What is the best way to repurpose vintage furniture?
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I have bought a bed and dresser (vintage) and I really want to chalk paint. What is the best way to do this, sanding, removing the old finish as with chalk paint? They say no prep needed. Color suggestions also. Thank you!
23 answers
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I am a fan of painted furniture but I would say don't paint this find! It is absolutely beautiful as is.
Kristina
on Jun 24, 2015
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I agree with Kristina. I love painted furniture, too. but this piece has some awesome details and is beautiful just as it is!
Charlotte Ray
on Jun 24, 2015
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It is beautiful as is, but if you want it painted and using Annie Sloans paint, then I would choose a paint colour to go with the rest of the decor in the room in which you are going to place it. I also would also 'highlight' the beautiful details on this piece. To get more ideas on colours etc - you can always type in google or hometalk etc something like 'hand painted furniture with Annie Sloan's Paint' - you will come up with loads of ideas. Also, you can try You Tube and put the same heading and this will actually show you how some people paint with ASP - hope this helps :)
Denise Hardy
on Jun 24, 2015
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PLEASE!! DON'T PAINT THIS WONDERFUL FIND! Just clean it up gently and retain it's value that way. Once you paint it, it will LOSE IT'S VALUE as an antique!
Karen foster
on Jun 24, 2015
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This is a beautiful set, too nice to paint! I only chalk paint those pieces that are in rough shape. Appreciate the workmanship in the various woods. Can look modern with bedding and pillows if that's the look your going for. Good luck with whatever you choose.
Denise
on Jun 24, 2015
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This piece has color details that make it beautiful that you would lose if you painted it, and losing that would make it a much plainer piece.
Denise King
on Jun 24, 2015
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All our comments seem to be the same. These are lovely pieces that just need a cleaning and oiling. I used a mixture of tung oil & turpentine on 2 pieces that belonged to my husband's grandmother and they came out looking great. The turpentine cuts the grime and the tung oil renews the wood finish.
Charlotte Wood Eckel
on Jun 24, 2015
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Yes, equal parts. Use a soft cloth and let the mixture sit on the furniture for a few minutes before wiping off. If your surface feel gummy after wiping, repeat on that spot and wipe until it feels smooth. I had to use an old toothbrush on intricate carvings. Overall, I was very pleased with the results. I would suggest trying on an area that won't show at first, to see the results. Your wood should be clean and look very softly oiled.
Charlotte Wood Eckel
on Jun 24, 2015
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I just started chalk painting and I love it! It's fun to change an old piece into something fresh and "not your grandmother's piece. Right now I'm using AS Paris gray on this piece. I'm reconfiging the door and painting the inside yellow and decoupaging the back with yellow flowere
Cheryl
on Jun 25, 2015
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For me it depends on the piece. What does this piece mean to you? What does it say to you? Don't rush your decision. The answer will come to you. I found a gorgeous antique desk that the instant I saw it I knew I wanted it painted and made into a vanity for our bathroom redo. Good luck!
Jaxon
on Jun 25, 2015
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The furniture has character all it's own. If you paint it you will loose all the details. Save painting for simpler furniture.
Irene
on Jun 25, 2015
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I have read all of the previous comments and I am surprised that I agree with those who say "Dont PAINT" !! I am a huge fan of both milk paint and chalk paint, and use both frequently. However....it has become harder and so much more difficult to find good, vintage wood furniture. Re-purposing is such a hot trend now and these types of pieces that are in good nick just don't come along very often. There are, however, lots of sad, slightly abused, underloved pieces out there longing for a coat of paint. Go find em!!! Give them new lives and be sure to share the results!
Trina Williams
on Jun 25, 2015
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Thank you all for your comments. It is a beautiful piece. 1921 as far as we can tell and this was the last this company made and then they started making caskets..lol I have a lot to think about with these.
Decoupage Designs USA
on Jun 25, 2015
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Thank you all. I seem to be getting the most advice to not paint it. Maybe a good clean up and waxing will be all is needed. Would save a lot of time too. Thanks to you all again.:-)
Decoupage Designs USA
on Jun 25, 2015
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It looks like it is in excellent shape. I agree it would be a shame to paint over this, it is beautiful.
Wendy
on Jun 25, 2015
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I believe this furniture was made in the early 1900s...and would be considered an antique as it's over 100 years old. It's amazing to find furniture over 100 years old in such beautiful condition. Please don't paint it...it's a true treasure :--)
Cindy
on Jun 25, 2015
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I think you should do what YOU want to do!! IF....you did not pay much for it, and it doesnt "fit" your decor as is......then paint it!! If your not worried about the "value" of the pieces, in which, I would try to find out before you paint it!! Compare with what you bought it for, if its the "value" YOU want....dont paint it!! If its the BEAUTY of a painted piece....then paint it!! I would look and look, and look some more to get ideas for the "LOOK" you want!! I can tell you that BEIGE/TAN, along with GRAYS are popular colors, at least in my area...I would also HIGHLIGHT the beauty of the details!! Good Luck, and would love to see what you do with it?? Pic of piece(s) once they are "in place"!!!!!!!
Pauliegirl1
on Jun 25, 2015
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I would not paint. But if you must, prep the wood always, even when using chalk paint.
Gloria tulip
on Jun 25, 2015
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I love chalk painting vintage and antique pieces---especially if it's to "save" the piece. Not each piece is in a renovation condition, but certainly has a value to you (or others) who appreciate the design. Also, if there is non-repairable damage or staining, what better way to keep a beautiful piece of the past? If you opt to do the chalk paint feel free to let me know if you'd like some tips!
Accentuations!
on Jun 25, 2015
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I agree with Wendy and Cindy. If there is damage to the surface then paint might be the only option. From what is shown in your pictures the pieces appear to be in good vintage condition. I'd go over it with a good wood-grade cleaner, add some wax polish and enjoy the vintage feel of the beautiful wood.
Barbara
on Jun 26, 2015
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Both pieces are in very good condition and I am not planning on keeping it but this is a hard decision. Each one of you have been so kind and helpful and have given me the thought that I should take my time in figuring out what to do with this beautiful furniture...:-)
Decoupage Designs USA
on Jun 26, 2015
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I have this discussion endlessly with my husband, He doesn't 'like the idea of spoiling a lovely craftsman made piece of wooden furniture with paint, But I think if I paint it and we all get more enjoyment from it, that is still respecting the original craftsman. Otherwise the piece might end up on the bonfire or the tip,. I have just got into chalk painting old wooden pieces and am having so much fun. And husband likes the results!!!!! Well most of them
Alison Watson
on Jun 05, 2016
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Vintage wood furniture falls into a broad range of categories. I prefer to restore even with some repair work needed, to it's 'original' condition to bring out the natural beauty of the wood and pay homage to the craftsman/woman that created it. For pieces that have severe broken/damage that might not be the best approach to keep the piece from finding a landfill. In that case, I try to use my best judgement. Clean, sand and stain the outer parts of the wood curio, cabinet,dresser, desk, etc, and paint those parts that have the most damage, usually legs and the face of drawers or doors. Your pieces are beautiful and appear in good shape, but the end owner is the final decision maker. Since you don't plan on keeping it, try to find someone interested in it and invite their opinion. Personally, I'd never purchase a vintage piece that was chalk painted in any color. I love the beauty of the wood grain, others may not agree.
Barbara
on Jun 07, 2016
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