What Do You Suggest for This Antique Sideboard?

by Porta Verde Studio

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Answered

This is my latest project. It had a very badly damaged top drawer that I rebuilt. Unfortunately, it took out some of the veneer and refinishing is not an option. I was thinking of painting the drawers, doors and side panels in black and then leaving the rest natural wood. Then again, I was thinking about painting it deep red with black glaze (my personal favorite). Any suggestions are welcome!

q what do you suggest for this antique sideboard, painted furniture, repurposing upcycling

74 answers

Joanna Johnson on Jul 24, 2013
Hello, I couldn't help but notice this amazing sideboard in my news feed. My personal opinion, as a designer and interior specialist is to leave this precious furniture piece as it is. The latest trends in interior design are crazy for anique, moreover, this specific sideboard looks extremely well-perserved. The wood will give the room a touch of exquisite, classic ellegance and I strongly recommend you to keep it this way. However, if you are determined to paint it, you should definitely take a look at these tips and suggestions: http://tipsforcleaners.com.au/upgrade-your-home-wood-repaint/ I will be more than happy to give you further tips and ideas, if needed. I've done some wood repainting myself, so feel free to ask me anything, if you need help. Hope I help.

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Cherrie on Jul 24, 2013
This IS a pretty piece, try to feather the damaged veneer with fine sandpaper and match the stain. If it is really beyond simple repair you might consider a chalk paint finish. I think black would be very dramatic especially if you sanded the chalk paint back to expose some natural wood. If the top is in good condition, refinish it and paint the rest of the piece; also a popular look. Have fun with it.

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Porta Verde Studio on Jul 24, 2013
Hi Cherrie and Joanna. I thought about doing Faux Bois on the missing veneer but it would be difficult and time consuming given that this piece will be sold. I've gotten the top stripped and its in good condition. I'll stain and seal the top. I really like natural wood and would like to leave some of it showing. I've done several of these sideboards in different colors. You can see them on the Gallery page of my site at www.portaverdestudio.com. Since I don't want to completely refinish or paint this one, I can't decide what to do and your input is certainly welcome.

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Liz on Jul 24, 2013
I agree with @Joanna Johnson DO NOT PAINT IT!!!

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Porta Verde Studio on Jul 24, 2013
Hi Liz. I try to never paint over beautiful wood but the veneer is matched on both drawers and I don't want to veneer again or try to match the current grain. So at the very least those 2 drawers have to be painted and I think it might look a bit odd with color only in the middle. What do you think? This piece is being sold so time is money :)

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Gail Salminen on Jul 24, 2013
@Porta Verde Studio what a beautiful piece, I love it. I think maintaining as much wood grain as possible is a great idea. Perhaps for the center drawers you could do the drawers red in the flat areas with the carved area in black while the rest is in a dark stain. I also had a family piece that I refinished, it had some veneer that had to be replaced which I did - not easy but it was successful, mind you the finish was not as intricate as that of your piece.I too would love to see the finished piece.

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Miles Enterprises Inc. on Jul 25, 2013
replacing the veneeris not al that difficult.if the piece is going to be sold .up the price to recoop your investment. if you do not want to use veneer make new drawers with the fronts being the same spiecieof wood as the rest of the unit.

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Porta Verde Studio on Jul 25, 2013
Miles, I do not want to have to remove the entire veneer on both the drawers and replace it. I think patching the veneer would show for sure since it is heavily patterned. Also, the drawers are dovetailed and I do not have the proper equipment to make dovetails. These sideboards are plentiful and you can buy them here for around $300-$400 in very good condition. Even though it looks good in the photos, the one I have has a very tired finish so I will definitely be painting some of it.

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Cher @ Designs By Studio C on Jul 25, 2013
Oh my gosh!! That sideboard is gorgeous!! Your idea for deep red with black glaze would be fabulous!!

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KMS Woodworks on Jul 25, 2013
fix the damaged veneer and do a clear coat...this thing is a work of art and it would be a shame to see it painted.

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Shabby Paints on Jul 25, 2013
You have to do what you love. I can't recoup my money on pieces like these if I restore but I can paint them and they sell fast and for more..that is the way it is. But, who cares what anyone else likes. You mentioned the red and black..I love that idea. So I recommend Betsy ross red with Black ReVAX. What a gorgeous piece!

