Should I keep it?

by Lidia

+99

Answered

My dining room buffet is ugly. I would like to paint it, but I am afraid the paint will not stick. Please, I need an inspiration before Thanksgiving.

q should i keep it , painted furniture, painting

95 answers

Elaine Musker on Nov 07, 2016
Masonry paint will stick to anything . And you can colour it as you wish by adding a little of some dark emulsion in the colour you want. Like icing-sugar, you only need a little of a tester pot. Otherwise, consider using wallpaper on it.

1 marked as helpful Reply
Amy P. on Nov 07, 2016
If you give it a very, very light sanding, just to add something rough for the paint to stick to, it can certainly be painted. I'd love to see it when you complete it.

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Shereen Shantz on Nov 07, 2016
Put a tablecloths . Dress it up with some bows.

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Weezie on Nov 07, 2016
send it straight to my house! i love it just like it is!

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Sjr on Nov 07, 2016
Chalk paint will work

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Mos12289710 on Nov 07, 2016
Looks great as is - matter of taste.

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William on Nov 07, 2016
Lightly sand to remove the shine and roughen the surface for paint. Prime with KILZ, BIN, or Zinsser primer then paint.

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Janet Pizaro on Nov 07, 2016
The piece is not ugly just a little outdated.What style is the rest of your furniture?

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Patricia Young on Nov 07, 2016
Not ugly! I have the matching table and china and would love to have the buffet.

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Johnchip on Nov 07, 2016
I can see Lucy and Ethel serving coctails or turkey off this buffet. Do not change it, Clean and polish. Buy a nice silver cocktail shaker set and tray a couple tall candle sticks and go mid-century Hollywood. Wear a nice print apron when serving from it!

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Conniehatfield3 on Nov 07, 2016
Personally, I love it but, if you hate it, besides painting it, you could stencil it or sew a cover for it & change it our seasonally ! Make a pattern & go from there or a couple of table runners could jazz it up for each season & upstage the table altogether! Best of Luck!

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Citygirl on Nov 07, 2016
I don't find it ugly at all, but maybe it just doesn't tie in with the rest of your furniture? You can certainly apply KILZ & paint away, but that would kill the character (and value) of the piece. Sometimes a simple hardware update changes the whole look. Look around at your other furniture...what color & style is the hardware? The wood is beautiful, and appears to be in excellent condition. I would hate to see it ruined with paint. I had an odd piece in my dining room. Same color wood, similar style, but just didn't fit in. I spent less than $20 to change out the pulls to match the other pieces, and now I wouldn't think of getting rid of it! Fits in perfectly.

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Allor on Nov 08, 2016
PLEASE don't destroy its beauty with paint.If you must attack it, just try to refinish it with Unicorn Spit stains for a new look.

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Beverly on Nov 08, 2016
You will need a bonding primer to paint this piece. Zinsser Bulls Eye 123. It's a water based primer, so easy clean up and very low odor. I have used this product on many of my cabinets. No sanding. This is not a blocking primer so if you are painting this piece a light color, it may take more than 2 coats of paint after you primer it.

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Robbie Rob on Nov 08, 2016
I would change the knobs with more expensive looking ones that's all you need.

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Wanda on Nov 08, 2016
I have the same piece but it's china buffet . I love it. As Robbie recommend I would change the knobs for silver one.

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Brenda Dasti on Nov 08, 2016
It's a beautiful piece of furniture.

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Patricia Ann on Nov 08, 2016
I TOO say it is truly elegant, beautiful. IF you really want to upgrade/update, find some new knobs, and MAYBE paint those two upright channels on each side ( a dark color, to blend in...Ican't tell what they're made of....

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Bonita Laking on Nov 08, 2016
There is paint for everything these days. decide on what look you want. you can go antique look sand the edges,for distressed look.or simply paint for whoe new look.changing the knobs will giv it a whole new look too.decide on the colour you want.buy sample and check it out.dont be afraid to try something new.Paint is an awesome way to go.Chalk paint will give it antique look.research online for befor and after it will help you decide. Happy Thanksgiving.....

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Jeanette Pikul on Nov 08, 2016
Beautiful ! Polish it up & add glass knobs.......that's all!

