Thursday, October 15, 2009

You ask; You receive

Woah!  I was NOT prepared for that.  My inbox was inundated with e-mails, and you had so many requests in your comments.  How could I NOT tell you how I did it?  Thank you for all your positive remarks.  You’re all so nice.

Here we go.

Start out with a piece of furniture covered in years of build-up.  I bought this TSP degreaser, and it worked like. a. charm.  It was $6.00 at my grocery store.

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I walked into the paint store and told my paint guy, “I don’t want to do anything to this piece of furniture.  I don’t want to sand it at ALL.”  He said, “You’re lazy.”  Not really.  He told me to buy this stuff.  It’s got a pretty rough surface to it so that it can grip the paint.

IMG_7751 Then, (shocker here) I turned to my handy dandy Ben Moore Low Lustre Metal and Wood paint.  The SAME quart that I used on this and these. (Note-this is not the actual can I used.  This is a different color.)

IMG_7757

I have two secret weapons.  The first is my paint (swear by it).  The second is a foam roller.  I buy the foam rollers at Wal-Mart for a couple of bucks.  I cut in the trim and curves with cheapo foam brushes from Hobby Lobby, then I roll on all the flat surfaces with the foam roller. Between the paint (which smooths out better) and the roller, there are no streaks, brush strokes, etc.  It looks like it’s been sprayed on.

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I’m quite careful about checking for coverage and lines as I go, but I don’t do anything special outside of that.  I just keep rolling lighter and lighter until it’s completely smooth.

IMG_7766

Just in case you’re doubting the smoothness this provides.  Nice, right?

IMG_7769

So…just to be clear.  I did NOT sand this thing.  I wiped it down really well with TSP cleaner, used the special primer (also with a foam roller), and painted a couple of coats of black paint on it.  That’s it.  No special finish over it.

IMG_7622

I almost forgot.  I purchased the hardware at Lowes.  The hardest part about this project?  Waiting for it to dry!

75 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the tutorial, can you tell us where you got the hardware. I LOVE them!

Chris said...

Sorry, Anon. I've added it to the post!

Kat said...

That looks incredible!!! I would be super proud of that piece if I were you. I love it!!!

Vintage Dutch Girl said...

Yay! Great job and thanks for the info :)

No sanding? Be still my heart :)

Lacie @ Creative Attempts said...

thank you so much for the info I was just going to ask what kind of paint and brushes you used!!

SouthernGalsBoutique said...

Oh that's just a gorgeous piece of furniture!!!! lucky woman...

Christine @UnstructuredBliss said...

You are the best! I'm am archiving this post to come back to when I stumble across the next piece of furniture begging to be refinished. Thanks so much!

susan said...

This looks fabulous!!! I just did a table and used that handy "smooth finish" roller--worked like a charm!

Amanda@Imperfectly Beautiful said...

Chris...that is THE most amazing piece of painted furniture I have ever seen! What a gorgeous finish. I am stunned that it took so few steps. I am buying that exact paint tomorrow! Thank you for sharing the details with us.

~Amanda

meg + andy said...

THANK YOU! you're super nice to oblige us with the info! Oh, and have you done anything with those orange chairs yet??? I sure wish you'd decide to re-upholster a wing-back...i inherited two extremely ugly ones and wish i could muster up the confidence to do it myself...we'll see. :)
meagan

Our Story said...

Can you tell me where you got your BM black paint? I've looked all over and I can only get it in high gloss.
Thanks
Moontastic10@msn.com

Lori said...

Thanks for the great tutorial, it is a beautiful piece of furniture.

Becky DeVries said...

Looks awesome. Thanks. We are moving soon and i get to redecorate so I bookmarked it!!

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

I will be buying that primer tomorrow. I have my chair project that must get done this weekend and I don't have the time or the patience to sand them. Thank you for sharing that. I'll bet the hardest part was waiting for it to dry! Again, it came out fantastic and I just love it. I'll be glad if my chairs come out half as good!

Natalie said...

Looks great! I wish I had decided to paint this table for my dining room. Instead I opted for re staining & greatly regretting it right now.

Paula said...

So cute! Thank you for posting this, it's very helpful in trying to figure out a way to bring new life to the hutch in my dining room :)

Traci@ Beneath My Heart said...

Oh that looks increadible! I missed the earlier post but went back and read it. I love the way it turned out. I would love a piece like that in my bedroom!
Thanks for sharing!

Thrifty Decor Chick said...

Oh hello?? How did I miss this?? Freaking awesome, it is!! High five for no sanding!!!!!!!!!!!

Sharon said...

Love it. Glad you got the finish you wanted. I usually sand between each coat of paint just to ensure that beautiful to the touch finish.

Arlene said...

Wow!!! It's looks like such an expensive piece. I love it. I even had my hubby over here checking it out. He rolls his eyes everytime I paint a piece of furniture. He prefers the real wood look. It's absolutely stunning. Thanks for the how-to.

