Welcome back, amazing friends! Today I have the final furniture piece of my Fabulous 50 Fall Haul! I’m sharing a painted antique armoire that I found for 75% off at the Salvation Army.
Here’s how I found this armoire at the thrift store that day:
It was marked $199, but all blue tags were 75% off! I couldn’t believe I got this beauty for only $50!
These pretty pieces are the ones I absolutely struggle with the most. That’s probably why this is the last furniture piece I took on. I have a really hard time taking a paintbrush to these beautiful pieces, believe it or not. However, if I were to put this in my booth as is, it would take way longer to sell than if I were to paint it.
I’ve included a few affiliate links so you can find the products I love.
Clean
Like all furniture pieces, this one started with a good cleaning using White Lightning. I just mix 1 tablespoon into a half gallon of warm water and stir.
This one was quite dirty as you would imagine an older piece like this might be…
Always go back over with clean water to rinse!
Fill imperfections with Dixie Mud
Next, I filled in all the imperfections using Dixie Mud in Brown:
Including some chipped veneer on the bottom. Once it was good and dry, I sanded all the mudded areas with 220 grit sandpaper…
Here is how that area looked after sanding:
(Find those furniture dolly wheels HERE…great for use on flat surfaces to move heavy pieces!)
Prime with Bonding BOSS
Because this is an older piece, and because I had several areas where I had to sand, I knew bleed through might be an issue. To get ahead of that, I went ahead and primed with just ONE coat of white Bonding BOSS.
It looked like a hot mess there, and I was getting big time bleed on all the areas I sanded. There is no need to add another coat at this point, just let it sit for 24 hours to do its thing! (Proper dry time is KEY!!)
What to do next?
When I was deciding where I wanted to go next, I kept coming back to a white on white look for this piece.
My original plan had been to blackwash it, but with the repairs I had to make, I just wasn’t sure that would work. Plus, I thought all those pretty details would stand out more with a lighter color palette.
I ended up choosing Gardenia and Cotton:
Paint
After the Bonding BOSS had cured for 24 hours, I painted the main body using Gardenia from Dixie Belle using my go-to brush, the Mini Angle:
Look at that coverage! Pretty fantastic! While it did cover really well with one coat over the Bonding BOSS, I did give it two coats.
My hubby got the drain hooked up for my sink on Saturday, so I can officially wash all the brushes in my new garage sink!! (You can barely see it in the background there!)
After the Gardenia dried, I taped off many of the details with FrogTape for delicate surfaces and went with Cotton on those areas:
I did two coats and pulled the tape off as soon as the second coat went on:
That crisp edge is so satisfying!
Sand
Once all the paint was dry, I sanded all over to smooth and then hit the details a little harder using 220 grit sandpaper:
Seal
All that was left to do on the outside was to seal it. I did that using my favorite sealer for furniture, Dixie Belle’s Clear Coat in the satin finish, which I applied using the blue sponge applicator:
The blue sponge makes it so much easier to apply it in thin coats. I like to give it two coats, and cutting the sponge straight across on one side makes it easier to get right up against straight edges.
Painted Antique Armoire Reveal
Let’s see how this lovely antique armoire looks now!
The lighter color palette really brings a softness to it.
Before, all my eyes saw was the pattern in the veneer on the front. I missed all this gorgeous detail:
By quieting down that pattern with a neutral paint, and highlighting the trim details with a lighter color, the details become the star!
There was no knob or handle on the doors before, so I just added this simple glass pull:
The Inside
I know you want to know what I did with the inside!!
Here is how the interior looked before:
Bleh.
Let’s get in closer so you can really see the condition it was in…
I am always curious how the insides of drawers and pieces like this can get so bad when they are kept closed all the time?
The inside got the Bonding BOSS treatment as well:
I was originally planning to keep that wood at the back, but plans changed!
Color for the inside!
Because I played it so safe on the exterior, I knew I wanted to use a fun pop of color for the interior! I decided on Dixie Belle’s Secret Path:
I love this color!
Let’s jump to the after!
First, a sneaky peek:
Ooh la la!
And here is how the whole interior of this painted antique armoire looks now:
What a difference, right?
As you can see I decided to add the Soft Veil decoupage paper to both the drawer fronts and to the back of the right side:
To attach the paper, I used Redesign’s decoupage gel, applying it using a 2″ Foam N Dandy brush:
Once I had it in place, I used saran wrap to smooth it out as it glides nicely over the paper and prevents pilling:
I still need to seal the interior since I ran out of time, but I will do that using Clear Coat in Satin like I did for the outside.
