China Cabinet Remodel

Anyone else scroll fb marketplace on the regular looking for their next project? I usually have a few items in mind that I hunt for but I'm not in a rush. I’m typically looking for the right piece at the right price. I overlook bad paint and outdated style, and actually focus on these shortcomings because these pieces are typically overlooked, besides I’m on the hunt to remake the piece to my liking. If you’re diligent you can get pieces with lots for potential for a little dinero. 

For example, take my newest remodel. I bought this china cabinet for $50. I didn’t care for the orangish wood or the knobs but saw it had potential. 

I wanted to paint it to coordinate with the chandelier in my dining room that is black with natural shades and gold accents. 

For paint, I used Heirloom Traditions All-in-One paint in Iron Gate. This is my third project using this paint line, so I thought I’d share my process. The All-in-One paint is great for this type of project. It’s a chalk based paint that includes a primer and sealer so you don’t have to do those steps, hence all-in-one. It comes in 31 colors and has a low luster, matte sheen and smooth finish. 

Tools:

• Deglosser
• Clean towel
• Pint of Heritage Traditions All-in-one Paint 
• Brush, oval synthetic fiber 
• Applicator sponge

Process:

• Remove the glass, doors, and all hardware.
• Prep all surfaces that will be painted by cleaning them well with deglosser. Liquid sandpaper or Krud Kutter work as well. Apply the deglosser to the wood with the synthetic brush. Let it sit for a minute or two and then wipe the area clean using a clean, dry towel. You can use a scrub brush on harder to clean areas. Clean the entire piece and make sure it is dry before proceeding to the next step. 
• Apply a generous amount of the All-in-One paint using a clean synthetic brush working quickly in small areas. 

I like to work a two square foot area by applying paint using the brush then go over the brushed area with the applicator sponge to dapple the paint and remove the stroke marks. The paint should self-level.

 

• This paint dries quickly so it is best to work in a room without circulating air, that is too warm, or any condition that may speed up the drying process. Repeat this process over the entire piece. The first coat will not be perfect but that’s okay because by second coat it will start looking nice. 
• Next, allow time for the first coat to fully dry. It says two hours but I typically wait at least twelve hours. Apply your second coat in the same manner as the first, working quickly to apply paint and dapple. You do not want to overwork any one area or paint may come off. If this happens, allow the area to fully dry before repainting. 
• For this piece I only had to apply two coats of paint. Lighter colors may require 3 or more coats of paint. Once the final coat of paint has dried completely, again I’d wait another 12 hours, add hardware and doors. 
• For this piece I also added this peel and stick wallpaper to the inside back wall of the china cabinet.

I replaced the hardware with these brushed gold knobs. 

I hope this little tutorial helps you complete your project and reassures you that you can refinish furniture quickly and beautifully. 

Now I’ve got to figure out what I want to put in here. It will be nice to free up some space in my kitchen cabinets and I may take my wedding china out of hiding and actually use it. 

Feel free to post comments or questions.