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Kimberly Barney on Jul 25, 2013
I must say that I am one that loves antiques for all the natural wood grain and detail that we do not find in our furniture now. However, I understand that this is a business for you and Shabby Chic is "in" at this time. I like the idea of leaving some of the wood work unpainted and having a contrast with black paint on the top, center two drawers and legs.

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Joanna Johnson on Jul 25, 2013
Looks amazing! You definitely have an eye for those things! :)

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Vintage Restorations.....Formerly Closet Furniture on Jul 25, 2013
What we would do with this piece is frame the drawers with the same molding that is around the doors, fill the sides with stainable wood putty if there were any gaps, stain them the same as the rest of the piece and when it dried polish the whole thing with old english dark and the tung oil after it dried......Please don't paint this buffet

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Porta Verde Studio on Jul 25, 2013
I think this piece is pretty but I'm not convinced that painting it will ruin it. Here are 3 pics of similar sideboards I've done. One is all black with light distressing on the edges, one is white with a custom glaze and a dark walnut stained top and the third one is refinished back to its original two tone stain. Which one would you choose? My personal favourite is the white one.

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Porta Verde Studio on Jul 25, 2013
@Becky. Wow! thanks for the virtual of the sideboard. I had considered just doing an outline and may still do it. Maybe I can start out that way and see how it goes. These depression era sideboards cost more to refinish than to they are worth. I asked another refinisher what he would charge and it was $700! I could do it myself but I know the work involved and I have tried to sell them for a high price point and there wasn't a great deal of interest.

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Vintage Restorations.....Formerly Closet Furniture on Jul 25, 2013
Just an FYI....My recommendation would be of minimal cost, maybe $100 so you could keep the price down as well

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Porta Verde Studio on Jul 25, 2013
@Closet Furniture That's an idea I'd definitely try but the problem is the wood applique on the drawer. If molding was to be attached that matched the doors, it would interfere with the wood applique. I'm curious to know if you were to strip, stain, refinish and repair this piece what would be your asking price to a customer?

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Z on Jul 25, 2013
You're welcome Jacqui. Have you ever tried using Howard's Restore A Finish? It's quite amazing how well it works and it's as easy as cleaning it. Rub on rub off. Check out this video. I can tell you from experience that it is no exaggeration of how well this product works. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qIGyIbJS8bI

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Z on Jul 25, 2013
Isn't it amazing stuff Larissa?

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Z on Jul 25, 2013
Good. I hope you took before pictures too~!

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Porta Verde Studio on Jul 25, 2013
Hi Becky, I've used all the Howard's Restore a Finish colors. The problem I found is that over a short time, it wears off since its basically an oil with tint in it. Have you tried tinted wiping varnish? It will leave a permanent finish on wood and scrapes and scratches disappear!

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Angie @ Knick of Time on Jul 25, 2013
Hi Becky, I had a very similar sideboard that had a badly damaged top. You can see the makeover I gave to it here - http://knickoftimeinteriors.blogspot.com/2011/07/beauty-in-beast.html

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Porta Verde Studio on Jul 25, 2013
Nice work Angie. I know veneer removal can be a pain!

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Angie @ Knick of Time on Jul 25, 2013
Jacqui, it took days and days of soaking it and scraping it off, bit by bit, but it was worth the work!

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Vintage Restorations.....Formerly Closet Furniture on Jul 25, 2013
@Porta Verde...I would not strip it, I would do just like I said and charge approx. $350 for it...i know this because I have a similar piece in my storefront. I paid $100 for it and spent around $65 on refurbishment and it is for sale @ $399 (mine is a little fancier and has 3 drawers and is 6' wide with laurel crests on the 2 doors) Next time I go to the store I will take a pic and post it for you.

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Vintage Restorations.....Formerly Closet Furniture on Jul 25, 2013
For anybody out there if you are going to remove veneer or seriously bad/old finish from a flat surface.....A power planer set on the lowest setting is so the way to go, 5 minutes or less for a 4' X 8' piece...!

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Porta Verde Studio on Jul 25, 2013
yes please send pics and a power planer too!