Unknown said...

I love it...beautiful piece of furniture. Thanks for the info :)

barbara said...

Thank you for sharing! I've put off refinishing items because well the refinishing part (stripping, sanding etc) This is so much easier!! I'm so excited. Thanks for sharing!

Shell in your Pocket said...

Is that NOT the truth...I can barely let things dry...I get to excited!

sandy toe

Lovely Little Nest said...

Wow, you are my hero! Thanks for all of the helpful tips! :)

Melissa said...

I love you for this tutorial~seriously, I don't think I've ever seen a piece made over look so lovely and smooth. Incredible!

Richella Parham said...

Thank you for sharing your secrets!

One of my favorite things about blogs like yours is the generosity of spirit that bloggers show. You never get a "Ha, ha! That's for me to know and you to find out" kind of attitude--instead, you get a very helpful "Sure I'll tell you what I did" attitude. I love that, and you epitomize it.

Congratulations on your wonderful new piece!

Ruby said...

What can I say except thank you so much for sharing!!!

june@craftyniche said...

Thanks for the info! :)

Stacey said...

Wow! Your buffet is gorgeous!! Thank you for all the tips!

Beth@The Stories of A to Z said...

Thanks for the tutorial O.W.G. (oh wise grasshopper). I just wrote down all of the supplies and once I have the dough I'm totally buying these products!!!

Farmgirl Chaos said...

Perfect! The details to the results are great. I will be investing in some of that primer stuff. Sandy is no fun for me either...since I have no place to do it in an apartment.

Unknown said...

All my questions answered. Thanks!

Janna said...

I just discovered your blog and I LOVE it. I'm now a follower! I had fun looking through your old posts.

Lou Cinda @ Tattered Hydrangeas said...

This is gorgeous!!

What color paint did you use?? I need to paint a coffee table!

Thank you!

Lou Cinda :)

Kari Sweeten said...

Soooooo cool! I'm so doing this!

Unknown said...

I so wanted to know too? YEAH' now I know! ONE WORD FOR IT.... "STUNNING"

Mom's Place said...

Yeah - the waiting to dry part would be the hardest part for me too!!!

AMY said...

BEAUTIFUL! I have a question. I have a great piece of furniture but it is made with the yucky fake wood plastic veneer type stuff. Would your recommended primer work on that? My husband keeps telling me no pait will adhere to that surface. Help me prove him wrong ;-)

Mindy said...

Thanks for the great tips. I have some things that need to be painted too. Your buffet looks brand new right out of pottery barn. I'm definitely following your steps on my next paint project!

Anonymous said...

I want it! You are amazing!!!

Unknown said...

Wow, what a great job. Thanks for the tutorial.

Grace @ One Craft Girl's Corner said...

This is beautiful! As always, great tutorial!

Roeshel said...

It's beautiful! You did a fantastic job. Thanks for the tutorial!

Roeshel

Kate said...

Thanks for all the info! This looks GORGEOUS!

Jennifer said...

It looks gorgeous! I really enjoy your blog. It might be my new favorite! :)

Mel said...

You are the best! Thanks for the tutorial.

I noticed that the primer is oil based, while the paint is latex.

Having to undo all of my past learning about painting (latex cannot go over oil), I am so releived to know that it works.

Mel

Bobbi Lee said...

Thank you, thank you. I'm inspired now to actually finish some of my wood projects since I know they'll turn out great!

Pretty Little Things for Home & Life said...

I am very happy for this!!! As someone who is absolutely creeped out by sandpaper/sanding, this just might save me!!

I spend far too much time waiting for my bf to get around to sanding something for me... I owe you big time!!!

redeemed diva said...

Beautiful! Thanks for divulging your secrets!

Print Brochures said...

That piece is really amazing. It looks really elegant. You did a very good job. Thank you for sharing this.:)

thatgirlblogs said...

is there a "before" pic? I love this!

Dyana365 said...

Brilliant! Anyone who can figure out how to cut out the sanding process and make the finished product look as PERFECT as you did is just RAD! It's not laziness..it's brilliance. Why waste your time if you don't have to!

Anonymous said...

I LOVE SHORTCUTS. I've added this on my list of "to do" projects on my blog. Beautiful and hard to imagine that remarkable sheen. I really love your blog!
Jan

Andi's English Attic said...

That is absolutely fantastic! I'm really amazed at how it was done and the finished result. Thanks 320 Sycamore for pointing me towards your blog. x

Brittany said...

You've inspired me, thanks!

Francis Family said...

Thank you thanks you for posting the how to!! I just bought a headboard for my daughter and have no clue how to redo it! You helped me loads!!! I can't wait to do it! and...I got it for free! so maybe say a prayer for me and here I go!! LOVE yours by the way, i'm a tad jealous because that's what I need badly in my small house of chaos!

Janet said...

I just purchased a thrift store piece almost EXACTLY like this! I'm definitely getting this type of paint, thank you so much for the tips!

