Asked on Jan 17, 2014
Bare wood or Paint?
+120
Full blog post can be found here: http://snazzylittlethings.com/refinishing-buffet-progress/
This piece isn't finished yet, but I found this sideboard/buffet for $115 and bought it "for him" for his mancave in our industrial style basement. I had him choose his color (red) --and while I agreed, I cringed and said I'd like to clean it up first. Stripping it is what I ended up doing as this piece was filthy dirty.
Now he loves it with just the bare wood (and I do too actually). The artistic side of me still wants to so "something" to put my own spin on it.
New knobs were suggested (I like the old ones). I was also thinking a very faded ink transfer of an old clock or Union Jack on the top.
Or would you leave well enough alone and just let the piece be itself?
This piece isn't finished yet, but I found this sideboard/buffet for $115 and bought it "for him" for his mancave in our industrial style basement. I had him choose his color (red) --and while I agreed, I cringed and said I'd like to clean it up first. Stripping it is what I ended up doing as this piece was filthy dirty.
Now he loves it with just the bare wood (and I do too actually). The artistic side of me still wants to so "something" to put my own spin on it.
New knobs were suggested (I like the old ones). I was also thinking a very faded ink transfer of an old clock or Union Jack on the top.
Or would you leave well enough alone and just let the piece be itself?
Progress report...this was originally going to be painted red, but now we like it :)
http://snazzylittlethings.com/refinishing-buffet-progress/
114 answers
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It looks gorgeous stripped of the dark stain. Lighter, natural wood is one of the design trends this year, so you leave it stained and paint it later if you want.
Diy Design Fanatic
on Jan 17, 2014
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It does look much better stripped. I still want to put my own design "spin" on it somehow but not necessarily with paint.
Jeanette @SnazzyLittleThings.com
on Jan 17, 2014
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The bare wood is beautiful. Add your faded ink idea for the top and the entire piece will be complete. It's an amazing buffet. Can't wait to see what you decide!
Robin @ Redo It Yourself Inspirations
on Jan 17, 2014
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It does look great just like it is. Makes me want to strip my buffet which looks a lot like this one in the "before" picture. I like DIY Design Fanatic's idea of just leaving it alone for now and changing later if you want to paint. I could see parts of it highlighted with paint. It has such great detail. It's a beautiful piece.
Donna R
on Jan 17, 2014
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what a beautiful piece! if red would gp with the "man cave", how about doing just the legs red with red knobs? Maybe just paint the knobs. I think that touch of the old with the modern is a great look. The transfer would look great on that. I would love to see this after you are done with it.
Terra Gazelle
on Jan 17, 2014
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it's a great piece and it is beautiful wood. I wouldn't paint it.
LoriBeth Ranalli
on Jan 17, 2014
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If it's going in his mancave and he's happy with it leave it alone.
Elaine Paul Hinerman
on Jan 17, 2014
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maybe a glaze to bring out the ornate design on it.
Karen Daniel
on Jan 17, 2014
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omg this is gorgeous.... i'd love to have it just like this in my house.....
Toni Mosley
on Jan 17, 2014
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Do not paint it. Keep the bare wood look and varnish it. Do something to the top to put your stamp on it for your hubby.
Vicki Ferreira
on Jan 17, 2014
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The stain on it now looks more original to the piece, but I like the lighter look much better.
Julie B
on Jan 17, 2014
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It is beautiful stripped and I am sure you will absolutely put your own touch on it and it will look great. I just love wood pieces to. Keep us posted.
Colleen
on Jan 17, 2014
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please don't paint it. It's beautiful!
Mary Player
on Jan 17, 2014
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I have a similar piece. I would like to do as shown here with it. http://europaintfinishes.blogspot.com/2011/01/old-world-european-sideboard.html
Jan S
on Jan 17, 2014
- See 1 previous
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You should find out if this is an old old antique. If you paint it, it will lose it's value. It's beautiful the way it is.
