Keep original or make it look more modern?

Question

I bought it for 200, thought it would look great for tv cabinet, but its so scratched up.

Pjakin61 · Answer

Normally I'd say leave it alone, but in this case because it is so dark, I'd paint it

GrandmasHouseDIY · Answer

Unless the veneer (if it isn't solid wood but is actually veneer I can't tell by looking at it) is in real bad shape I would try stripping it, a lot of the dark going on there is just years upon years of grime. I've literally stripped dark pieces only to stain them dark again and the different is absolutely remarkable. These old pieces are just so dirty!

Denise · Answer

I have a cabinet close to this style that belonged to my grandmother. It was veneered and in really bad shape but I didn't want to get rid of it. I chalk painted the whole piece and it looks beautiful. You might try leaving the top stained dark and painting the bottom but if it doesn't match the rest of your furniture don't hesitate to paint the whole thing.

EdiLeck · Answer

I would say: It all depends on the look you like. After all, it is yours! If it were mine, I would clean it really well then give it a wipe-down with Howard's Restor-a-Finish and see what it looked like before I made a decision. I attached a pic of a foot board I'm working on. Huge difference if you like the look of wood. If you don't, then paint away!

Janet Pizaro · Answer

I am not a big fan of painting wood, however depending on how badly scratched the piece is you may not have a choice. I would try to strip it first before you make any decisions. It may be perfectly fine once it is cleaned and or stripped down.

MN Mom · Answer

I am not a big fan of painted wood, but I would paint this piece. It looks like a good solid piece you could keep for a long time. I think a lighter neutral color would be a very nice clean update. Not a fan of the look of chalk paint, I'd use latex.

Polly Zieper · Answer

It DOES look great as a tv cabinet- please just polish it and keep the charm the same !I've read here that you can improve the look of old wood that's scratched or has water marks by rubbing olive oil on it.

Brenda Coleman · Answer

an Almond stick will cover all scratches up but, it does not last. You would have to use it again in a month or so, however, it will look beautiful till you decide what you want to do. It is very hard to do anything with veneer. If You try to strip it well it could crumble and make a big mess. Veneer is very thin and when dry it crumbles. Even if you paint it you must do something to add moisture to it before you try painting it. What you need to do is use a good sealer first if you are going to paint it. This way once you do paint it the paint wont crack. Unless you like the cracked paint look. Then you have a natural. Good luck.

Beth H. Makemeprettyagain.blogspot · Answer

paint it. That stain and finish is horrible. Chalk paint is a perfect remedy for this. If you want, strip the top completely down to bare wood and stain in a medium walnut shade (that wood is mahogany and will have a natural reddish tone to it.) I've done a few of these and they come out really nice. I did one in white and one in black. Both with the wood tops.Oh, and remove the hardware and clean. You can try and polish them but it's easier to get a metallic spray paint and spray them. Do very light coats.

Beth H. Makemeprettyagain.blogspot · Answer

Coincidentally, I just saw this ad for a buffet almost identical to yours! It's on Craigslist and she has it listed for $600!!

Country Design Home · Answer

I am a big fan of painted furniture, but if you actually like the wood, then I would just try to cover the scratches and add some glow. If a product like 'Restore-A-Finish' doesn't work, then you could try a gel stain- goes right over the old stain and evens out the color and adds shine.

Mickey Baron · Answer

Another vote for PAINT. I love when they keep the top the original wood, paint the rest. Use the dark wax to give it some depth. The hardware looks AWESOME just spray paint it to make it stand out. After shots pls.?

Marilyn · Answer

It's personal preference. If you don't want to paint it give it a good cleaning with Fels Naphtha soap and follow with Toung Oil and it will be beautiful.

Barbara · Answer

I agree with Marilyn, its personal preference. I'd give it a good cleaning first and see what you think afterward. I have a preference for wood tones and am not a fan of painting vintage furniture. Sometimes the scratches and dings lend character to an older piece. It certainly works well as a TV stand!

Sonia · Answer

I would clean it up first and then make a decision.  Right now it just looks old and dirty.  But it does have great potential.

Chris · Answer

Your chair looks a bit 'country' so a painted finish in a blue/grey or green/gray would be nice with the pine of the chairs.

Kathryn · Answer

folks tysm. im loosing the pine chair, actually going for rustic barnwood table. think ill clean the sideboard first. thanks

Caryn Moy · Answer

I'd like to see it modern!

LaFawne · Answer

Agree with everyone else. Clean it and keep it for a few days until you make up your mind. Then do what makes you happy! It's your home, you can paint if you want to (sung to the tune of 'it's my party') LOL! Beautiful piece, however you finish it-

Michele Oakley · Answer

If you're looking for more modern & it's really scratched, go for painting! Keep the top if you want some wood grain (ShabbyPaints Gelato is great for this). Then choose a great accent color for your room!!

Gladys · Answer

Hometalk is full of instructions from people to use Vinegar and an Oil to erase those scratches. Also by damaged, do you mean there is a wood veneer that is peeled away? If so, it can be replaced with actual wood veneer in a matching sheet (same wood species and same color stain). You probably will have to do the entire bottom drawer to make it right. (See wiseWood Veneer, Veneer Tech, Woodcraft, etc.) My husband makes solid mahogany furniture but will repair our piano leg using a 'sheet of wood veneer'. It is like the wood on 'engineered hardwood flooring'. BTW, guessing the piece was manufactured in early 20th century, it is like most of the mass-produced furniture of the time in that higher grades of wood in veneers were placed over a cheaper wood frame. You can even very lightly sand that dresser if it is like my mother's from that period, just be sure to sand With the grain.

Trudy · Answer

Clean it well, then go over it with a stain close in color and rub it off pretty quickly. Just do sections, not the whole thing at once. It will refresh the finish and cover the scratches. Take off the hardware off and clean them up to add some bling to that pretty girl. If you still aren't happy then you can paint it.

LoriKindler · Answer

I love the idea of changing it into a TV stand - take out those drawers, put shelves in and holes in the back, paint as you like...Voila! And bonus - the TV is at a great height.

Carol S · Answer

Sometimes less is more. I'd clean it well first. I like and old product called Liquid Gold or maybe even Murphy's Oil Soap. Be gentle. Wood and water don't mix. My favorite product is Old English Scratch cover. The dark colored product will be best for this piece. It nourishes the wood and blends well to other shades. I think once you see this piece shined up, you'll be happy with it. Check out ideas for cleaning the hardware on pinterest.

Flossie · Answer

If there are very noticeable chips, use a wood filler(apply little and sand down, you can build this up.) I personally think this is a beautiful piece of furniture and would be very excited to give it a few coats of French Linen chalk paint and a dark wax, take a little off the edges and drawer fronts with a gentle sandpaper. Good luck. I wish this was mine!

Tesspug · Answer

I was going to say chalk paint as well.

Fenella · Answer

Yes. I'm with the girls. Chalk paint it. Would look fabulous. I work at an auction house in NZ full to the brim each week with estate and antique furniture etc and I am driving my colleagues nuts with 'Chalk paint it'! 'Would look fabulous chalk painted'. I am a recent convert, haha.

Patti kelley · Answer

I would definitely paint it It would be beautiful

Kathryn · Answer

wow i was blown away by the replies i got tysm

Mcf3672903 · Answer

re do

Keep original or make it look more modern?

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Keep original or make it look more modern?

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