Mini Buffet Gets a Big New Look

Lynnette Soltwedel
by Lynnette Soltwedel
8 Materials
$50
3 Days
Medium

When I saw this cutie for sale, I knew I wanted to save it! I was amazed to find it was up for grabs just a few houses down from us. First time I have found a piece so close to home, and I was quite happy.

Look how adorable! Of course it needs some love, but I knew just what to do.

Step one! Remove the hardware. Just make sure you put it where you can find it easily. 😂 learn from my mistakes. Some pieces need a good cleaning first too, but this one didn’t.

I grabbed my orbital sander, a 120 grit disc and went to town on that top. Slow and steady...once I had all the old finish off, I wiped it off with a rag, switched over to a 220 grit disc and went over it again to ensure a nice smooth finish. I am always extra cautious on areas I plan on staining.

Trust me, use the power sander as much as you can...but know it’s limits and switch over to sanding by hand as needed. The places that will be painted, just need to be “roughened” up so the paint has a good surface to adhere too.

There was one spot on the side that had missing veneer. So sad, but easy enough to repair for some paint. Here you can see the damage, the wood putty, and what it looks like after using the putty.

After sanding and using wood conditioner...all this needed was a clear coat!

I decided to do the same with the two panels as I had the top. Taping them off seemed like a smart idea before I painted around them. Of course, I tend to forget something! I didn’t take a picture while I was painting the legs.

I did remember to take a picture when painting the door though! I ended up opting to paint the little ovals because they just didn’t have that nice wood look I had hoped for, but that middle piece looks great!

Seriously loving these Dixie Belle paints (nope, I am not a paid endorser) and how great the coverage is. Here you can see me painting the “body” of this piece in “gravel road” gray.

One coat of paint...almost all it needed, but a light sanding with fine grit (320 or 400) and a second coat of paint will be up next. After second coat of paint, I went over the piece with Dixie Belle clear coat, satin finish. I used the blue sponge Dixie Belle also sells.

Gold transfer? Yes please! I added one to the door, and one to each of the side panels I chose to stain. Prima transfers are amazing! Just remember to go slow when burnishing and removing clear paper. After applying transfers, another coat of clear coat to seal is needed.

I wanted to add some gold to highlight all the accents, I grabbed some Dixie Belle gilding wax and a brush (you can use your finger if you want). Ooh, look!

Hmm, how about some stripes on the sides? I taped it off, and decided to use the same gilding wax I used on the front. I just brushed it on, and ooohhh...

I also rubbed the hardware with the gilding wax before putting it back on. And here it is....all ready for a new home and many more years of use.

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  • Telma Telma on Oct 13, 2019

    The Gilding Wax - Warm Gold that you used does it need anything to seal it? This piece you finished it truly amazing! Foolish me I thought it look very nice before you did anything to it. I must say I am in awe of the finished project. It is jaw droppingly gorgeous.

  • Dayl Dayl on Sep 08, 2020

    What color Saint you uses for the legs? It is so beautiful. So creative! I have a mini si de board very similar. I will not copy yours but you gave me great ideas. Thank you .

  • Melody Stern Melody Stern on Sep 10, 2020

    Stunning!...I too have a small sideboard, almost exactly like yours, and have procrastinated about refinishing it because I couldn't decide what to do with it! The gray and black fit perfectly with my colors, but not the brown,,and I would like to do a silver trim.I would really welcome your advise on what I could do with the top and side panels other than brown?....I agree, this one should have been a keeper!...but you are so talented and I'm sure you'll find another diamond in the ruff!......Melody

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  • Gail Gail on Sep 08, 2020

    I thought it was beautiful before. I am a wood lover so i am glad you let a bit of it show thru. Thank you for not painting it Turquoise!

  • Mary Russell Mary Russell on Sep 08, 2020

    I like seeing the wood grain also,but have to concede a great piece of work on this.You can be proud.

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