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Cindi on Nov 08, 2016
What a beauty ! Have you thought about adding small legs to it ? I think it would give it a new look, also changing up the knobs.

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Virginia on Nov 08, 2016
I have to agree. I looked at your picture and had to come right to the comment section. The piece is beautiful. A real classic. And at least in the picture, it looks like it has wonderful grain and patina.

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B J Alexis on Nov 08, 2016
I agree, its a lovely piece and apparently in very good condition. Try replacing the knobs first, you may change your mind on painting.

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Eroque022810 on Nov 08, 2016
I would keep it. IT'S to close to the holiday to start a project for paint to cure. IN the future I would add a fine line of pain't in the metallic color of knows to highlight the lines of this cabinet but that's all. IT'S a beauty.

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Judy Prier Burgess on Nov 08, 2016
I like Farm House paint - I paints on all surfaces. I could imagine this in "Creamy Linen". I can imagine those ball feet underneath too. This paint dries quickly and you could complete the job in one day. I'm pretty sure it would need 3 coats of paint. Good luck!

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Bklyn Cowgirl on Nov 08, 2016
If you really don't like it, can I have it??? I agree with the others, it's beautiful.

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Pattie on Nov 08, 2016
I would remove the doors, assuming there are shelves inside. Put a pretty wallpaper in behind the shelves for color. For the outside, after Thanksgiving, I would lightly sand the exterior then use a water wash paint to lighten it up in a coordinating color to match the wallpaper and room decor. Update the knobs. Good luck!

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Ray Phillips on Nov 08, 2016
It is beautiful, all I would is trim the top edge and the base with a gold trim paint and change the knobs, I would never paint some thing beautiful

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Cj Jones on Nov 08, 2016
I would put a kilt paint down and them use a chalk off white paint. It might take several coats but it dries fast and then put a polyurethane sealer on. Change the knobs and you will have an outstanding piece.

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Susan Bellwood on Nov 08, 2016
Not ugly, very retro. I would leave it the way it is, it's beautiful.

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Patty on Nov 08, 2016
I wouldn't change a thing it is a beautiful piece. I love painted pieces only when they are in bad shape and that is the best way to restore them or if they really are not a good piece to begin with, but yours is beautiful.

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Karanne on Nov 08, 2016
This has an art deco feel that is absolutely stunning but when we own something that doesn't suit our current 'style', we have to release it to a new life, look or owner. (this is a lesson for myself)

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CeCe813 on Nov 08, 2016
I have painted a couple of pieces with chalk paint, and love the way they now fit into my home. My old home had smaller, separate rooms with differing styles; my current home is more open and I hated that nothing seemed to match suddenly. If you use a light colored chalk paint on a dark piece, you will need a minimum of two coats, possibly three. I used the Amy Howard paint from Ace Hardware and have used white ivory and black, all with good results. The benefit is you don't have to buy something new (I couldn't really afford to be replacing many bookcases, a fireplace surround, etc.), and you can make it fit anywhere. I have not had any problem with the chalk paint sticking to shiny surface either - it's a miracle ;)

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Melissapace on Nov 08, 2016
I love purple , just ship it to me. LOL

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Kmc7517963 on Nov 08, 2016
Perhaps you can sell it. Then use the cash to get something you like. It is too nice to paint.

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Vicki on Nov 08, 2016
Do you know who manufactured this buffet? It looks beautiful. What it needs is stunning hardware. Take a look at Lisa Jarvis Designs.

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Arlene Maresca on Nov 08, 2016
If you think its ugly, sell it

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Lola Griffin on Nov 08, 2016
It's beautiful

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Carolyn Davis on Nov 08, 2016
a beautiful antique, sell it please don't paint it

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Barb on Nov 08, 2016
If you are determined to paint it, dive in. First clean the surface thoroughly. Then lightly sand. Wipe down again. Now put on bonding primer. Wait 24 hrs. before painting. Please use a good quality paint. I have used this method many times. You may also finish up with some clear poly. Hope this helps.

