6 Fall Furniture Flips
This post contains several pieces that turned out particularly well and may be brief comments on each. Before pictures are sadly absent. Eagerness to make frequent posts is waning a bit this year. My obsession with the hobby has not, rest assured.
I use Sherwin-Williams paint to-go to make my own DIY Paint. I’m considering a transition to their Emerald line of paint that requires no topcoat. It’s being used now and then to see if I like it.
#1 Favorite: Rustic Ruby Red
My first piece in red. You’ve seen these 100 year old pieces at thrift markets. They are typically beat to hell. The ones I paint are no exception. I can count on leaving the top and the legs natural wood. The unique hardware is worth what was paid for the whole piece – $25! The front emblem had to be highlighted somehow and also the back piece detail. So I did by blending with pink in the center.
But can you see the slight variations in colors on the drawers? Totally not on purpose but I’d do it again.
This piece had 2 do-over bloopers.
First, the first coat of paint contained pink center blended drawers, yeah like rare meat, lol. The second coat therefore was straight up rustic red (Sherwin Williams). Instead of a 3rd coat for total solid color, I left it and I love it. Note to self, remember it as a technique on purpose for another piece. Ornate pieces are simply no-good with out glazing or shading of some kind. The entire piece got an glaze treatment General Finishes Van Dyke Brown cut with Flow-Trol, (that makes it easier to work with).
The second blooper was applying the wrong sheen topcoat. Lesson learned, dark colors do not get satin sheen or else it looks like lacquer, bald head shiny. It’s the first time for me using General Finishes Dead Flat. It bailed me out!
#2 Toasty Coffee Bar Wannabe
Earlier this year, I bought this color paint, Sherwin Williams Toasty, based upon predictions for 2024 hot colors. Spring and summer just didn’t seem like the right time to use it. Just to try it out, this $10 dresser made a good piece to experiment. Glazing was so easy on the Rustic Red piece, for some reason it was easier than when I did it a few years ago, so I did it again. I’ve never glazed over a transfer before. General Finishes glaze hardens up quickly, which is why I cut it with Flo-Trol, and it’s perfect for going over the slick (Elegant Neutrals) transfer surface. Dark chocolate brown tops have become standard styling pretty much. This time, like almost all of my pieces, the body is sealed using General Finishes Flat sheen and the top in Satin.
#3 Custom Hepplewhite Vanity
A friend from Business and Professional Women’s groups of years past, reached out for a makeover for this vanity/desk. Looking at it now, it seems something missing from the top drawer but I still love the way it turned out. It’s inspired by a design I posted earlier. Paint it like that she said. The drawers are slightly lighter than the body – just slightly. Customary dark chocolate brown painted top – only when the top is not fit for refinishing.
#4 Pair Black Distressed Dixie Side Tables
If pairs can be found it’s a great day in the thrifting world. When I can find them, distressed black usually sell fast. I use Sherwin-Williams Black Magic which has a brown undertone that I love and General Finishes Flat sealer. The trendy knobs from Hobby Lobby made a cool difference.
#5 Neighborhood MCM FreeBee
It’s a cheap lightweight piece hardly worth the time and paint but, you know, I felt sorry for it. There is no use to making it elaborate so it got a easy coats of Sherwin-Williams Sea Serpent. Is it Navy or is it Teal? It keeps you guessing and that’s what I love about the color.
#6 Custom Modern Dresser
Seems like this piece could have been designed and painted more elaborately. But then sometimes simplicity is very attractive. I love the color my friend wanted. This is a yummy blue blend call Blustery Skies. Bar handles for the bottom drawers are easy to find at Menards but the knobs on the top weren’t that easy. I wanted 2 size knobs, smaller for the 6 top and medium for the 2 right below. No can find of the same design. Yes, I looked the internet high and low so I settled on these found at Hobby Lobby. I guess they are okay.
