How to Paint an Old Cabinet
Vintage washstands make a great project to update with paint. They make wonderful bedside tables. In this tutorial I'm sharing how to create a two-tone distressed finish and highlighting the beauty of the top wood by sanding and reviving with hemp oil.
Yield: 1 cabinet
Equipment
- 2 Paint Brushes
- 1 Waxing Brush
- 1 Palm Sander
- 8 Rags and cloths lint free cloths and cheesecloth
Materials
- 1 container mineral spirits
- 1 container denatured alcohol
- 5 pieces sandpaper 120 grit (for top), 220 grit (for base)
- 1 can clear shellac
- 1 can Chalk Paint Paris Grey
- 1 can Chalk Paint Pure
- 1 can Furniture Wax Clear
- 1 bottle Hemp Oil for top
Instructions
- First you need to prep. Many people say this isn't necessary but believe me it is. Skipping this step can cause so many problems from bleed -through (especially with white) or adhering problems. To prep furniture, I like to give it a good scuff sanding all over. This will give the surface "tooth" so the paint can stick to it.
- At this point, decide what you're doing with the top of the furniture. I love keeping wood natural to add warmth. We have dark woodwork in our home and have some warm elements in our bedroom like our rattan bed so thought leaving the top wood would be nice. If leaving the top natural, I sand the existing finish off.
- Clean the sanding dust off. Then wash the whole piece down. Start with mineral spirits and then wipe denatured alcohol to remove any grease or marks. Then wash down the whole piece with warm water. Allow to dry. Rags with these liquids can be flammable. Be sure to dispose of properly to prevent a fire. I usually fill a container with water and store the rags in there.
- Wipe clear shellac on the entire piece with a lint free cloth. This will prevent any bleed-through. Do NOT shake the shellac can because this will add air bubbles. Alternatively you can use a primer instead.
- Paint first layer of paint - in this case with Annie Sloan's Paris Grey for layer one. Stipple brush to get into the nooks and crannies of your furniture. Allow to dry.
- Paint second paint color - second layer is Annie Sloan's Pure, a lovely white. Allow to dry.
- Distress Furniture. I use sand paper wrapped around a sanding block and also a paint scraper to strategically scrape paint off. When distressing think of the place the furniture would really wear and get scratch up. You will have a much more authentic look that way.
- Vacuum any sanding dust and then apply clear wax with a brush or cloth. Work in sections and be sure to wipe away excess. Wax should feel cool to the touch but not wet.
- Apply hemp oil to the top with a brush, wait 15 minutes and wipe off excess. Old wood will drink up the oil and revive it. Repeat as necessary. I did two coats on this cabinet.
- Time to enjoy your newly painted cabinet!
Video
Notes
Wax should feel cool to the touch if it still feels wet it means you've applied too much. You want to think about waxing like applying moisturizer into your hands.
If you experience any bleed-through issues with white paint, you can use spray shellac tinted white or use stain blocking primer.
I used Paris Grey and Pure for this piece but you can use any colors you'd like for a two tone distress. I also really like Graphite or Black under French Linen.
I've used Chalk Paint for this tutorial but you can use any paint you have on hand.