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Gloria Duy on Jul 25, 2013
If it were mine I would paint it a light color and not leave any wood showing. I would lightly sand it and go over it with a tinted wax to age it. But that's just my favorite look!

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Patricia Cleveland on Jul 25, 2013
I like the "old" look- I would repair/work with tinted varnish and acrylic paint and then wax it really well.

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Bege Loftis on Jul 26, 2013
We have a similar piece and used Restore A Finish on the damaged areas that we had to repair/sand...worked great!!! This was alot less work and kept the original integrity of the furniture

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Vintage Restorations.....Formerly Closet Furniture on Jul 26, 2013
@ Jacqui. I'll send pics but the planer stays in the shop, sorry....! Home Depot or your local building supply has them. A Bosch will run you around $180 for a good one and pay for itself in labor alone in about 3 months.

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Patricia Presto/On The Surface on Jul 26, 2013
What a beautiful piece....Deep red with black glaze would be stunning....please make sure to post "after" pictures!!

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KMS Woodworks on Jul 26, 2013
A hand belt sander is another option to the power planer...it is a bit more forgiving. @Vintage Restorations.....Formerly Closet Furniture I'm a sucker for big wide quarter sawn oak...you just made my day.

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Vintage Restorations.....Formerly Closet Furniture on Jul 26, 2013
I use the belt sander to reduce any ridges the planer leaves behind. I like to get to fresh grain if the wood is thick enough for it...

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Porta Verde Studio on Jul 26, 2013
Thanks for the tips Closet Furniture! they are always welcome.

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Vintage Restorations.....Formerly Closet Furniture on Jul 26, 2013
Anytime.....all of us are always learning a new trick, learned another one today. Had to put an arm on a high quality chair in traction to get it to splay out like the other side so it would match....had to fix moving damage on an Ethan Allen arm chair...one side clamped to the bench the other tied to my 100# heavy bag...!!! had to come up with that one really quick as I had already glued and used painters tape to hold it firm but was headed towards the center of the chair

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Porta Verde Studio on Jul 26, 2013
I was in the same boat last night. I had a mid century wood end table. I had taken it apart to strip it and dropped one of the tops. It broke in 3 pieces! Since it was "boomarang" shape, I had to find some way to clamp it so I could get it stained in time to get it clear coated for today. I ended up using a piece of rope twisted around a dowel and a couple of soft rubber pieces to keep it from slipping. It worked though!

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Vintage Restorations.....Formerly Closet Furniture on Jul 26, 2013
Sometimes seat of the pants works....!

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White Oak Studio Designs on Jul 26, 2013
I recently completed a 1940's Jacobean sideboard in a similar look. I felt the walnut was just too beautiful to cover up completely so I did a two tone combo (two tones of paint PLUS some wood that I refinished using Howard's Restore-a-Finish and Howards' Bes Wax Conditioner. LOVE THAT PRODUCT!! The veneer on the top also came off leaving a rather rough board on top. Small House / Big Sky Donna / White Oak Studio Designs / SWMichigan Hand-Painted Vintage Furniture Transformations Blog: http://smallhouseunderabigsky.wordpress.com Facebook: donnaallgaierlamberti@facebook.com (for portfolioof chalk painted work)

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Porta Verde Studio on Jul 26, 2013
That looks great Donna! Is that a light blue with the dark wood? I have a can of Howard's Walnut but I want an even sheen level on the wood so I'm going to tint a batch of wiping varnish and use that.

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Carol King-ricca on Jul 26, 2013
Check out chalk paint pieces on Hometalk. You will get some great ideas

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White Oak Studio Designs on Jul 27, 2013
Jacqui L, The light blue is CeCe Caldwell's chalk paint with clear wax on it. Will you share how you "tint up a batch of wiping varnish?" Thanks!

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Porta Verde Studio on Jul 27, 2013
Hi Donna, I make my own wiping varnishes and tint them. it's a bit of a long process. If you want to follow me (I followed you), I can message you a link to making the varnish and tell you how I tint.

