Hello amazing friends! It’s Furniture Fixer Upper Day, and my friends and I have brand new furniture makeovers for you! We also have an exciting new addition to our Furniture Fixer Upper crew, Gail Wilson from My Repurposed Life. Be sure to look out for everybody’s makeovers at the bottom.
I’m sharing what I did with this rolling buffet cart I picked up at the thrift store for $25:
I thought it was such a unique piece that I grabbed the tag right away!
Clean
The first step to any project should be a good cleaning. I used my favorite furniture degreaser and deglosser, White Lightning. It comes in a powder form and I just mix one TBSP of White Lightning with a half gallon of warm water in a small tub. One small jar is enough to clean dozens of projects!
Once it’s clean, I swap out my water for clean water and wipe it down once more. These terrycloth applicator pads are perfect for the job and can be tossed right in the wash and used again and again.
Prime with Slick Stick
As you can see, the top of this buffet cart had a slick, shiny surface of some kind, so I knew I would need a bonding primer for that area.
Slick Stick is Dixie Belle’s bonding primer and is made to help paint bond to non porous surfaces like glass, laminate, metal, etc.
I applied it just to the top of this cart:
The instructions say to let it dry for two hours before applying a second coat and then leave it to dry overnight before painting.
Fill holes
Meanwhile, I applied Dixie Mud to the hardware holes since I planned to use different hardware for this piece.
Once the Mud was completely dry, I sanded smooth with 220 grit sandpaper:
I did the holes on the backs of the doors also since they would be seen when opened.
Paint
I chose one of my favorite Dixie Belle colors for this project, Antebellum Blue!
This is such a gorgeous color! I’ve have never used it on a piece of furniture before, only smaller projects, so I was excited to have the perfect piece for it.
I gave it two coats with my favorite Mini Angle brush:
Sand
Once the paint was dry, I sanded all over lightly to smooth everything out, hitting the edges a bit harder to distress ever so slightly.
These are sanding sponges that Dixie Belle has had for a while:
They sandpaper is attached to foam and are 220 grit. They make it super easy to sand flat surfaces as well as rounded areas also.
Dixie Belle finally packaged them in convenient three-packs so I’ve added them to my shop HERE.
Seal
I sealed this buffet cart with Clear Coat in satin using the blue applicator sponge.
Since this is a darker piece, I did add a couple of drops of the Antebellum Blue to prevent the ghosting effect when you wipe your hand across a dark painted surface:
I also cut my sponge to give it a flat edge on either side which makes it easier to apply to straight edges:
The After
Here is how this fun piece turned out!
Isn’t this color amazing??
The original wheels were more of a copper color, but after cleaning them, I gave them a lovely gold luster with Gold Gilding Wax.
I applied it with my finger and then waited about 24 hours to buff it to a nice sheen.
The hardware really updates this piece also.
I found these at Hobby Lobby.
The Inside
I considered painting the interior a fun contrasting color, but it was so immaculate inside that I left it as is:
Translation: I didn’t want to lay on my belly to paint it ha ha!
I did make sure to tape off the edges to keep the lines nice and crisp though…
And I added a fun little gold detail to the door using the Floral Silkscreen stencil and Gold Gilding wax:
And that is the story of the rolling buffet cart makeover!
Another testament to the power of a simple paint job!
Don’t forget to see what my friends have created from these treasures!
(Jen will hopefully be back next month once she is settled in her new house!)
And I’m steadily making my way through this new haul!
Here is what I’ve competed so far:
Painted Antique Side Table
Pretty in Blue Box Makeover
A Great way to Repurpose a Chair
Painting the Smalls #20 (Six mini makeovers!)
White Painted Desk with Transfer
I really liked this cart paired with the gold mirror, but I redid this mirror not too long ago that is still in my booth that will match it too!
See what I did with it HERE if you missed it!
I’ll be back on Tuesday with this mirrored wall hanging thingy:
I hope you’ll be there!
UPDATE: This mass-produced mirror is one-of-a-kind now!! See it HERE!
XOXO,
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Mary Kaiser says
WOW, I am not a big fan of color, but this color is so beautiful! It looks so good with the gold! Fantastic make over once again!!
