Copper is the New Gold

4 Materials
$60
5 Days
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Sideboards like these are hard to find where I live in Vancouver, BC. The legs are so elegant.

And guess what? I had a matching china cabinet too! How lucky am I?

First a really good clean and then a fix of missing parts and trim. The original veneer was cracking in places but I was determined to keep as much as I could.

My plan was black, copper and veneer but first I had to treat the wood

I had been recommended a product called Trade Secret to restore veneer and was excited to try it.

I could see instantly that I was going to love this. It took just one coat

Just look at this! I was amazed at how beautiful the wood looked and even though it was showing slight damage in places was happy I had restored it back to this

With the updated hardware, this piece was coming together

After painting the doors with General Finishes Lamp Black milk paint I used a stencil to apply copper leaf. My vision was coming alive!

This is the stencil.. https://victorialarsen.com/product/plaster-stencil-antoinette-panel/ use JULIE10 at checkout to save 10%

I also used copper leaf on the beading on the doors and drawers to pull the whole piece together.

The top was stripped and given the same drink of Trade Secret

And here she is in all her gloriousness! I am in love

I couldn't wait to make over the china cabinet too


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Julie McDowell - Design Artist
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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  • Colleen Colleen on Jul 20, 2020

    What did you use to strip the wood finish before using Trade Secret? Gorgeous pieces!

  • Robyn Garner Robyn Garner on Jul 14, 2021

    Julie, have you continued to use Trade Secret? Have you tried it on any pieces without sanding or stripping first? I have a set that needs deep cleaning and rejuvenating BUT it is made with several types/stains wood inlaid. I don't want to damage or change any of the color, just rejuvenate it. So far, even the wood product companies won't commit to any answers!

  • Gf331472852 Gf331472852 on Sep 10, 2023

    Do you have any ideas for a back splash for the kitchen? I have a granite counter top with copper swirled in it and I trying to find some Cooper to bring it out.

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