Happy Monday friends! I hope you all had a great weekend. I’m so excited to share this Blue Buffet Makeover with you today AND a generous giveaway sponsored by Dixie Belle Paint Company!
I picked this piece up from a young German family in Toronto. The buffet was listed on Craigslist because they’re clearing out their apartment and heading back to Europe next month. Moving this heavy 5′ buffet into the elevator, down twenty-some floors and through a busy lobby was interesting, but it ended up being an interesting joint-effort. Even their little ones dressed in jammies were “helping” out… so cute.
THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY DIXIE BELLE PAINTS & CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS TO PRODUCTS I USE. YOU CAN SEE MY FULL DISCLOSURE HERE.
Before I get into the products I used to get this updated old-world-look, ISN’T THIS BLUE AMAZING? It’s Bunker Hill Blue. I’d describe it as a deep sapphire jewel tone. What do you think?
The 411 on this buffet:
I started by cleaning this buffet with TSP and then sanding the entire top. There was no need to sand the body. This Chalk Mineral Paint adheres nicely and no sanding is required.
It was painted with three light coats with Bunker Hill Blue leaving some of the original wood grain showing through for a distressed look. After the third coat was dry, I sanded with a 400 grit sandpaper for a perfectly smooth finish.
For the highlighted details, I used Dixie Belle’s Bronze Paint. It compliments the blue perfectly!
I love how this metallic paint plays off the jewel-toned blue so I added some additional bronze pin-striping on the top and bottom drawers. To keep the pin-striping perfectly straight, I used a small artist’s brush and green painter’s tape. I have a pretty steady hand so the one piece of green tape did the trick. But, if partial free-hand painting is not your style, another piece of green tape on the other side (or any straight edge) will do the trick.
Once I was happy with the metallic detailing, I applied a coat of clear wax. The wax is odorless, soft as butter, and it’s super easy to use. While applying, it looks and feels exactly like lotion – including a white-ish hue, but once it’s all rubbed in, it’s perfectly clear and leaves a gorgeous finish.
I used the black wax over the clear to age slightly around the edges. Very subtle, but I love the effect. It definitely adds depth.
I was going to change out the hardware but then decided to go old-world-original. They were updated and painted ‘new’ with the same Bronze Metallic Paint. I love updating these pieces with color while keeping the historic feel and antiqued charm intact.
To finish this buffet off, as I mentioned, the top was stripped, sanded, and then I stained it with a this warm Chestnut Gel Stain. Gator Hide Poly was used as the topcoat. Spiffy. It’s not only water-resistant, it’s also water-repellent!
This Gator Hide Poly is easy to apply with exceptional results! There are no visible brush strokes, giving a beautiful, hard matte finish. The stained wood looks spectacular.
And of course I HAD to test the water-repellent promise. Take a look for yourself…very impressive!
So, now I have something exciting for you!
I’m excited to giveaway THREE Prize Packages of Dixie Belle Products so you can give their Chalk Mineral Paint and new products a try too!
$150 Dixie Belle Package
$100 Dixie Belle Package
$75 Dixie Belle Package
It’s EASY to enter. Just click on the ENTRY WIDGET below and then come back daily to complete more chances to win.
Open to U.S. & Canada residents 18 years and older. Contest is open for the next 7 days and three (3) lucky winners will be announced here on the SI Blog on July 18/2017.
Good luck everybody & happy painting!!!
Denise x
Cora Phillips says
I love DBP. I have used it on several things including my kitchen cabinets! Looking forward to trying the patina! Love that look! Thank you!
Denise says
Oh, kitchen cabinet makeover – big job – but I bet they look amazing! Good luck Cora!
Gail says
Very stunning piece of furniture. The color is rich, the ageing is perfect and makes the piece look cherished. Terrific job.
Denise says
Hi Gail! yes a very rich blue and I love that you described the look as ‘cherished’… exactly what I was going for. 🙂 Good luck to you. x
Cookie says
Wonderful job Denise! Love the blue. It’s like prussian blue (I believe it’s called) which I’ve always loved.
Denise says
Thank you Cookie – and good luck! x
Laura Fastenau says
I literally just told a friend yesterday that I want to learn to paint furniture, as I have several pieces that I want to do. She told me how she does hers but it is a much more complicated process that what you showed with your blue buffet. I would be thrilled to win one of the packages and get started on my new venture! It looks so easy, and the results are beautiful!