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Patricia Ann on Nov 09, 2016
So many of us appreciate the lines o the buffet itself. AND truly admire the "music" of the wood. ( I refinish furniture and that's how I feel about the grains of certain woods, they harmonize, come to a crescendo, etc. etc.). If you still truly don't like/appreciate the buffet OR just cannot stand the style, PLEASE sell/give it to someone that will. Otherwise, keep it and love it dearly....

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Carmen on Nov 09, 2016
Don't paint it. You'll ruin it. If you really have no use for it sell it on Craigslist. That's how I've gotten rid of things and made some money. Beats garage sales!

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Cathy on Nov 09, 2016
I kind of agree with you---not my taste at all---too modern looking. Do something with it or get something you really like before the Holidays---an early Christmas present to yourself.

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861650 on Nov 09, 2016
Any time you rush to do a project, you will certainly be disappointed. May I suggest you check out this website, pinterest and google, "how to refurbish adining room buffet." You will find hundreds of ideas. However, since Thanksgiving is just around the corner, you could use or make a table runner or one with a skirt attached. It does not have to be ruffled or pleated.

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Leslie Mavis Oniki on Nov 09, 2016
I had an heirloom hope chest with the same problem. Didn't paint it for years, just because... but it was always in a closet. I looked for similar pieces on Pinterest, painted it with chalk paint and now I actually use it!! I say - do your research and then go for it!!

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Dj on Nov 09, 2016
Is that Art Deco? It's gorgeous, but way dark. Can you sand it down and put a lighter finish on it?

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Sam on Nov 09, 2016
Is that a laminate burl wood finish on that piece? If so, I wood try to sell it and use the $ toward a piece you really want, but until then drape a beautiful table cloth over it to 'protect' it from spills during holiday entertaining.

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Deb on Nov 09, 2016
Go for it...Anne Sloan Chalk paint will cover and will stick!

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Debra Logan on Nov 10, 2016
No, don't paint it! Sell it to someone doing a retro look in their home and buy something you really love to replace it.

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Sharon on Nov 10, 2016
If a developer doesn't work, use a rotary dander, it leaves no marks and you will be surprised of the wood that is really there. Then see if you want to paint or restrain different color, stain also comes in different colours.

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Sharon on Nov 10, 2016
Sorry this kindle is very fussy on spelling. Use a rotary s a n d e r if a d e g l o s s e r d o e s n t work, then decide what color you want to stain it or paint it, with even a stencil if you would like. Good luck!

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Marie Anderson on Nov 10, 2016
NO! You should give it to me!!

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Jo-Ann on Nov 10, 2016
It is beautiful. I would not paint it. Move it to another area of the house.

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DelorisSchlickbernd on Nov 10, 2016
Looks like someone took good care of it I would not do anything to it

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Debra Seely on Nov 10, 2016
Paint it with chalk paint with some prep work. Once you make it your own you'll love it again. Look at a combination of paint and wood to bring out the beauty of the doors.

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Lydia S. on Nov 10, 2016
If you don't like it, then it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks. Flip it to make it into something you'll love. And, yes, you can paint it. With the proper prep, you can really paint just about anything.

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Phil a on Nov 10, 2016
Seriously, what was old, will soon become new. Personally, if you think it's ugly, get it appraised and see if it's worth selling and using the profits to buy a piece that you do like. As many a politician has said, it doesn't do any good to put lipstick on a pig. As this website shows for a "similar" piece selling for $1,000, it might be worth selling. .... http://picclick.com.au/Art-Deco-Vintage-Solid-Wooden-Buffet-Side-Cabinet-322275600679.html .... Phil

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Betty Bobo on Nov 10, 2016
Wish I had it for flat screen tv stand! Add new pulls to up date

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B_r4279214 on Nov 10, 2016
Paint it and add legs to it!!

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- Lidia on Nov 11, 2016
  I was thinking about adding legs and removing side doors, than paint the inside on both sides. This piece is so dark it takes over my dining room. I was thinking combo of burnt red all over and dark sage on the sides open areas.
  
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Cristine Meixner on Nov 10, 2016
What is your style? If it were mine I would do Hollywood glam on it; paint it all silver and put a mirror on top.

