Old Ethan Allen Cabinet Redo, A Little Paint and New Knobs=perfection

Knelso18
by Knelso18
4 Materials
$20
2 Hours
Easy
My grandma had a Ethan Allen cabinet/hutch for years that she was very proud of. Not sure as it was a small town and a privilege to have such nice things or what. She kept my grandmothers China in this cabinet as long as I can remember. She has since passed away and my mom has had the cabinet in her basement. She recently asked me if I wanted it or she was going to sell it. I said I'll take it! No way was I going to let that go. However, I do not like the color or style. So alittle paint and new knobs did the trick. Cost was under $20 for this project. I used chalk paint and wax. And knobs and handles from Hobby Lobby for $3.99 each. I am so happy i did this as it turned out perfect... I feel my grandmother would be proud.
Old color and beat up cabinet. Old handles and knobs. Removed with screwdriver and bought new ones at Hobby Lobby for $3.99 each.
Using Elmers wood filler, I filled in all the dents and dings of the cabinet. Mainly focusing on the top. The rest gives it character, shows where it's been. After dry used a simple sanding block and lightly sanded.
Wiped down the whole cabinet with old rag and light water to remove dust and dirt. Ready for chalk paint. Removed doors and drawers, and all hinges.
Cabinet door painted with chalk paint. Doesn't need to be perfect as I will be using tinted wax that covers all the flaws. Very forgiving product.
Same cabinet door with wax applied...
Drawer after painted and wax applied.
How to apply wax (I'm assuming you know how to just paint with chalk paint. Brush and paint normally). With wax, brush on with brush in smaller areas...
The with gloved hand take old tshirt (my husband has a million of white under shirt I have at my disposal, cut in small pieces) and wipe off a of wax. Very forgiving product. The harder you rub the more comes off. I did small area at a time. If needed would paint more wax on to blend better...
Finished door with new knob.
Finished cabinet with new knobs and handles.
up close of cabinet. I did spray paint hinges with Rustoleum spray paint. Black first then brown. Then lightly sanded to give some brown and black look to match the handles/knobs.
Side view of finished cabinet.
Before picture of cabinet and hutch... I have decided to wait to redo the hutch as it has alot of old style to it and will need more work than this weather will allow at this point.
Spray painted hinges. First black, let dry then spray painted again with a brown. Light sanding with sanding block to get rid of new shine.
Suggested materials:
  • Knobs   (Hobby Lobby)
  • Chalk paint   (4.99)
  • Rustoleum spray paint   (Walmart)
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2 of 3 comments
  • Helen Helen on Apr 25, 2018

    That really looks beautiful!

  • Tcooper9 Tcooper9 on Apr 26, 2018

    Family pieces have such comforting and happy memories. It’s a beautiful redo and I bet your heart smiles every time you see it.

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