Donna H
on Jan 17, 2014
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I would paint it. They look amazing when painted cottage white. Then stain it after painting. I have seen this same side board done that way and it really does it Justice. It can always be stripped one day. I say do what you heart tells you to do. If it was mine.. I would be chalk painting and staining. New pulls and a stencil on the top. Shabby Chic!
Melissa W
on Jan 17, 2014
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Leave the wood natural...if you have the urge to paint then find a piece that's not in the best shape. It breaks my heart to see beautiful, natural wood painted. Just an opinion.
Teena
on Jan 17, 2014
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I have a similar piece that is not antique but good solid wood. I turned it into our bathroom vanity with glass bowl sinks and, like you, I agonized for a while about "ruining" it. But I love it and am really happy I did it. I say - Go for it!
Cheryl S
on Jan 17, 2014
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Would depend on what he has going on with decor in man cave, but it is gorgeous stripped. Live with it stripped for a while and see how he/you like it.
SandyG
on Jan 17, 2014
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You got it to looking pretty great, I say don't paint it but do the ink thing.
Claire Bacon
on Jan 17, 2014
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I would use original stain and not loose the value of the peice.
Angeline
on Jan 17, 2014
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Love this..
Melissa W
on Jan 17, 2014
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I guess I am in the minority. I would paint it in Modern Masters Pewter . It will become very masculine and reflective. The ornate ness will take on a total new masculine.
Charlotte Porterfield
on Jan 17, 2014
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Do not paint
Peggy Pfahler
on Jan 17, 2014
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I would leave as is. It is beautiful!!
Nance Freeman
on Jan 17, 2014
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I would use a black "stain" that would look amazing in an industrial style room.
Wendy V
on Jan 17, 2014
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Help answer this question...It's beautiful just as it is. Don't paint.
Georgia Beardsley
on Jan 17, 2014
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I have this exact piece! Its part of my husbands aunts dinning room set she left us. There is also a china hutch with glass front, and the table and chairs. All of mine is loosing their veneers. I've redone the table top, and would love to do something with the rest of the pieces.
Mellori
on Jan 17, 2014
- See 1 previous
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Refinish it. The grain is beautiful...
Patti LaMay
on Jan 17, 2014
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Never paint good quality wood.
Shelley Nelson
on Jan 17, 2014
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I would restain it. Just my opinion but my favorite stain is Cabot Brown Mahogany
Shelley Nelson
on Jan 17, 2014
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Leave it along. Painting will ruin the value.
Diana S
on Jan 17, 2014
- See 1 previous
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Don't paint. It's gorgeous like it is.
Karen Barrans
on Jan 17, 2014
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No don't paint it the wood grain looks beautiful.....restain would be the best I think.
Victoria Baysdell
on Jan 17, 2014
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Paint it!
Sherry Ray
on Jan 17, 2014
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In the past I would have said to leave it alone; but after seeing all the wonderful things folks do with paint, I'd say PAINT and enjoy.....
Barb
on Jan 17, 2014
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Tung oil for antiques would be my choice. If you're going to paint, a bold high gloss; would look sharp. Enough of the chic chalkboard paint and distressed edges already!
Pam B
on Jan 17, 2014
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Charlotte's pewter suggestion sounds awesome too
Pam B
on Jan 17, 2014
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No paint! It is beautiful!
Gwendolyn E
on Jan 17, 2014
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Since he likes it as is, then clear coat it and if you want it more personal do whatever you wish to the top. Lovely no matter what. send in an update on what you do :)
Greedith B
on Jan 17, 2014
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Let me first say I LOVE painted furniture. I do it all the time. (My upstairs is French, industrial...shabby chic. So I "LET" him take over the basement :) Our basement style is industrial with a little Anglo-phile (aka British) influence. And as I said, I love painted furniture but sometimes I think it's good to assess the "whole room" and decide "does this room need ANOTHER painted piece?" I like the idea of living with it unfinished for awhile. Paint is ALWAYS an option I guess if we decide we want a change. We have signed albums from The Who and other rock and roll stuff so the original idea was red.