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Cz on Nov 10, 2016
Chalk Paint. I used Annie Sloan's chalk paint on my kitchen cabinets with very little prep work and they turned out beautiful. I added a coat of wax, which gave the finish a little sheen.

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Debbie Shepheard on Nov 10, 2016
Absolutely gorgeous, as is! I wish I had this piece.

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- Canadianlady on Nov 10, 2016
  My sentiments exactly.
  
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Ann Bailey on Nov 10, 2016
Annie Sloan chalk paint will stick to practically any surface. Beautiful colors to select. I've done several pieces and the paint is amazing

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Jackie Byrd on Nov 11, 2016
There is a lot of discussion on the forum about painting furniture like this. And, there are products out there that you can use where you don't have to sand the item first. One very popular item is a primer that you can use on almost everything. You slap a couple of coats of the primer on, then you're ready for you rehab paint. Do some searches and poking around on the forum. There is a wealth of information here.

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Ejp9127249 on Nov 11, 2016
Its perfect just the way it is.

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Ginger on Nov 11, 2016
I would love to have that piece, it is beautiful as it is! Just modernize it. Put some different handles on it and decorate it on top with some ultra modern accent pieces, at least one large piece. It will be a beautiful piece in your dining room.

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Scb7863153 on Nov 11, 2016
It looks vintage. I wouldn't paint it. If you really don't like the finish, why not sell it and get something you like? There's a market for this kind of furniture. Maybe the photo doesn't show scratches or nicks that need work?

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Azza Eltoukhey on Nov 11, 2016
I think it's very nice as is but you can put on it a matching granite top or golden runner with vase and multicolored flowers.

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Tina Coyle on Nov 11, 2016
It's not my style either but looks art deco and many like that. If it isn't scratched up then selling it and getting something you like better might be the best option. The picture isn't great, but it looks to me like the knobs cheapen in up a bit. Just changing the knobs might make it look more classic art deco, heck I might even like it then, anything classic and rich looking is good.

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Rosemarie on Nov 11, 2016
Keep it just that way

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Anne Reidy Borenstein on Nov 11, 2016
That looks like it's in very good condition. If it is not your taste, sell it. If it's from the 40s to 60"s there are collectors out there. I would not paint it. It would destroy the value.

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Pat - Australia on Nov 11, 2016
Don't paint it because it will not work...Sell and get something you like..I understand how we can get sick of something, so just get rid of it, and go for something else :) p.s. If you can not sell before Thanksgiving, cover it up! till you can get it out or move to another room.Fully understand you on this .

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Beverly Anderson on Nov 12, 2016
You could paint it. After a light sanding prep surface with Kilz2 Primer first for prep. You are now ready for whatever color you desire.

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Hms8411735 on Nov 12, 2016
It's an awesome piece. I would use chalk paint to update it. Maybe 2 different grays or add stencils. Also either paint the hardware or buy new for a current vibe. I recently updated all the traditional white furniture in each of my daughters' bedrooms in their favorite colors.

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- Judy Prier Burgess on Nov 12, 2016
  So pretty!! What are the colors on the two-tone chest? Both are beautiful!
  
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ClaudiaSue Poling on Nov 12, 2016
Take?

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ClaudiaSue Poling on Nov 12, 2016
Take a door off & take it to the paint store. They can advise you how to prepare the surface so paint would stick to it. It's a nice piece; however, if you don't like it, that doesn't matter. Do what makes you happy.

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Diane Taylor Noel on Nov 12, 2016
Chalk paint is made to use on any surface. I like Hmstokes idea on color. You can seal it with poly shades or wax .

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Hms8411735 on Nov 12, 2016
Thanks. That was my first furniture painting try. I used Maui Sand chalk paint for the darker color - see pic. For the lighter color, I added white to get a good match.

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- See 1 previous
- Judy Prier Burgess on Nov 13, 2016
  Who makes that particular chalk paint? Did you add whit chalk paint or just regular white latex? I used Farmhouse on my first - whit linen - and liked it. Then I took the advice of a employee at a hardware stor and used primer first. I had to strip the pieces and start over. Luckily they were much smaller projects. My first was a China cabinet - these were a desk top and baby rocking chairs. No idea why the primer ruined it all.
  