Christy says
Thank you, Mary! You know I don’t do a whole lot of color either, but I agree about this one! Have a fabulous weekend! XOXO
Janice Holt says
Well you’ve done it again. Another beautiful piece. Love the gold on the rollers of the cart and the stencil on the inside of the doors. Such a pretty color. Have a great week-end.
Christy says
Thank you, Janice! I was so happy to finally be able to use this pretty color on a piece of furniture! I hope you have a great weekend also!! XOXO
Toby says
Absolutely gorgeous Christy!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Toby! XOXO
Betty Bilnoski says
The Antebellum blue is just gorgeous. 💙
Christy says
Right?? It is a beautiful color! XOXO
Kim says
I love your attention to detail. I have not seen that color used and it is beautiful! How I wish I could have a similar cart show up in my area. I need something that same size and it had so much character even before your redo. Great job as always, thanks for sharing.
Christy says
Thank you, Kim! I found a similar piece about eight or nine years ago at an estate sale that matched the dining set, so I think it was once an option for some dining sets way back when. I hadn’t seen another until this one! XOXO
Sarah @ Sadie Seasongoods says
Seriously GORGEOUS, C! The gilding wax is perfection on the coasters and the surprise touch inside the doors. Popping over from MRL’s post!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Sarah!! I’m so glad you stopped by today! XOXO
Niki says
Ooooo, pretty! Such a rich color and the new knobs add some playfulness. I saw the flip flops so it must be sunny days for you. It’s nice of you to share some color. It’s pretty gray over here yet.
Christy says
Thank you, Niki! Yes, we are having an unseasonably warm February…it’s nearing 80 today, but I’ll be honest, I do like my four seasons lol. Kinda missing the cooler weather…I know I’m crazy ha ha! XOXO
Sharon L Austin says
Very nice and those knobs are perfect for it!
Christy says
Thanks so much, Sharon! I had bought those knobs for another project, but they were perfect for this one! XOXO
Karen Thompson says
Love this piece too! Beautiful choice of color. And thank you so much for the reminder tip about adding a little paint to the clear coat to prevent the “ghosting” effect! I know you’ve probably mentioned that before but I had forgotten and I did a small dresser that I am using in my living room and I wish I had done that! Its been a year or more, you think I could put another coat of clear coat now and it would look ok? Once again, love your beautiful work!
Christy says
Thank you, Karen! Yes, you sure can add another coat now. Just be sure it’s clean. You can just do the top if that is the area that sees the most ghosting! XOXO
Karen Thompson says
Thank you!
Christy says
You’re welcome! XOXO
Christine says
Love this color!
Christy says
Thanks, Christine! XOXO
Cyndi says
That is absolutely stunning! Thanks for tip on adding paint to the sealer. I will try to remember that!
Christy says
Thank you, Cyndi! Yes, it really works! XOXO
LORRI says
Very Pretty Christy..the Rolling Bar Cart is going to look smashing in someone’s room!!!
Christy says
Thank you, Lorri! I wish I had a spot for it!! XOXO
Jeanne says
I love the color. Did you think of putting gold on the accent pieces on legs? I almost think that would be top it off, along with the mirror you mentioned. I’d love to see the two pieces in a pic. Keep it up, Christy! You are the favorite of many of us.
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Jeanne! That was actually my original intent, but it looked so good at this point that I decided not to overdo it. It would really highlight those details though! XOXO
Catherine says
I love the color as well, Jeanne!!! Christy is a favorite of mind too!!
Karen Moore says
Gorgeous! Love the color.
Christy says
Thank you, Karen! XOXO
Carol says
Absolutely love what you did with the pieces. Happy you didn’t paint the interior, nice contrast but love the inside door decoration. Will you be keeping this piece? How much would you put on it if you were to sell it?
Christy says
Thank you, Carol! I’m glad I kept the interior as is also. This one will be heading to the shop, probably for around $200 or so. XOXO
Cheryl Atkinson says
Hi Christy! I love it!! I am so glad you used this color. I have been debating about using either Antebellum Blue or Palmetto on this wood file cabinet I have. I think you just convinced me to use Antebellum. I hope it sells quickly for you.