The Drawers
The drawers weren’t in the best condition before either…
I sanded the sides down to make them pretty again and then primed first with Bonding BOSS…
Followed by Gardenia on the fronts and insides. I kept the sides where I sanded unpainted, so they would glide in and out better.
To hydrate them, I buffed in some Big Mama’s Butta:
It comes in several amazing scents, but I used Ginger Zen here.
They look so fresh and hydrated!
And of course as you know, I applied the same Soft Veil decoupage paper to the drawer fronts.
The interior honestly might be my favorite!
I hope you enjoyed this final furniture makeover from this haul!
I think I have about five posts left if you include a round of smalls!
Tuesday is Trashy Treasures Tuesday, and I’ll be back sharing this $5 vintage side table:
UPDATE: I am so glad I took a chance on this little table! See it now HERE!
Have a fabulous weekend!!
XOXO,
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Kathy Cannon says
Tres chic mon amie! Another showstopper! Love your colour choices and the inside is a lovely surprise! It must be so difficult to part with such beauties!
Christy says
Thank you, Kathy! It is sure is…I wish I could keep them all lol! XOXO
Jackie C says
Man! That inside is a showstopper! It’s too pretty to close the doors.
Christy says
Thank you, Jackie! I think I would just keep it open lol! XOXO
Jeanne says
Well, I was hesitant at first. It does look better and like it has a crown. I can see why now. You open it up and it’s quite regal. So lovely! Glad you see things a bit differently and show us a new option.
Christy says
I’m so glad you like it, Jeanne! I’ll be honest, I was hesitant too, but I just knew I had to lighten it up. Thank you! XOXO
Bohuslava Kopecká says
Moc povedená přeměna…nejprve z venku. /že by tentokrát bez převodů ?- super—- a pak pohled dovnitř—paráda !!! Krásná lila barva.
Už dlouho sleduji tvoje přeměny, ale tohle je jedna z NEJ!!!
Hodně zdaru i nápadů. Bohunka
Christy says
Moc děkuji! Jsem moc ráda, že se ti to líbí! Zvenku jsem to nechala jednoduché, ale uvnitř jsem přidala milé překvapení! Děkuji, že mě sledujete!! XOXO
Nana Diana says
It turned out great and I love the interior. It adds such a sweet ‘pop’ when you open the doors. Just a question for you….did you think about adding a second knob to the other door when you were finishing up? I don’t know why it looks like it needs one (to me)….lol. Happy Thursday- Diana
Christy says
Thank you, Diana! Unfortunately, right behind that area where a knob would go on the left side is the right side of the shelving unit inside, so I wasn’t able to add one there, but I did want to! Enjoy your weekend, my friend! XOXO
Jane Windham says
She’s a real beauty now, Christy! Impressive makeover!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Jane! I’m so glad you like it! XOXO
Josee says
Wow what a surprise! What a beautiful piece. Bravo
Christy says
Thank you so much, my friend! XOXO
Allita says
Christy, this couldn’t possibly have turned out any more beautifully. I was loving the two-tone white look so much, and then that inside, wow! Just so lovely – I would put that piece in my home in a heartbeat. It already had a long life in its original state, and now it will have a new life for years to come, all freshened up. You did a great job re-imagining this, as always. 🙂
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Allita! This one had me a bit nervous to paint it, but I am so glad I ignored those nerves ha ha! XOXO
Ann Williams says
This is BEAUTIFUL!!! Wow!!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Ann! XOXO
Trish says
Stunningly gorgeous! 😍. I absolutely love painted wood. It was so sad prior to your magic. You have given new life to a forgotten piece. Love your work and appreciate you sharing.
Christy says
Aww thank you, Trish! I appreciate that! The wood made this one very heavy looking before, so paint is just what it needed! XOXO
Cecilia says
Haha, I started to say, I can’t believe you didn’t put a transfer on the outside – something frenchy, as it looks so chic. But oh girl, I’m swooning over the interior! I love that paper and pop of color. Love, love, love how this one looks. Beautiful, quiet exterior with oh so pretty details then wowza, when you open it up. Great makeover!
😍Cecilia
Christy says
Ha ha yes! So soft and subtle on the outside and then WOW! Thank you so much, my sweet friend! You know it was hard to not add something to that front lol! XOXO
Elizabeth says
This is stunning. We’ll done!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Elizabeth! XOXO
Rebecca Payne says
OMG. It’s Gorgeous. Awesome job.