Jeanette @SnazzyLittleThings.com
on Jan 17, 2014
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Tongue Oil
Leah Little Garcia
on Jan 17, 2014
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nooo....don't paint clear coat to protect, it's beautiful like it is.
Ana Blackwell
on Jan 17, 2014
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leave it alone
Gloria Nicolosi
on Jan 17, 2014
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Doesn't matter what you do now. It lost it's value when you took the finish off. Too bad, beautiful piece too!
Ahm186665
on Jan 17, 2014
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I'm never certain why people say "don't paint quality wood". Paint can be stripped, and the wood restored to it's original grain, and I've done it many times with good results. In fact, a dark stain on a piece of wood is more difficult to lift that paint. Also, polyurethane on wood also seals the wood, doesn't allow moisture, and allows the wood to dry out. I use tung oil instead of poly to finish stained pieces. I personally hate using stain/poly in one. Regardless, painting or staining offer viable options that can be undone later to change the look of the piece with time. Good furniture like this lasts a lifetime, and you can update the look with the finish you use.
Jan S
on Jan 17, 2014
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It would be stunning either way though painting wood does sting some folks a bit. I really don't think you can go wrong unless you choose to paint it *and* you happen to be a lousy painter. :)
Amy Rohde
on Jan 17, 2014
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Because you both like it the way it is and you're uncertain whether to paint, leave it alone. You can always paint it later. Lovely, btw. Wish *I* could find that for that price! Lucky you!
Paula Beckham
on Jan 17, 2014
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paint
Nora Q
on Jan 17, 2014
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Nooooo do not paint this piece!!!!!
Lisa J
on Jan 17, 2014
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Looks like the one my mom had
Martha Foreman
on Jan 17, 2014
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It's a beautiful piece. I, personally, would have left it as is. I like painted furniture but, this is so pretty, I wouldn't paint it.
Kat
on Jan 17, 2014
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It is so beautiful - please don't paint it!!!
N J Gross
on Jan 17, 2014
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Leave it, it is beautiful just like it is.
Rebecca DeMuth
on Jan 17, 2014
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paint just the legs a dark color so they fade to the background, then clear coat, matte finish the top, best of both then.
Janice Staggs
on Jan 17, 2014
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Do not paint!!
Mary C
on Jan 17, 2014
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Seal it with a few coats of varathane and put a slab of granite on top.
Tanya McQueen
on Jan 17, 2014
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don't paint!! It's beauty lies in the natural way!
Judy Williams
on Jan 17, 2014
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leave it alone
Bobbi
on Jan 17, 2014
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Do whatever suits the room you want to place it in. What a sweet find!
Candace B
on Jan 17, 2014
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Now that you've stripped it, those details pop! I really love it the way it is. If it was mine I would leave it unpainted until I got tired of that, then I'd paint it.
Teresa
on Jan 17, 2014
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I have a similar situation, I bought a little white end table,very heavy for its size,stripped it down to find solid oak,I don't like the typical stains for oak,my daughter-in-law loves it like it is,then I seen an interesting article on pinterest about vinegar stain that gives the wood an aged finish,I'm gonna give it a go when it warms up it sure looked pretty on pierest !
Lana Booher
on Jan 17, 2014
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Absolutely no paint!
Darlene Pierce
on Jan 17, 2014
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no paint...just a clear coat! The wood, cravings and depth are beautiful as is!
Lori Parker Dowell
on Jan 17, 2014
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beautiful the way it is 🌸🌷🌹
Margie von Furstenrecht
on Jan 17, 2014
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Leave it like it is. Natural is beautiful.
Melinda Ray
on Jan 17, 2014
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Just seal the wood and leave it natural. No makeup needed.
