creating beauty and warmth where you live

Monday, June 6, 2011

How We Refinished The Buffet

First, let me say how much it means to receive so many nice comments on my finished buffet.  That is almost as rewarding as the finished piece!

As promised, here are the steps we took in refinishing the buffet.  If you missed the first post, click here to read.  

We didn't take pictures while we worked.  But that is OK as this is not really intended to be a step by step tutorial.  There are other bloggers with some really good ones.  I highly recommend Shaunna at Perfectly Imperfect and Mariann at Miss Mustard Seed.    

I painted two coats with Annie Sloan's Chalk Paint in Louis Blue.  I found the paint did become thicker the longer the can was open.  This led to more visible brush strokes after the second coat.  One of the nice things about this paint is that you can easily add water to achieve a lighter color or thinner consistency.  This also leads to an easy clean-up!

This whole process was completely an experiment as we (my husband and I worked on it together one Saturday) had never worked with chalk paint before.  We used a very fine sanding block to remove brush marks.  This paint sands so easily!  We then distressed it in various areas.  Again, a breeze. 

Because we had it on hand, we used Ralph Lauren Tinting Glaze in Cottage Hill to added some age to the buffet.  We diluted this, two parts glaze and one part water.  My husband wiped it on and I came behind him and wiped it off.   I found that this glaze had some green undertones.   



We then used Minwax, Paste Finishing Wax in Natural.  Again, this was the wax we had on hand.  


We put it on much like you would on a car in a circular motion.  Waited about 15 minutes, then used a soft cloth to buff to a nice shine. 

It was really after the wax was buffed that this piece really began to sing!  The wax brings out the beauty of the chalk paint and the distressing.  Up to that point, I wasn't sure.  The longer we buffed, the more I smiled!  The wax brought out the old-world patina I was looking for.   We chose to use the existing hardware.

And for those who have difficulty with me painting an old piece of furniture, I have to say that I feel I gave this buffet it's second life.  I never would have bought it in the first place without planning on painting it.  Before, it looked too Victorian and granny.  Now, it feels fresh and modern with a European antique style.  I believe we will enjoy this buffet for years to come. 

A reminder of how it looked before.


And some more "afters" of my treasure!




Thanks for visitng!  Libby~

Linking to the following parties!


Debbiedoos Blogging and Blabbing Newbie Party


Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphis Monday
  






   

12 comments:

  1. Looks gorgeous Libby. I have a similar piece that I never thought of painting and now you've got me thinking. I just used the chalk paint yesterday on an old desk - I used Paris Gray and Old White - you are so right - very easy to work with and sand. I'm loving it!
    xoxo,
    Kim

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  2. Sandi @ Making It Homey said...It is so beautiful, I would love to have it in my home. Great job.

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  3. I love it Libby, and I thank you for sharing with my newbie party.

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  4. Oh, your buffet is gorgeous! I used to have a problem with painting wood but no more! What new life you've brought to this lovely piece!
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  5. Libby, Thanks for all the info. I have ordered my chalk paint and am gearing up to use it on a project. Glad to hear your thoughts on it. The piece is very pretty.

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  6. what a beautiful job you did,, wow,, such a beauty,,I'm your I'm your follower number 91,,

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  7. You guys are a great team who did a beautiful job transforming this piece! I love the distressing you did ... beautiful color ... well done !! *Becca*

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  8. Your buffet is gorgeous now! You did a fabulous job with it. I plan on ordering some Chalk paint soon. Can't wait to try it.

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  9. Libby!
    This turned out GREAT!
    I wish I had your talent! Every time I try to paint something, it never turns out right. I can get the first coat or two on, but it is the waxing and sanding and distressing I am absolutely horrible with!
    You inspire me~
    :)

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