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Painting furniture help needed -- pictures

12 years ago

I found this wardrobe at a local "barn" sale. I am not much of a DIYer, but would like to clean and paint the wardrobe. First, it kind of has that old furniture smell and I'm thinking if I prime and paint the inside as well as the outside that will help with that old smell. I was planning to clean it with Murphy's soap oil first, then prime and paint.

I would also like to have a somewhat distressed look to it. I would like to paint it black. I have been reading online about the different processes that can be used and now I am more confused that before. Brush, sponge, roller, or spray is the question? Then I was thinking if I put a coat of yellow paint on first and then distressed/sanded corners, etc, the yellow would show through.

It has hooks on the inside for hanging coats. This is going to be used in my entry way as I just had my hall closet converted to a powder room, only problem was I didn't have any place to hang coats...not a problem now, but the cold is coming and we need someplace to hang our coats and store our gloves and stuff and I think is is a great piece of furniture to do that.

Any guidance or suggestions you can offer would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,

Mary

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Comments (9)

alisande
12 years ago
Nice find, Mary! You'll get responses from people more experienced than I, but I have two suggestions:

1. Before cleaning with Murphy's oil soap, find out if it's compatible with paint. It's possible you'd be better off using something else.

2. Rather than choosing black paint, consider a green so dark it's almost black. It'll be less harsh, and give a more antique look. My Dutch pantry is actually green:
lazy_gardens
12 years ago
GREAT PIECE!!!!

Consider replacing the shelves (they look like plywood) with a smooth vinyl-coated shelf material. Less effort and less snagging of clothing.

Prime and paint interior to get rid of musty smell.
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User
12 years ago
Chalk paint....no need to prime or sand. Someone just posted that they made their own too ! It is evidently way more easily done than regular paint especially if you don't know what the current finish is. Also it lends itself to the distressing afterwards and then you finish with wax to seal.

Try just sanding the wood liner in the wardrobe first to freshen the odor...new wood the easy way. And replace the shelves. c
Rory (Zone 6b)
12 years ago
I have painted lots of wood but never distressed them. First take all the hardware off. Run the brush attachment of the vacuum over all the surfaces (inside and out, top and bottom). Clean with a damp rag and some Dirtex. Sand lightly all over with med grit paper and vacuum again and wipe down.

Use BIN Primer and let dry overnight. Use a paint for wood like Cabinet Coat or the one Sherwin William makes. Lightly sand between the primer coat and the 1st top coat and then again between the 1st and 2nd top coat. Use a fine grit sand paper and vacuum after each sanding. I don't mean you have to sand ever square inch just enough to smooth out any bumps. Use a good 1.5" angled brush - I use a Purdy.
My3dogs ME zone 5A
12 years ago
Mary, I LOVE that wardrobe!! It will be PERFECT to paint and distress. I am a big DIY-er, and just did this project this past weekend.

I lost one of my beautiful Brittany Spaniels unexpectedly last Thursday, and decided that in Joey's honor, I'd do a tribute to him by copying a popular design that I have seen painted on bureaus - the British 'Union Jack' flag.

I started out with an unpainted old pine piece. I suspect that yours might be pine, too. I used Annie Sloan chalk paint as the 'white' background on mine, and it's wonderful, but pricey.

I painted my piece and then sanded the areas I wanted to appear worn by hand, with a piece of 150 grit sandpaper. If you want natural colored wood to show on some 'worn' areas of yours, you might want to experiment before you paint it black, by seeing if you can sand off some of the white paint that's there from a test area, such as an edge. If you have an electric sander, it'll make the job go easier.

You don't need to sand the whole thing unless the current paint has a bit of a gloss finish to it. Try your black paint and see if it'll stick to the current paint. If it doesn't you may need to scuff up or prime the whole wardrobe to get your black paint to stick.

Or, use chalk paint (not chalk board paint) as it really does stick well, goes a long way, and dries very fast. I put a link to Annie Sloan's site below. Click on 'American Stockists' on the left to see if there are any in your area. I ordered mine from Sea Rose Cottage in RI.

I also waxed mine with both Butcher's wax first and then with BriWax, which I had in light brown and dark brown, to add the aged effect. That really makes a difference, and changes the paint colors slightly.

Before -

During - Just had the paint on here -

After, with sanded edges and waxed -

Close-up of the original old porcelain knobs and some sanded and waxed areas.

And last, but certainly not least, my beautiful little boy who this is a tribute for, Joey.

Here is a link that might be useful: Annie Sloan Chalk paint link
deeinohio
12 years ago
Great wardrobe!

I needed a cabinet for my brooms, placemats, napkins, and et cetera to go in the laundry room, but couldn't find an antique one narrow enough, so DH made one based on an antique one we found at an antique store.

I painted in off-white, then distressed it with a metal pole and a nail on a stick, then antiqued it with General Finishes Van Dyke Brown Glaze. I painted the inside a burnt orange. It may be too rustic for some, but I love it.

Dee

Here's some pics: (I know they're big; I'm always challenged what size to make pics and get them too small to see)
winchesterva
Original Author
12 years ago
WOW, you guys are awesome!!! Thank you so much for the great feedback.

My3dogs....I am so sorry to hear about your beloved Joey, I know how difficult it is to lose a loved one, including our 4 legged family. Your piece is beautiful and thank you so much for taking the time to post the info as well as the photos.

alisand...that piece looks great, what paint did you use?

deeinohio, love the cabinet, I am looking to paint the interior as well. Thanks for posting.

Thanks to everyone...I will keep you updated as I attempt this project.

Mary
alisande
12 years ago
Mary, I didn't paint it myself, and I'm no longer in contact with the furniture maker. Sorry--wish I had a clue!
winchesterva
Original Author
12 years ago
You guys were so helpful I thought I would share an update on my painted wardrobe. Not done, but close. A friend suggest adding mirrors on the inside doors...I like the idea, what about you?

Thank you for all of your great suggestions!
Mary

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