WHITE ON RED - distressed chest

A different look was achieved when I used white paint

over red on this vintage dresser.

The color it sported when we came across it was a rusty red. 

Carrie at the Passionate Home was showing me some of the sample boards

of chalk paint colors and waxes, and we discussed the different layered looks

of colors that could be used. That got me thinking.

I don't like struggling against the furniture I found

and up to this point wasn't 100% on the right direction for this rusty piece.

I have done red over black before very successfully

but what color could I do over red and be just as happy with?

I really enjoy how choosing old white worked with this piece.

The lightness of the white changes the color of the rust to a richer burgundy look.

I had a customer come to pick up another dresser and

when she saw this one almost bought it as well.

Some vintage heart shaped ring pulls painted in a two tone cream

and white to the drawers finished it off perfectly.

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THE LONG ROAD TO BEAUTY - black antiqued chest

This black chest started out as a second hand find George found last month.

It was one of those projects that went south right away.

I decided to get a better handle on the milk paint.

I did learn how to mix it better for the sprayer.

Over the course of that evening the paint started to flake ..... EVERYWHERE I had sprayed it!

This photo of the original drawer handle shows what was happening pretty well.

If you look closely it's not chipping shabby chic style it's flaking everywhere.

Fortunately I didn't spray the sides, which ended up saving me some time later.

I moved on to the hardware.

I didn't care for the style or placement of what came on it,

so I filled those holes in and found the right spot.

Searched high and low for a nice complementary set of 8 handles that would work.

But only found 2 sets of 4 so they had to be matched up.

In came the oil rubbed bronze paint by Rustoleum.

Now back to the drawers, measuring and drilling new holes.

I'll show you how nicely they turned out shortly.

Next thing needed was to remove the broken apron and do some repairs,

Before adding new legs bought at Windsor Plywood.

The milk paint was adhereing to the top surface better,

and was looking pretty neat with all the chipping and flaking that still occured there.

With a great amount of sanding and poly I got it to this point, and very happy with it.

So I decided to match up the sides to have the same look, but without using

the dreaded milk paint.

I used a black wash with regular paint and poly.

After a month of having it sit on the side lines it was now time to deal with the

crappy flaking paint on the drawer fronts.

So one morning I sat in the shade and hand sanded every inch of them,

before masking off the top and sides to get it ready for good ole primer.

and then a beautiful smooth black spray job.

New handles added,

a bit more poly and wax,

And she is shining like never before.

I did try out some distressing but both George and I liked the sleek black look better.

It has a great antiqued effect on the sides and top,

and with the wax and poly it is so soft and smooth.

She would make an excellent TV stand in someones living space.

STRIPPING - gold marble cabinet

I found this little chest at Value Village 5 months ago.

It was ugly covered in some reddy brown paint, no handles,

and chewed knuckles on the legs.

 It was also extremely over priced at $75,

as it is not really a vintage piece or an antique.

But I loved the shape and size.

But as you guessed I bought it anyway.

I couldn't sand it because all the details are pressed into the light weight

balsa type wood.

$12 worth of stripper, another $36 worth of acetone, and days of work

this is what I started to find underneath.

White & Gold & Green & Wood

I added 4 true vintage glass knobs, something my mother has been

holding onto for many years.

Because of my love for this piece,

because of the cost of this piece,

because of the labour I poured into this piece,

SHE'S STAYING WITH US.

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