Color change to an antique display cabinet
by
Demeetra
+33
Can you advise on how I can change the color of this cabinet?
Old English antique display cabonet over 90 years old circa Victorian times. Its also up for sale for euro 500.
30 answers
-
I have one, I wouldn't change it its a great reminder of where I came from, & it reminds me how my father, loved me, for me to be the owner of such fine furniture from old, if you paint it, you're loss the value of your great piece.AM JUST SAYING, TREASURE YOUR LOVESONE THINGS SO YOU MAY PASS IT TO SOMEONE, YOU TEACH ABOUT ATINQUE'S.
Cash
on Jul 14, 2016
-
Oh my word! Why would you want to change the color of this beautiful old cabinet?! If you just can't stand it the way that it is, change the color of the interior. This cabinet is much to pretty and valuable to "mess" with the finish!
Jim L
on Jul 14, 2016
-
If painting it is what you want to do, Try Annie Sloan chalk paint. It is easy to use and no prep required. If you don't want to paint it and a quick change is your goal , try using fabric or paint on the inner back boards to add a pop of color. I have done both to antique pieces and both look great.
Chrissy
on Jul 14, 2016
-
It is just too dark with century old build up. Clean or Strip off the old wax, varnish and crud. Lightly stain it with an oil product, let dry and use a danish oil or bees wax rub on compound to keep it 'clear' and lighter.
Johnchip
on Jul 14, 2016
-
Formby's make a great product that will take off some of the old dark stain and you can coat it with their Tung Oil to protect it. I have done this several times and it just wakes the piece up without changing the original nature of the piece.
Tricia Jackson Jones
on Jul 14, 2016
-
Formby's to clean it, place glass mirrors in the back of the shelves to brighten it and better showcase your display.
Nancy Stanberry-Ktiyeb
on Jul 14, 2016
-
It probably has a shellac finish on it. Over time the shellac traps dirt and dust and then darkens. To mess with the original finish, however, will probably ruin its value. If you don't care about that, use steel wool and acetone and the old finish will come right off and leave the wood much lighter.
Cha8468604
on Jul 14, 2016
-
I would NOT paint. I use a citrus base stripper one dark pieces. Sand it smooth and give a tung oil finish.
Olivia McCullough
on Jul 14, 2016
-
I personally would give it a nice black base and do a barn red over that, distressing it to let the black come thrust. Or maybe a. Distressed eggshell /French vanilla color. Kinda depends on how the rest of your decor.
Ali Kay
on Jul 15, 2016
-
I agree about the Formby's Wood Cleaner. It takes away years of dirt. You may be quite surprised what is under the surface. It's really lovely and I'd avoid paint.
Annie
on Jul 15, 2016
-
I think you should do whatever you want to with the piece to bring it into the 21st century. I would clean it and try bleaching it and if you don't like it - paint it with chalk paint and enjoy it. Forget the mirrors in back - if you paint it - put another color in the back or wallpaper it. Don't let your furniture make you a prisoner - it is for you in your time.
Suzy kerr
on Jul 15, 2016
-
I think the above folks gave you really good advise, I like murphy's soap, wash well, tape off and then I think a beautiful dusty grey with white on the wood holding the glass. Annie Sloans is very nice paint and you won't have to strip it.
April Monaco
on Jul 15, 2016
-
Perhaps a cloth on the inside back after cleaning the wood. Then , if not satisfied, paint?
Beverley Holland
on Jul 15, 2016
-
I like old wood.Keep it natural if you can.Clean,sand lightly with 220 grit sand paper,and fill any damage with sawdust and wood glue!Get a stain you really like.Finish it up with the liquid plastic so it is easy to clean!
Sophia,M.,McConnery
on Jul 15, 2016
-
My china and buffet were old (bought 2nd hand about 30 years ago) so spruced them up with several coats of Behr paint/primer and lightened up the inside too. It's up to you to paint a true antique which reduces its antique value. Or clean up the exterior as suggested and maybe paint the interior back to give it a jolt of color.
Martha Bliss
on Jul 15, 2016
- See 1 previous
-
To paint something that has a shiny appearance, do I sand first then paint. It's my old desk from my childhood and my grandson wants to paint it blue. Thanks
Cindi Buckles Thomas
on Jul 15, 2016
-
After many moves, my mahogany China closet from the late fifties was scratched, badly scarred, and in general, not very attractive. Sandpaper, oil based primer (mahogany is a bleeder) and paint transformed it to a pice I can now enjoy.
Sharon Carson Dunham
on Jul 15, 2016
- See 1 previous
-
It is such a lovely cabinet I wouldn't change a thing.
Jan Diolosa
on Jul 15, 2016
-
As suggested I would put a wood cleaner on it, no paint, then put doilies hanging over the shelves to brighten up the interior. You need to add some pretty pottery or any larger display even one with color. In my opinion the items there now are too tiny to attract attention.
Marie Alesi Caruana
on Jul 15, 2016
-
I have to agree with Jan Diolosa and Marie Caruana. A beautiful piece.
Pat Miller
on Jul 15, 2016
-
Thanks!!!
Cindi Buckles Thomas
on Jul 15, 2016
-
I also have an antique China cabinet and I would never paint it. However, to brighten it up, I am considering inserting panels in back of each shelf. I did same thing for a bookcase in den. Inserts can be made from heavy stock paper and covered in a favorite material or decorative paper. I have not found a pattern yet. This way, you can change the appearance without painting.
Barbara underwood
on Jul 15, 2016
-
Distress look with chalk paint. I would use a white chalk paint and distress areas that would have normal wear then paint the inside a different color like maybe a pink. Good luck!
Joa6595835
on Jul 16, 2016
-
It really depends where you plan to showcase this piece. If you are going to sell it, I would leave the finish as is. It's a golden oldie, for sure.
Jeannie
on Jul 16, 2016
-
i agree with leaving it alone and putting some beautiful wall paper on the back wall. it's such a pretty piece.
D fuhrman
on Jul 16, 2016
-
IL FAUDRAIT LA PEINDRE D'UN BLANS ANTIQUE.
Agathe Beaulieu
on Jul 16, 2016
-
You are right and reflecting the china would be beautiful. I would have to measure. I suppose I could by those on the internet.
Barbara underwood
on Jul 16, 2016
-
please sell this treasure in it's current condition. please don't paint it. use that money to find a habitat store find and paint that. You won't have to tape off the glass if you slather the glass with Vaseline and the sprayed on paint will wipe off. Yaa!
Dwi5997718
on Jul 17, 2016
-
I will try just changing the interior at first with some nice wallpaper although now there is material covering the back and shelves. I cannot take the material off as it is one piece and the shelves cannot be removed. So I will try piece by piece and see how it goes. I was thinking of something like "gold ochra" to complement the outside stain. Will posst what I do and see how it goes. Thanks for all the tips.
Demeetra
on Jul 17, 2016
-
I would mirror the interior, or wall paper it. The exterior seems to be in excellent condition. I would not touch it. You would not want to decrease the value of an antique.
Aco5608460
on Jul 17, 2016
Sign Up to Answer
