Easy China Cabinet Update, Fun With Polka Dots

Melody
by Melody
$150
20 Hours
Medium
I found a china cabinet on a FB group page. I kept looking at the post, all while trying to figure out where I could put the cabinet in my own house. I fell in love with the lines and bow from of the cabinet. It was in rough shape. The previous owner, had planned on redoing the cabinet herself, but ended up not having the time. They stored it in the garage with gardening chemicals and other garage items. The hardware and doors had all been removed, but thankfully they were in pretty good condition.
I had considered not painting the cabinet. I had a vision of what I wanted it to be. I wanted to add some fun and whimsy to my dining room and polka dots with old white paint seemed to be the logical combination.
I primed the entire cabinet, due to the stain used on this furniture back in the day. I gave the piece 2 coats of primer and 4 coats of paint before it was completely covered.
I added the stencil detailing with a stencil from DecoArt. For the stencil I used Naval by Sherwin Williams. This is the same color that is painted under my chair and also the top of my tray ceiling in the dining room.
I cleaned the hardware to bring it back to it's original look. This was the most challenging part of this makeover. It required a lot of hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, baking soda and finally Bartenders Keeper. I used a toothbrush and scrubbed for hours to get all the hardware back to its beautiful original look.
I know there are always people who don't think wood should be painted. This piece is not an antique and for my dining room, this was exactly the piece I needed. It looks great in the room and I couldn't be happier with the outcome.
For more in-depth information please visit the blog post:
http://www.mypassionfordecor.com/2016/01/vintage-china-cabinet-makeover-off.html
unfolded
I have a love affair with polka dots and the Eiffel Tower
That bow front....Love it
My favorite part of this piece, the original locking skeleton key!
Restored hardware
Restored hardware
Melody
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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2 of 4 comments
  • Tammie Tammie on Aug 21, 2019

    Fantastic! Love the skeleton key, the hardware redo, the colors, the polka-dots------you did a mahvelous job, Dahling!!!

  • Melinda Record Melinda Record on Dec 24, 2020

    WOW! This is an amazing, beautiful transformation. You brought life and beauty back to an otherwise blah and tired china hutch. Your choice of color is perfect and the polka dot backing ~ what's not to love about polka dots ... and so French! Love!!


    You are very clever and talented, and your attention to detail is awesome.


    Thank you for sharing and inspiring.

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