Denise says
When painting furniture, the process can vary depending on what type of paint you’re using and what type of finish you’re after. Trying out different paints, products and techniques is half the fun. 😉 Good luck in the giveaway Laura. 🙂
Kristin H says
I’ve been afraid to try patina, but that looks so cool! Thanks for the inspiration!!!
Denise says
I started adding patinas, highlights, dark/white wax and metallics in small areas on my pieces. Taking on a huge piece CAN be intimidating but if you start small, your confidence grows along with your skills. I hope you take the leap and give it a try. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by and good luck Kristin! 🙂
Patricia Hammett says
Love this!! The color is stunning. I haven’t tried Dixie belle paints but I am intrigued!!
Denise says
Thanks and good luck to you Patricia! x
Suzanne says
WOW!!!! Absolutely STUNNING!!! I absolutely ADORE your work!!!!
Denise says
Thank you Suzanne! It’s easy when you have wonderful product like yours to work with!!! xo
Karen says
This blue is one of my favorite Dixie Belle colors! Love what you did with this piece… hoping I’ll find one like it someday soon to paint for myself. 🙂
Denise says
Ya, I do a happy dance when I find great pieces like this. Hope you come across one too Karen. 🙂
JoAnne says
What a stunning transformation! That Gator Hide Poly looks like a great product too. Love your work Denise!
Denise says
Thanks JoAnne and good luck to you! x
Jamie Perez says
Absolutely beautiful Buffet! What a great color you used and the gold accent really makes it! Amazing work you do!
Denise says
Thank you Jamie!
KK Daniels says
What a gorgeous piece! Your color choice is beautiful for it, Denise! I didn’t know Dixie Bell had the metallic paint. It looks a lot easier to use than the rub-on kind. 🙂
Denise says
I used the rub on kind (Rub’nBuff) on my last project which worked out really well, but yes, this is just like painting as you would any type of paint – super easy! 🙂
Terri says
It’s stunning and the color of blue you selected is bold and classic at the same time. Now I really notice the fine details on the piece. Makes me want to try this brand of paint!
Denise says
“…bold and classic”… I love that. Thanks Terri and good luck. x
Marilyn Parigian says
this is such a wonderful product!!!!
Denise says
It sure is! 🙂
Teresa Sole says
Your work is absolutely impressive! I don’t think there has been one thing I haven’t really liked! Thank you for this opportunity!
Denise says
That’s super sweet of you to say! <3 Good luck! xo
Lisa A. says
Thank you Denise for the great tutorial. The piece is just lovely and I would love to use Dixie Belle paint for my next project!
Denise says
Glad you enjoyed the tutorial and good luck Lisa! x
Jenny says
This piece it’s gorgeous!!! I need to try these products ❤❤
Denise says
Thanks Jenny! x
Rosanne Palazola says
Love everything about it!!
Denise says
I’m glad you like the makeover Rosanne! best of luck to you. x
Diane says
WOWsers! May be my favorite yet.
Denise says
Thanks Diane! xo
Kaycee says
Wow, love this piece, and I love the color and your finishing touches! I would love to win this generous giveaway!
Denise says
thanks and good luck to you Kaycee! (love how you spell your name btw!)
Kristin says
Beautiful color and I love the dry brushing
Denise says
Thanks Kristin!
DiB says
BE autiful!
Denise says
Thaaaaanks DiB! xo Good luck to you!
Brandy Jones says
I really like that color blue! I’ll be looking into the Gator Hide as the hubs and I make items and I’ve been using a polycrilic, but the Gator Hide looks better.
Denise says
Teri at Dixie Belle Paints [shared with me] that she used this Gator Hide on her daughter’s dorm room furniture and it’s holding up beautifully – that’s a sell for me! 😉 Good luck to you Brandy and thanks for participating in the giveaway! x
Janie Hayes says
The buffet is beautiful! Would love to try Dixie Bell products
Denise says
Thanks Janie – good luck!
Nicole Weekley says
I would love to try Dixie Belle paints! 😉 I also hope I did the entries correctly, the part where you have to fill in the box after the link for Instagram and Pinterest (that was new to me).
Denise says
Hi Nicole! It will register 5 entries per task completed so you should be able to tell by the number it’s registering for you up top. eg 15/20 or 20/20 for example. If you have any problems feel free to email me. 🙂
Jackie McNutt says
I love the fabulous colors you chose ! What a beautiful piece of furniture, so glad you kept the original hardware .