Christy says
Thank you, Cheryl!! I was so excited to use this color on a piece of furniture finally, and I’m glad I was able to help you make a decision too! It is really gorgeous in person! XOXO
Krista says
I love that colour, Christy! Beautiful piece!
Christy says
Thank you so much, my friend! XOXO
Denise - Salvaged Inspirations says
Ohhhh I love it! Antebellum Blue is one of my favorites and those Hobby Lobby knobs are perfection! Pinned! XOXO
Christy says
Thank you so much, my friend! I love this color too! The knobs were intended for another project, but they were just the right ones for this piece! XOXO
wendi says
Wow! I love what you did! Love the color!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Wendi! XOXO
Joy says
Beautiful! The paint made a major difference!
Christy says
Thank you, Joy! Absolutely! XOXO
Marcie Lovett says
That was an incredible price for such a good looking piece of furniture, Christy! I’d definitely have snapped it up, even though I don’t have room for it 😁 I have a cart with the same black laminate top – I hadn’t thought about painting it to match, but now I might reconsider. I like that it protects the surface from wet and hot things, but your cart is beautiful without it. That color with the faux bamboo is fabulous, I bet it doesn’t last long in the booth.
Christy says
Yes, it was a steal for sure…especially with it being so unique! And thanks for the insight about the top. That makes sense that it was to withstand hot temps if it were used as a buffet. Thanks, Marcie! XOXO
Kathy Owen says
I’m in love with this beauty!!
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Kathy! XOXO
Nette says
Very nice result! It looks like you were inspired by your nail polish!
Christy says
Thank you, Nette! Ha ha…maybe! XOXO
Biz says
Absolutely gorgeous!
Can’t wait to try some color in my life!
Thank you for venturing in boldness. 😝
Christy says
Thank you so much, Biz!! I LOVE painting in this gorgeous color! XOXO
Kathryn says
This piece speaks to me on so many levels. The style, color, utility!! Love it. The only thing I would do differently is add a touch of gold to the knobby bamboo joints!! But it’s just great anyway!! I’m always inspired by you.
Christy says
Aww I love that, Kathryn, thank you so much! My original intent was to add some gold to those parts on the bamboo, but in the end, I kept it simple…I may still go back and add some! XOXO
Addie says
WOW!!! That came out beautiful!!! What was a ho-hum cabinet is now a show stopper…LOVE it!!!! It really changed it up. That color is gorgeous and the hardware changes are perfect.
NOW!!! The big question….why are you wearing flip flops? Isn’t it freezing back there? like sub zero??? I have shoveled my driveway in flips before too!!! xx
I really like this make over!!!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Addie!! I’m so glad you like this one!! No way…it got up to 83 degrees this week!! Honestly, I feel like I still need some winter in my life though…I love all four seasons!! Have a fantastic weekend, my friend! XOXO
Caye Cooper says
Just simply stunning, Christy! What a lovely color you chose. A marvelous transition on a once-looking frumpy piece. Great job!!!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Caye! It was such a treat to see this one come to life! Have a lovely weekend! XOXO
Debra Hubbs says
So pretty! Everyone is saying color is back in for walls and furniture. This style is huge again also. Crazy how that works. Really love this, and…my guess was blue haha. I was thinking Navy but this is even better.
Christy says
Oh good…well I guess I’ll need to keep dipping my brush in some color then ha ha! And yes, funny how things come back around…with the warmer temps teasing us here this week, I’ve seen a couple of young men in shorter shorts. I went to Walmart today and sure enough…several racks of those shorts ha ha! And funny you mentioned Navy because that was my original plan lol! Thanks, Debra! XOXO
p says
Very Nice ! I was wondering what you’d do with this interesting piece.
I’m really liking this blue. 🙂 The gold foot accents add a sweet bit of jewelry.
I am amazed how much different it looks with the new hardware, and I esp like the sweet gold stencil !! Nice choices.
Thanks for sharing.