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Rebecca! XOXO
Lucy Caldwell says
Gorgeous, inside and out! I’d have to give equal time to it open and closed if I had it since I’d hate to hide that pretty interior!
Christy says
Thank you, Lucy! I think I might just leave it open all the time lol! XOXO
Cyndi says
Oh, my gosh! It is stunning! I love, love, love the white tone-on-tone on the outside (that’s one of my faves), and the inside…WOW! Glorious! Well done, bonny lass! 🙂
Christy says
Thank you so much, my friend!! I am so pleased with how it all came together as well! XOXO
Lizzy says
Amazing transformation! I like it so much better painted. Great work.
Christy says
Thanks so much, my friend! I agree! XOXO
Jan says
Christy, you continue to amaze me with your vision. Beautiful!😍
Christy says
Aww I appreciate that so much, Jan, thank you!! XOXO
Trisha G says
I find it ironic that you said that you don’t know how the insides get so dirty when they’re closed up all the time, and now the inside’s so pretty that it’ll never be closed! Haha! 😆
Christy says
Ha ha so true!! I think I would be leaving it open all the time lol! XOXO
Michele M. says
It is GORGEOUS!!!!!
Christy says
Thank you so much, my friend!! XOXO
Amanda says
This is a ten star makeover!! Love, love, love it!
Christy says
Aww yay!! I love that reaction so much, Amanda, thank you!! XOXO
Mary Kaiser says
WOWZA! It turned out so beautiful! I have it outside, inside to to bottom! I also Love the glass knob you put on it. I love it so much and wish I could get to Virginia to buy it for my home! Great job!
Christy says
I’m so glad you love it, my friend, thank you! It had such pretty details on the outside before that really shine now that it’s painted. And I think I would just leave it open all the time ha ha! Have a fantastic weekend…I hope that means you get to sleep in after those super early mornings!! XOXO
Susan M says
The inside is gorgeous!!!
But, the outside looks a little too plain. I think it needs a little more love, like a coordinating decal on that huge plain area on the front.
Christy says
Thank you, Susan! If I had a large transfer that was just lettering, that would be perfect, but I don’t unfortunately. XO
Susan says
How about some of that beautiful lavender floral you used on the drawer fronts?
Christy says
Unfortunately, the pattern doesn’t match up from end to end. I think it will stay as is. 🙂
Cletia says
I absolutely love how this turned out!! It will definitely sell much faster than it’s natural state. Great job!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Cletia! Oh yes, I agree! I’m always happy to have a quick sale, but I won’t mind if it hangs around for a bit lol! XOXO
Caye says
Holey moley, that interior was frightful! You asked a million dollar question about how it could get so bad on the interior. But now it’s truly a beauty! I love how you knew that a tone on tone would be just the perfect touch. This one will sell in a flourish. Great job!
Christy says
Thanks so much, Caye! The interior was a mess for sure! The only thing I can imagine is that this piece ended up being stored in a garage and then used as a storage piece out there for dirty things like tools and such lol. I’m not quite sure how it would have gotten that bad storing normal things indoors, but no worries now that it has been saved ha ha! I always welcome a quick sale, but I never mind hanging onto these pretty pieces so I can go visit them! Have a great weekend, my friend! XOXO
Colleen says
Christy, this is so pretty! I love the Gardenia and the Cotton. I agree with you-I was so focused on the X pattern on the front, I didn’t notice the beautiful trim. The soft whites really brought them out. Wow-the inside! Secret Path is such a perfect match with the decoupage paper. Is there a reason you put the decoupage paper sideways in the back?
Christy says
Thank you so much, Colleen! Yes, the trim is so lovely and needed to be the focus! This paper is 19″X 30″, so I chose to lay it on the long side or I would have had to open a third paper. XOXO
Ewa says
Beautiful inside and out. I think this lovely piece would look wonderful in any color because it has wonderful shape , but I simply adore off – whites and beiges. Kisses.
Christy says
Thank you, Ewa! I agree…it has such a lovely shape, and I too am a big fan of the color palette! XOXO
Stacey says
Love, love, love! Wish I could get my hands on some of these products (particularly the sealer) in RSA!
Christy says
Thank you, Stacey! I wish you could too! XOXO
Kathy from JAX says
Although I’m a little behind in my comment, I just had to say…WOW! What a transformation. Love the colors. I agree, the inside is so beautiful. I would take this piece home in a skinny minute. It won’t last long. You did a beautiful job bringing this back to life for someone to enjoy for years to come.
Christy says
Thank you, Kathy! I’m glad you got the chance to stop by and enjoy this one! XOXO