Jamie Ivey Mahaffey
on Jan 17, 2014
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No paint--
Cathy Franks
on Jan 17, 2014
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It would be fine either way. But i would just rub it in oil based wood treatment and polish to shine. I like the stencil idea and when tired of that, then put a slab on top, either wood or marble. You could and contrast w metallic accent on knobs. Good Luck w whatever you decide, just enjoy it.
Debby
on Jan 17, 2014
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I like the idea of a darker stain on the legs and the top....it appears the legs remain darker already....I love that look....match the top with the darker stain...this is a fabulous piece...
Nancy Stivers Smith
on Jan 17, 2014
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I have the same piece...actually, I have the whole set. Table, chairs, china closet, buffet and server. It is pretty as is but you could REALLY do a lot with some chalk paint. I've been contemplating doing something to mine. I have had it for 30 years like that. I'm ready for a change. I also could not believe how pretty it was when I stripped it. I still love it.
Toe
on Jan 17, 2014
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yikes! I'm the only one who thinks you should paint it!
Donna G
on Jan 17, 2014
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Seal - no paint!
Joan Cofell
on Jan 17, 2014
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I'm with you Donna G...Paint it!
Kristy
on Jan 17, 2014
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nice job stripping it, what did you use to do it?
Susan Clark-carrington
on Jan 17, 2014
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No paint. Its beautiful!
Melanie Robinson
on Jan 17, 2014
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Please no paint, a beautiful piece.
Judy
on Jan 17, 2014
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No paint , its a Beautiful piece
Allie Killoran
on Jan 17, 2014
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No Paint…! it is beautiful !!!
Trudy Herd Gildea
on Jan 17, 2014
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I'm in favor of no PAINT it's a beautiful piece
Delores Smith Lamb
on Jan 17, 2014
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Leave it as is :-)
Karen Albright Plante
on Jan 17, 2014
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Leave it alone, and enjoy the beauty of the wood.
June
on Jan 17, 2014
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I love painted pieces. I have several antiques that my MIL gave me that no one in the family wanted. (all received as plain natural/stained wood) I painted one a fresh spring green and another a black with silver accents. Everyone in the family was suddenly jealous and wishing they had accepted the furniture. Why keep something natural if painted works better for you/
Kyla Wootton
on Jan 17, 2014
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I agree with June. I like the beauty of the wood. I would not paint it.
Dianne
on Jan 17, 2014
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leave it ~ it is gorgeous
Lynne
on Jan 18, 2014
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Paint it ..Then an antique glaze to bring out all the beautiful features...
Janieac
on Jan 18, 2014
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I have one similar ... I painted it! It came out beautiful!
Sherrie
on Jan 18, 2014
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Help answer this question...paint it
Anthony Irvin
on Jan 18, 2014
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I would put some clear coat on it. I have a piece that goes with that type of set. My friend has the whole set. They ARE just beautiful
Lavada Jones
on Jan 18, 2014
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Beautiful, as is, no, don't add paint.
Catherine Smith
on Jan 18, 2014
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Such a beautiful piece. Would be a shame to paint it. I would maybe go with a stain that has a red tint to it and maybe highlight the details with a hint of antique gold.
Lila Spears
on Jan 18, 2014
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I would just leave it bare wood...love this look for a man cave and it can fit well in any room! I have a wooden trunk style coffee table that sits on a rusted base and it has a little stain on it but no sealing or varnish! We LOVE it!
Jeanette S
on Jan 18, 2014
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It's beautiful as is, the wood is such a lovely color. I think I'd finish stripping it, clear wax it, put the knobs back on, and call it done. :)
Teri
on Jan 18, 2014
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leave well enough a loan it's beautiful
Janine Binn
on Jan 18, 2014
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As you stated you both are liking it as it is so why paint it? If you want to give it a more manly look how about using the aging vinegar and steel wool application? And/or you could finish with a nice satin wax or water based poly. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nuioNBz0mII
Z
on Jan 18, 2014
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Becky I love that look
Jeanette @SnazzyLittleThings.com
on Jan 18, 2014
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Please don't paint it. It is beautiful the way it is. If you paint, it might not work in another space and you would have to paint again. The piece will lose the carved details with each layer of paint. A mid tone stain goes with any color wood and can be a neutral..