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- Hms8411735 on Nov 15, 2016
  I apologize Judy, I thought I responded but clearly I did not. I bought this from Joanne's (I love coupons) and it is by Folk Art. I usually use AmericanaDecor Chalk paint but I couldn't find the color that I wanted. This brand worked just as well. The white was also chalk. No primer to begin so it's easy. Adding the white simply allowed me to stop searching for a complentary color. Make sure that you make enough of the combined color - I learned the hard way that it's difficult to recreate the exact same shade!
  
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Cindy on Nov 13, 2016
Yes keep it, leave the top it's rich wood, sand the bottom, remove the knobs, leave the base wood too, sand and paint the bottom a nice high gloss ivory, go buy some beautiful new knobs that will match the dark wood top and bottom, and there you have a beautiful new Buffet console.

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Peggy Biesinger on Nov 13, 2016
Definitely keep it. The lines are beautiful and while I'm not an expert, there are so many ways to paint laminated wood nowadays.

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Hms8411735 on Nov 13, 2016
My favorite chalk paint is actually Americana Decor an I get it at hobby lobby or Michaels. But that brand didn't have the gray that I wanted. I bought the Folk Art chalk paint at JoAnne's. That brand had a color chart and I could see how it would turn out. The white was same brand chalk paint. I have heard that milk paint works also but I like chalk paint because no prep work - just start painting. My preference is 3 coats and It is important to let dry thoroughly between coats. Then the sealer must be used. Most people use chalk paint wax. My preference is the varnish. Either way, I suggest use of clean cloth to apply instead of brush. Personal preference. Good luck!

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Karen Rae Lvine on Nov 13, 2016
I love Annie Sloan chalk paint. There are so many easy ways to go with painting this piece. Lots of nice lines that are easy to tape off if you want to go with two or even three colors. Good luck!

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Sandra Webster on Nov 14, 2016
It's beautiful! Cover it with vintage papers!

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Kelly Nickolaus on Nov 14, 2016
Do NOT keep it! Give it to ME! It's gorgeous!!

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- Arenda Villarreal on Jan 09, 2017
  
  You or me, I would take it beautiful. I would never paint it.
  
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Allison henry on Dec 07, 2016

yes its very elegant

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Hunee on Dec 13, 2016

Sand finish off, distress, and antique it.

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- Phyllis Elliott on Feb 11, 2017
  
  Don't have to sand finishes off if you use Annie Sloan Chalk paint , you just make sure it's clean...start painting ! There is a few other brands but I like hers . If you want to make some other shine through then paint the base coat and top coat with a different color and sand at edges etc etc and the bottom color as well as original color can peak through . Look up Annie Sloan on FB she has a page and often goes around country doing tutorials ! I love the pieces I've done but I like chippy, shabby, worn looking pieces !
  
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Cj on Dec 25, 2016

KEEP IT!!! Change the knobs maybe. Have you seen crackle paint? if you really must change it up this would be an idea. Colour options are as limited as your imagination. What ever you decide, do keep it. Maybe it will be of use in another room? Good luck, but keep it.

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Roxanne Whipple on Dec 26, 2016

Definately a keeper. I would use ivory chalk paint with blingy knobs! I found some gorgeous knobs at Hobby Lobby.

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And7447075 on Dec 30, 2016

It's a keeper for sure. I'm overwhelmed with ideas for it. However, I would not touch the top. Paint ( so many choices of colors) and new hardware will make this already great piece amazing!

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☘️ TxBella on Jan 01, 2017

Happy 2017 ! Wondering how your buffet turned out?

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Bee on Jan 21, 2017

I'd like to see it,too...

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Linda Mearns on Jan 24, 2017

Art Deco lovely

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☘️ TxBella on Dec 10, 2018

Thinking of you and your wonderful piece vintage piece . How did it turn out?
Happy Holidays!

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Agnes Chrzanowska on Aug 31, 2021

yes ! it is gorgeous piece .. I would decoupage a bit

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Johnavallance82 on Mar 18, 2022

Sell it and Buy something you do like - New or Pre-Used!

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