Family Furniture Ready for a New Generation

Roberta
by Roberta
13 Materials
$125
2 Days
Medium

I was lucky enough to be able to redo a set for a client so that she could hand it down to her son. Originally it was hers as she grew up and it had aged and turned yellow over time.

Before
Deciding on a new look


Since the set was still in great condition..we really just had to figure out what colors would work best in her son's room. She decided on a neutral gray paint and a wood-grained top.

Before
Clean


I first started by taking all of the hardware off, and then giving it a good scrub down with a mixture of tsp and water.

Prime


Since this set is laminate and hard to get even some of the best chalk paint to stick, I went ahead and used an adhesion primer. I applied a thin coat everywhere I was going to paint and even the top where I planned on using liquid wood.

(Tip... I poured some into a plastic container and applied with a sponge. Super easy and quick)

Paint


After the primer was dry, I went ahead and painted. It did take two coats. I did not paint the top since I had other plans for it.

Retique It liquid wood


Normally you cannot sand and stain this type of material. Until now! Well at least staining. 😉 Still no need to sand. I applied a thin coat on all of the tops of the pieces. Then let dry thoroughly. I used the dark version, but the light would have worked as well.

Applying liquid wood
Thin coat


My first coat I applied pretty thin. Your second coat you want to apply it a little bit thicker.

Wood grain tool
Adding wood grain


While your second coat of liquid wood is wet... Slide your wood grain tool across in even lines. The good thing is if you don't like the look you can brush over it while it's still wet and do it again.

Let dry


If you're happy with your wood grain results, let dry totally thoroughly. Also this is when I would touch up my paint on the base. And seal the paint with Retique It polycrylic. It will protect the furniture and make it easy to clean.

Staining


You want to make sure that your liquid wood is very dry before you stain. Honestly it only took about 15 minutes. Also don't forget to wear your gloves! (I always think I'm not going to get it on me. 🙄) I love to apply this stain with a rag. Apply one thin coat going with the grain. Then after it dries apply another coat.

Seal


After the top dried for at least an hour I went ahead and applied Retique It polyacrylic to the top.

New hardware


We were lucky that the hardware our client chose from D.Lawless Hardware fit the holes exactly. Honestly that does not happen often, but when it does we do a little happy dance!

If we had to drill new holes we would have filled these with a wood filler or even a spackle before painting.

Finished! (Dresser)


Didn't it come out awesome?!

It's so great that she was able to repurpose what she already had.

Finished! (Desk)


The hardware made such a difference in the overall final look. And she spent less than $50 on it. (Use code ESCHIC at D.Lawless Hardware to save 10%)

Finished! (Nightstand)


I am sure her son will be able to use this for years to come. And who knows? he may pass it down to his children someday. ❤️

http://retique.com/?srrf=h3yIF

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Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
3 of 6 questions
  • Elizabeth Beavan Elizabeth Beavan on Sep 27, 2021

    Are.you.selling.these

  • Brenda Brenda on Sep 28, 2021

    I love your wall behind the pieces. What did you use on it? Love your work.

  • Kelly Kelly on Sep 28, 2021

    I'm sure you provided this but could you please tell me which color grey you used? The pieces are stunning.

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3 of 36 comments
  • Reena Reena on Sep 28, 2021

    This turned out beautiful. I love the grey. great job !

  • Charise. Charise. on Sep 28, 2021

    I love this! You've given me an amazing idea for my stairs that I've all but botched. I was just about to start stripping the tons of paint that I've applied, but now I can simply prime, "Retique" and stain them. Bless your whole heart, dear!!!!

    • Roberta Roberta on Sep 28, 2021

      I used the Retique It Tripletique sealer on my floor and countertops. It would work best for your stairs after staining. If you use this link you'll save 10% off supplies.

      Www.retique.com/Easternshorechic

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