Polyvine Wax Finish Varnish in satin. This topcoat added a soft sheen and ensured durability. Once it was fully dry, I decided to go a step further for added depth and character. I used Wise Owl One Hour Enamel (OHE) in Dark Walnut for a final layer, which brought everything together beautifully.
The end result? A piece that’s both bold and elegant, with just the right mix of texture and color. I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out! If you’re looking to add some personality to your furniture, don’t be afraid to experiment with stencils and layered finishes—you might just surprise yourself!
You can find my favorite Polyvine Wax Finish Varnish topcoat here.
Stencil and liquid wood supplies can be found linked below.
Dark Walnut Wax can be found on my home page under Wise Owl products.