(I’m jealous of your flip flop weather tho ) 🙂
Christy says
Thank you, P! This is such a pretty blue and I’m so glad I had the perfect piece of furniture to try it on! We did have really warm temps here this week, but I kind of miss the cold. I’m crazy ha ha! XOXO
Charleen says
Nighy and day! Gorgeous Aloveky teal with out the intensity. Love the knobe. Beautiful!!!
Christy says
Thanks so much, Charleen! Yes…a great way to describe this color! XOXO
Cecilia says
Just gorgeous! Love how it turned out.
😍Cecilia
Christy says
Thank you, Cecilia! XOXO
Robin says
It’s beautiful, Christy.
Two questions: Why would you paint the top that was made of a different material? If it is a bar cart then it was utilitarian to use a different material that would withstand heat or spills. Given that it is a bar cart and would be heavily used with liquor bottles, trays, glassware, & possible spills why didn’t you seal the top with Gatorhide?
Christy says
Hi Robin! The top was super scratched up and really detracted from the look, so it needed to be painted. But great point about the Gator Hide. I’m not a drinker myself, so I guess I didn’t imagine it would be used for liquor. I was thinking more for something dry like a nice vase of flowers lol. Now I think I’ll add a coat of Gator Hide just in case lol! XOXO
Vicki says
So very pretty! I also appreciate the reminder about adding paint to the clear coat. I’ve probably pinned that before but I don’t always remember to check my pins before starting a project, so thank you! I have a pot of this color and need to try it out soon, gorgeous! The hardware is perfect, like a great pair of earrings, just the right finishing touch.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Vicki! And yes…that tip really works. I hope you get the chance to use this pretty color on something soon! XOXO
shan says
That is beautiful! That really is a big step for you, I love you in color! The gold on the wheels is perfect and I love that you always have a little surprise on the inside of your pieces. So pretty.
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Shan! I really LOVE to paint in color, but my pieces also have to sell, so I don’t do it too often. My booth is small, so I have to keep those pieces moving. I have painted several smaller pieces in this color that have sold quickly though, so hoping this does too! XOXO
Michele M. says
Oh my, isn’t that beautiful?? What a beautiful job – looks awesome….and your fingernails even went in on the blue theme. 🙂
Christy says
Thank you, Michele! Ha ha yes! I just had them redone today so maybe my next project should be hot pink ha ha!! Have a fabulous weekend! XOXO
Rose Lefebvre says
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE IT!!!! SO CLASSY LOOKING.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Rose! XOXO
cruz martinez says
It turned out beautiful, love the color and the touch of gold.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Cruz! XOXO
Mariele says
Gorgeous!!! I want that piece so bad. It looks so fun now! Great vision and execution. 😀
Christy says
Thank you so much, Mariele!! XOXO
gail says
Wow, Christy! I love everything about this buffet cart makeover. Those Hob Lob knobs are perfect to bring all the colors together. I love the gilding on the wheels and the stencil inside the door. Awesome tips! Pinned!
gail
ps I’m so happy to be part of this group!!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Gail! I was so excited to hear you would be joining us! Have a lovely weekend!! XOXO
Denise E. Hubbard says
Christy, your latest makeover is just beautiful! I love the color you used, the gold above the wheels, the knobs, just everything! The buffet cart really has lovely design lines.
Awaiting your next creation!
Denise
Christy says
Thank you so much, Denise! It was such a great piece to start and fun to work on! XOXO
Trudy says
Found you via My Repurposed Life and so glad I did. This makeover is sweet and I love that you passed along some very useful tips. Slick Stick? Never heard of it but will definitely be investing in some. And drops of paint in the clear coat? What a simple but useful idea! Your bar cart is fabulous. I’d been curious about Antebellum Blue and am now in love! And the gilding on the legs? Great accent, like beautiful earrings on a woman. I’ll definitely be trolling your site!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Trudy! I’m so glad you stopped by! XOXO
Marty K says
Love this color! Beautiful makeover!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Marty! It is a fantastic color to paint with too! XOXO
Milissa says
Every detail just perfect. I love color and this one stole my heart.
Christy says
I’m so glad you like it, Milissa, thank you! XOXO