Vintage Card Catalog Repurposed
This little treasure I found in my parent's garage where my father was storing a bunch of tools, nails, coins, etc.. It's a piece that he actually made many, many years ago. However, it was definitely in need of repurposing.
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I luved the character of it, and my thought was to refinish it, so it would fit on a console table in our living area. I couldn't decide between painting or staining it. Therefore, I began with sanding it all down, which definitely brightened it up.
The handles and nameplates are permanently installed and therefore not easily removed to either sand or paint. That's when I decided I would stain it vs. paint it, and if I didn't like the outcome, I could always tackle painting it and removing the vintage nameplates later.
Here is the vintage card catalog after sanding.
The sides were made out of plywood, unfortunately, and I also needed to add a back piece, as it was wide open in the back. I really luved the rustic look and didn't want to lose that charm!
I added a simple pine board on the back and decided to leave the plywood on the sides as is. I also added 4 6" Hairpin Legs that I found on Amazon. It definitely kept its rustic charm.
I used regular 8 X 10 white paper and printed out numbers for each brass slot that was already installed on the piece. The numbers are sized at 25 points and I printed them in bold and cut them to size. So simple!
I decided to stain the vintage card catalog with Minwax PolyShades Mission Oak Satin 385 and a rag that I already had in my workshop.
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Absolutely gorgeous!!
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Thank you so much🙌🏻
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Funniest thing.. I have an accual library card catalog that has a missing drawer.
I am going to make a coffee table from it. Will remove a second drawer and make a shelf. I have already purchased small round wooded legs for it. I plan to purchase a granite top.
I'm currently helping remodel a house, where I will be using my coffee table.
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That’s sounds so awesome🙌🏻
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I looove it ! And that vintage wooden sled on the bookcase adds great height and texture dimension to that space !!!!! Love all of it. Beautiful job !