This is where the previous post ended. I had stripped the top of this nightstand and experimented with a new technique on the painting of the base and drawers. I was not thrilled with the results. I was especially disappointed in how orange the original finish looked next to the black top coat. I sanded most of the black off the drawers. Next I painted the top black. I repeated the wax rub-off technique used on the base but only on the edging around the top. I think this pulled it out of the "oops" pile. So don't give up on a piece that isn't working. You just aren't finished with it yet.