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Mary C on Jul 27, 2013
I really LIKE this peice of furn !!! i am looking for something JUST LIKE this and wondered if you or ANYONE can direct me to where i might find one for a reasonable price too... as far as any ideas i think using it for a dining room as it was meant to be is a GREAT HOMAGE to ALL OUR Grandmothers from back in the day... i am not savy when it comes to varnishing and the like though sorry... i wish you the best though . Chris

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Porta Verde Studio on Jul 27, 2013
Hi Mary, you can find these pieces on craigslist.com or kijiji.com. If your in a city, usually they will come up every other week or so. Search under "antique sideboard" or "antique buffet". Hope that helps.

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Porta Verde Studio on Jul 27, 2013
Mary, I just checked craigslist for your area (Dayton). I found this ad for a sideboard similar that you might want to check out: http://columbus.craigslist.org/fuo/3920396102.html

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Larose LoganOakes on Jul 27, 2013
I know that this isn't the answer that you want to hear but I love it just the way that it is. It is simply Gorgeous!I wouldn't do anything to it but that is just me. I love old antiques and any blemishes or scars are just another chapter in the item's history.Good Luck!:)

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Porta Verde Studio on Jul 27, 2013
OK Folks. Here's the update so far: I'm just getting ready to paint the side panels and put the additional clear coats on. I'm actually really happy with how it's looking and will post finished pics soon. One thing: Would you lightly distress the wood appliques on the drawers/door?

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Porta Verde Studio on Jul 30, 2013
It's finally finished! Take a look at the photos at http://www.hometalk.com/diy/paint/furniture/antique-sideboard-no-2-what-s-your-preference-1926728 and give me your opinion! Thanks for all your comments and suggestions.

ANTIQUE SIDEBOARD NO. 2 - What's your preference?

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- See 1 previous
- Kathryn Kelly on Aug 10, 2013
  @Porta Verde Studio Just beautiful!
  
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- Porta Verde Studio on Aug 10, 2013
  @Kathryn Kelly Thanks Kathryn. It's finished and sold!
  
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Gail Salminen on Jul 30, 2013
@Porta Verde Studio wow - I love this finished piece. You took the time to add some black to the top while maintaining the wood. Totally makes it look like it was meant to be! Thanks for the update pics and for sharing :) Great job!

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Porta Verde Studio on Jul 30, 2013
@Gail Salminen Thanks so much for the compliment and for your earlier feedback!

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Liz on Jul 30, 2013
THE PIECE IS FREAKING GORGEOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Porta Verde Studio on Jul 30, 2013
@Liz Hey Liz, thanks! It's sometimes hard to paint over wood but I think I made the right choice with this one!

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Larose LoganOakes on Jul 30, 2013
Super! What you did gave this piece more grown up dignity! I agree with Gail that it looks like it was meant to be like this! Terrific Job!:)

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KMS Woodworks on Jul 31, 2013
Nice...I'm glad you saved some of that great wood...and did not just paint the whole thing.

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Porta Verde Studio on Jul 31, 2013
Thanks KMS. I have the matching china cabinet too and will be offering it up for sale unpainted. But I actually like the sideboard better with the paint treatment. It gives it a bit of a "lift"

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Shirley Grossenbacher on Jul 31, 2013
I sure would hate to see the beautiful wood covered up with paint. I would repair/replace the veneer and re-stain it. That's a beautiful piece of furniture.

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Porta Verde Studio on Jul 31, 2013
Hi Shirley, did you see the "finished" pic of this piece? It wasn't completely painted but has a much fresher look.

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- Shirley Grossenbacher on Aug 15, 2013
  @Porta Verde Studio yes I saw it just after I posted my comment. It did turn out beautifully.
  
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Cathy Kurpil on Aug 01, 2013
Beautiful job! I love it!

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Cherrie on Aug 01, 2013
so well done....it is now a great transitional piece....will go with anything and everything

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Brenda Cantrell on Aug 01, 2013
CUT LEGS DOWN, PAINT BLACK ,TRIM WITH GOLD LEAF PEN FOR A MODERN PIECE

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- Darlene on Aug 25, 2013
  @Brenda Cantrell Use legs for foot rest.
  