Jerri-Lea said...

One more thing, what colour paint did you use on your buffet? AND looking back at the photo I think it is the exact on I have! If this works as well as yours did I'm considering doing the dining room table and chairs!

Freckles Chick said...

Shut UP!! This is FABU! Gorgeous, stunning, jaw-dropping transformation, C.

Thx so much for recommending this paint (way back when in your door post, too). I used it for our front door and it provides THE best finish!!

Janet said...

Oh I wish I had read this a few hours earlier. I am painting a dresser and already bought the paint.

I am unfortunately going to have to sand it.

Sarah said...

Oh my gosh, is that gorgeous!!! Looks like it's straight from some expensive show room!

Nancy said...

I'm so inspired I headed off to Home Depot yesterday. The neighbors were casting off an old dresser and I can't wait to give it a go. Thanks for sharing.

Connie said...

Chris, Thanks for the directions on the black paint job. Went to my Ben Moore store and they were out of TSP degreaser, but ordered me some. Also, they have the Zinsser Cover Stain and primer.
I can't wait to get started on my bookcase/tv piece.
I'll get to it next week and send you a picture if I don't mess up.
Thanks for the recipe!!

Phyllis @Around the House said...

wow, that piece is just beautiful, it looks so professional, I love it, I am now a follower of yours and I will be back for more, come for a visit

Unknown said...

This is really really amazing. I say a Broyhill dress in this second hand store for $65 this week. I think I am going back to get it now. You have really inspired me.

Humble Bee said...

I have tried this and I am ever so thankful for your post. Benjamin Moor where have you been all my life!

Actually I should be thanking you b/c without the post on your project I would still be using a paint brush instead of foam roller.

Brilliant!

Su said...

Just wanted to let you know I linked to this post. You inspired me to paint my dining room buffet. . the paint worked beautifully . no cleaning or priming required. I just went for it and love it!! Here are pics if you care to see and where I linked to your post:

http://theintentionalhome.blogspot.com/2009/11/how-tos-of-painting-my-buffet.html

Thanks for the detailed how tos and the inspiration. I am glad I found your blog.

Anonymous said...

Wow -- I'm in trouble. I went to add this to my projects list, and when I did, I found out it was already there. That list is getting way too long. The wierd thing is that I've looked at so many blogs, I don't even know when I'm reading the same article twice (haha). It's a marvelous tutorial, and definitely on my TO DO list (like twice).

Nancy said...

Thanks for sharing. I've seen shabby chic white painted furniture revamps...but you've shown me the potential in other colors and finishes.

Carrie said...

You've inspired me to finally tackle the refinishing of a 1970s Ethan Allen end table my parents gave me ages ago. I used the cleaner and primer you suggested and planned to get the BM paint, too. When I applied the primer this morning, though, I was surprised how much I had to do with the sponge brush. The legs are turned and there are lots of nooks and crannies I can't get to with the roller. Do you think spray paint would be a better way to go? If so, any suggestions on the brand? Would love to benefit from all your experience! Thanks so much for your great blog -- love it!

Mama P said...

Hi there! What a BEAUTIFUL job you did on your buffet...jealous! I have recently inherited my grandparents dining room hutch and am going to paint it black, but I had a quick question for you. Like you, I have NO DESIRE What.So.Ever. to sand this thing. I want to use the same applications that you did on your hutch, but I am wondering what type of finish it had prior to you starting your project. My hutch is solid maple with a glossy finish on it. Again...reiterating...I DESPISE sanding!
Any help would be great! Happy Holidays!
~Erin (erin-patneaude@comcast.net)

Anonymous said...

I am absolutely shaking with excitement because I came across your tutorial when I googled "how to paint furniture black." I bought THE EXACT buffet that you show in the picture at a second-hand store yesterday!! I have looked for months for a piece the right size, but could find nothing that I loved for under $1500.00 - I got this one for $100 - YEAH ME!! Thanks for all the tips - I will be following them to a "T"

Joanne said...

I love love your dresser. I love the handles you put on it, it really adds to the beauty of it.
After seeing your tutorial on this it really has inspired me to repaint a few things and after we sell my daughters other car so i can have a larger workspace then i plan on repainting my dresser and dining room table.

Janelle said...

Hi Chris, I have a solid wood dark oak bunk bed that I want to paint white for my girls bedroom. I called three different Seven's paint stores in the GR area and got three different answers on what to use. I also went to Sherwin Willaims. Now I am confused. My biggest concern is I want a durable finish that will paint on smoothly. The bunk bed has lots of spindles so I will need to use a brush and a ladder that will get a lot of use. How is the Cover Stain primer to work with? I have read conflicting reviews. Have you tried the zinsser 123 primer? Any advice? maybe I'm over thinking it :)Thanks a bunch!

Unknown said...

Can anyone let me know if B Moore still makes this product? I can't find it. I find something similar with Impervo rather than Ironclad.

Thanks

Paul

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