Suggestions for a tea wagon/trolley

Question

We inherited an old tea wagon and am trying to think of ideas of how to use it and upcycle it.  Due to it's condition I would paint it either with chalk paint or regular paint.

Janet Pizaro · Answer

This is a very unique piece of furniture. I would love to see you repurpose this outside 
in a garden as a focal point.

Janet Buchanan Carlisle · Answer

Sell it to me...as is!

Jenny · Answer

I love this piece, it is amazing. I would strip the stain and varnish off of it first before I would decide to paint it. It may look look amazing under all years of 'stuff' done to it. You could always keep the wood and seal and then stencil on it.

Kristina · Answer

I found one at a yard sale in really bad shape.  I stripped it down and restrained to a lighter shade.  It was a lot of work but I love it in my dining/kitchen area to display seasonal vintage treasures.  I change it up all the time.  Yours would look cute painted any color that speaks to you and place  it in an entry or nook in your home. Have fun giving new life to this sweet piece of furniture.

Poppy · Answer

I'll bid on it!

Samme · Answer

The first thing that came to my mind is make into an ice chest. (I've seen it done with old vintage sewing machines.)

Fab and Pretty · Answer

I'm leaning toward the strip crew here. Could you get away with just stripping/refinishing the top. It's a treasure...wouldn't paint it and I love painted furniture.

Annie Pontow · Answer

I have always wanted one of these to restore and use.. They are very hard to come by here.

Mary k wareham · Answer

You can use it as an area to serve beverages,wine with wine glasse on the top wine at bottom or other liquor Paint with chalk paint or make it look vintage with rubbing it and then paint

Denise Boyce · Answer

Please don't paint it!

Gloria tulip · Answer

Don't paint. I am presently restoring one and it is going to be beautiful. I sanded to below the original finish, conditioned wood, stained, and now am ready to apply poly for protection. Mine has a marble top. I stained everything the same color with the exception of the handle and that is black. The wood of the tea cart is either mahogany or cherry. I put a Minwax cocoa stain on it. After I finish I will send picture of the 'before' and 'after.' I am responding now because I want you to know how pretty it can be without painting it.

Joan Weissgerber · Answer

How sweet it that!  I would Google images of  'bar cart ideas' and have at it. Glam it up w/a mirrored tray on top to protect the surface and load up with your favorite beverages. Have fun with this project ... Cheers!

Heather (New House New Home) · Answer

I have one that I painted with chalk paint and use it as a bar cart - I love rolling it out filled with brandy and Bailey's after a dinner party.

Connie · Answer

The wood looks like burl. If it matters to you, you could check around for an appraisal. Any time you paint or refinish wood it will always reduce value. The only exception is oak. The wood is gorgeous and there are many ideas online for how to use these beautiful carts. Good luck whatever you decide!

Marion Nesbitt · Answer

Please don't paint. Often just cleaning and reconditioning the wood works. You could use it as a side table with book storage under, put a glass top on it and use it as a bar. It is a beauty.

Lora (Howard) Cotton · Answer

I had one I had picked up at a yard sale for like $40. Used a GOOD wood cleaner and a weekend afternoon and ended up with an absolutely BEAUTIFUL piece. When my ex-husband decided we were going to downsize to full-time RV living (note the 'ex' part of that statement) I was forced to sell my FIND. Of course when I got $300. for it, it took some of the sting away!!!

Jane · Answer

Found his on Home Talk. Beautiful redo. Might give you some ideas. http://www.hometalk.com/diy/kitchen-dining/kitchen-dining-furniture/trashed-tea-cart-turned-bar-cart-2043673

Lollie · Answer

It is beautiful just as it is. Enjoy its history. Place in the dining room with a silver tea set or a pretty tea pot on a tray. Use it in the family room as an end table. It is gorgeous.

Paul Vetter · Answer

If I was you, l would first get an appraisal first, as l have seen similar pieces on the Antiques Roadshow going for Thousands of Dollars. They always say everyone wants the original finish, as when you redo it or paint it, it looses it value big time, So if its worth a lot it can become a Family heirloom. But if its only worth few hundred of less then go for it.

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Suggestions for a tea wagon/trolley

Trashed Tea Cart Turned Bar Cart

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