Julie Bruno
on Jan 18, 2014
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Don't paint. My Aunt had one of these and she decided to paint it blue. When she was done, she cried and stripped it back down and re-stained it. It's been that way for 20 yrs
Kim
on Jan 18, 2014
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:)
Ahm186665
on Jan 18, 2014
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I love the look of raw wood, if you paint you may loose some of the details of the carvings.
Annette C
on Jan 18, 2014
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I say NO to paint also. this is beauiful wood. if the wood were not so beautiful, and some is not, then paint.
Wanda sinnema
on Jan 18, 2014
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you should have left it alone
Joan Fisher
on Jan 18, 2014
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If you do not do something to deal it, it will dry out worse and be worthless. I bet it would be pretty rubbed with bees wax though. That is what they would use on furnature hundreds of years ago...and the furniture would be sealed from drying out.
Terra Gazelle
on Jan 19, 2014
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Leave it as is. The stripping made it beautiful. I agree with you; I like the original hardware. Usually I'm a proponent of painting but this piece is stellar. You did a great job!
Sandy Angel
on Jan 19, 2014
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Stain the top and seal and paint the rest. I painted my buffet and the paint brought out the detail more than just wood finish. You could also do some distressing and or usr a glaze. Gorgeous pieve. For $115 have fun with it.
Joan @ Nicer Than New
on Jan 19, 2014
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This piece is stellar! It's not everyday you find a piece with such gorgeous natural wood grain lines, and consistent color, no knots, no blemishes. It's naturalness is it's "paint". To blanket this beauty with toxic glaze or cover-up would be a shame. Just my opionion.
Rhonda D
on Jan 19, 2014
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I did one similar in Shabby Paints "Betsy Ross Red" with "black ReVax"
Shannon Penrod
on Jan 19, 2014
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Unless something is so horrible it can't be used, filthy can be washed, why paint or refinish an antique?
Vickie Gillespie
on Jan 19, 2014
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Red YES!
Jackie Prim
on Jan 19, 2014
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No! No paint! Today I was saddened to learn that someone is painting an East Lake settee in excellent condition. My heart breaks.
KathrynElizabeth Etier
on Jan 19, 2014
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Bare or stain, but no paint.
Kim 'Kiewatt' Waknitz
on Jan 19, 2014
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NO PAINT!! This piece is beautiful. The grain lines perfect and the carving spot on. Finish the legs and put a wax finish on it. Maybe put your spin on the hardware.
Colleen
on Jan 20, 2014
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What about stain and paint and have the best of both worlds!
JulieArt
on Jan 20, 2014
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Like I had posted before..seal it with bees wax to keep it from drying out. You wanted to have a it a bit industrial? add some modern knobs or pulls...I love the look of the antique with the modern. It adds interest and surprise. I do not like the pulls that were on it. I have a antiuq stand I am making into a coffee station for a friend. It was ugly brown.. with pulls that looked like well something a stripper"exotic" dancer would wear. I spray painted some polished nickle knobs a hammered copper...I painted the piece a beautiful spring green with my homemade chalk paint with antique coffee ads on the top...one of the ads is 360 years old. It was distressed, and much nicer then a brown old piece with broken doors and ugly pulls. Just because something is old does not mean that it can not be given a second or third life. This piece of mine was just ugly and fit in its old condition for the land fill or the fire place. Now Jeanette, your piece is beautiful...and you did an awesome job on stripping it..what a lot of work. This piece could be painted and it would be beautiful..but it is gorgeous now.
Terra Gazelle
on Apr 08, 2014
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