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Kelley Geske on Aug 10, 2013
I would have painted the whole thong a light color, and then stained it with minwax after a light sanding

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- White Oak Studio Designs on Aug 11, 2013
  Reading your comment regarding the sideboard you said, stained with Minwax. Are you referencing staining over the top of paint? What kind of paint? Do you have any photographs of your pieces that have been finished this way? I'll follow your page and take a look now. Thanks. @Kelley Geske
  
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- Porta Verde Studio on Aug 11, 2013
  @Donnaallgaierlamberti@gmail.com Hi, just thought I'd add to this reply. Some people use stain to antique over paint. It doesn't matter what kind of paint it is as long as the stain is oil, but the glosser, the better, since the stain will "slide" over it easier. I've used it a few times in the past but I've found I've gotten better results and more control with an oil glaze. Hope that helps.
  
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Laura S. on Aug 11, 2013
Love it!

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White Oak Studio Designs on Aug 11, 2013
Thanks for those details. I played around a bit with some minwax stain over chalk paint with my recently completed primitive jelly cupboard and I like how it looked. That's what started me on this exploration.

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- Porta Verde Studio on Aug 12, 2013
  @Donnaallgaierlamberti@gmail.com You can also add a bit of minwax stain to Annie Sloan clear wax to colour it or you can add stain to Minwax paste wax. If you use the Minwax paste wax, heat it up a bit before adding the stain as it's quite hard. You can then make custom colours for your wax instead of glazing. I think you know though Donna, that wax isn't permanent and will eventually wear off a smooth surface.
  
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Claudia of Mockingbird Hill Cottage on Aug 15, 2013
I made one of these into my kitchen island. The finish wasn't as nice as the one on yours, so I painted it and it is one of my favorite things. You can see it here, if you're interested: http://mockingbirdhillcottage.com/2011/11/turning-buffetsideboard-into-kitchen/

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- Porta Verde Studio on Aug 15, 2013
  @Claudia of Mockingbird Hill Cottage It's lovely! I might use this idea with the next one. Great work!
  
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Naomi Grace at Pieces of Grace Restyling on Aug 16, 2013
I'm picking up one similar to this this morning. Won't really know what shape it's in until we pull it out. I could see the front but not the top and side's as it's in a storage. Can't wait to get it home, I will be keeping this one for myself. Off to see your finished pic.

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Maggie C on Aug 16, 2013
It is a beautiful piece. You can get replacement veneer and it's not expensive. Give it a try. If that doesn't work, then do the red and black. You did a great job.

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Tina Plumstead on Sep 02, 2013
I did this to the one I found for $18 and an old solid wooden door we found at the old B&B we purchased: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=530078500397927&set=pb.410032692402509.-2207520000.1378159856.&type=3&theater

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- Porta Verde Studio on Sep 02, 2013
  @Tina Plumstead Hi Tina, it won't let me view it!
  
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- Tina Plumstead on Sep 02, 2013
  @Porta Verde Studio OK, I will just post a picture. The page is open for anyone to view, not sure why it's not letting you view. :0( Here is the the actual FB page to follow along the remodel, :https://www.facebook.com/OurGreekRevival , but here is the pic of what I was trying to link to first...
  
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- Porta Verde Studio on Sep 02, 2013
  @Tina Plumstead That looks really great and I like that you repurposed to a kitchen island. Great work.
  
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- Tina Plumstead on Sep 02, 2013
  Thank you!
  
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CA Byam on Sep 02, 2013
chalk paint and do not cut those beautiful legs!

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Mary C on Sep 02, 2013
i like it just the way it is ... of course cleaning it up a bit otherwise divine !!!!

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Jeanne Briggs on Sep 02, 2013
I think it is beautiful the way it is nice work

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Porta Verde Studio on Sep 03, 2013
For all of you that recently commented, I finished the sideboard and here is how it turned out. Thank you all for chiming in and giving your opinion. I appreciate all feedback. Jacqui www.facebook.com/portaverdestudio

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- Tina Plumstead on Sep 03, 2013
  @Porta Verde Studio it's beautiful!!
  
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- Gail Salminen on Sep 03, 2013
  @Porta Verde Studio It looks fantastic @Porta Verde Studio you did a terrific job, I am very impressed and thanks for posting an updated pic.
  
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- Gloria Duy on Sep 04, 2013
  @Porta Verde Studio That is gorgeous!
  
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Barb on Sep 03, 2013
It turned out Beautiful !!

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