Thank You for the tutorial, just the inspiration I need to start my own project, an old Ethan Allan dresser that I have had over 47 years that my parents bought when they first married.
Denise says
Oh exciting… an old Ethan Allan piece that has sentimental value is such a wonderful project to take on. And thanks for your comment on the original hardware for this piece. I debated new or old but I think {for this piece} I made the right choice. 🙂 Good luck to you Jackie!
N.ancy says
Hi Denise: yet another amazing transformation. I have no idea how you continue to recreate the “wheel” so to speak on every project you tackle. I would love to know where your find your inspiration.
I would love to take home one of the Dixie Belle Paint package to try out on one of my projects.
That’s all for now, Nancy
Denise says
Hi Nancy! Thanks so much and best of luck to you on the giveaway! xo
Irma says
Beautiful!
I love the minimum prep. I’m remodeling our Master Bedroom furniture so I’m in the lookout for exceptional products, such as these.
Thanks for the inspiration!
Denise says
Minimum prep is always a bonus. Good luck Irma! x
Cathy Chandler says
What a beautiful finished product this is. Love the color’s used. After mixing my own chalky paint for a while now, I am so ready to try Dixie Belle Paint. Research tells me that this is a superior product with even more innovative products available. Thanks for sharing and for your tutorial.
Denise says
Thanks Cathy and good luck to you! x
Sandy says
Gorgeous work on this beautiful old cabinet! I love the blue and bronze combo!! I might just give it a try on my antique buffet! Thanks so much for the inspiration!!
Denise says
So glad it’s sparked a few ideas for you antique buffet Sandy! The two play off each other nicely for sure. Good luck! x
Heather says
Love to try the gator hide
Denise says
Good luck Heather!
Olivia says
Hi Denise, I’m always keen to try new paint products! The blue is spectacular! Well done!
Denise says
Hi Olivia! I’m with you… I LOVE trying new products too! Good luck. x
Patricia Navarrette says
Oh my goodness..! This buffet is beautiful..! Details, color — everything..!
Denise says
Hi Patricia! So glad you like the makeover. Good luck to you! x
Melissa Storms says
This dresser came out beautiful, I really love the blue you chose.
Denise says
Thanks Melissa! Good luck!
Amy Lawrence says
So pretty!
Denise says
thanks Amy!
Renee Cain says
I am so happy to have found your blog. I learned so much and had many of my questions answered. Can’t wait to get started.
Denise says
I’m so happy you found the SI Blog too Renee… WELCOME! Best of luck to you! x
Kellee says
Gosh this is gorgeous! You just keep wowing! I’d love to try that Gator coating. Where can I get it in the states? Is it expensive?
Denise says
Hey Kellee! The Gator Hide Poly sells for around $25 for a pint and can be bought online or at one of 800 retailers throughout the US. If you get the opportunity to give it a try, I’d love to hear what you think! 🙂
Trisha Chourafa says
Wow! I’m teally impressed, and super inspired now to refinish an heirlomm dining table and hutch that’s been in my family for over 50 years. I think I can do it!
Trisha Chourafa says
I meant to say “heirloom”
Denise says
I think you can do it too Trisha! 🙂 The no-prep paints they have these days make restyles easier than ever. If you were to win some Dixie Belle Paints, it’s a sign you should give it a go. 😉 best of luck to you! x
Me Shauna says
Augusts plan
Debi says
Stunning piece, love this blue & bronze combo – incredibly elegant!
Denise says
Thank you Debi. 🙂 I like the 2 together too.
Marisa says
wow! Great tutorial! Would love to win this and try out Dixie Belle!
Denise says
Thanks Marisa! Good luck. x
Sally Smith says
Wow! You make it look so easy. That has to one of the prettiest pieces of furniture i have seen in a lo,g, long time. I am anxious to try my hand at some things i have. Thank you so much for all if your inspiration!!😊
Denise says
You just put a smile on my face. Thank you Sally. x
Jennifer Richmond' says
That blue is just amazing! I would love to refurbish a coffee table in this color. It would be out of my comfort zone but it would be so worth it 🙂
Denise says
It would look great on a coffee table makeover. Good luck Jennifer. 🙂
Laurie S says
Another beautiful piece – I just love the way you put colors together and the way you bring out the detail on each piece like they “talk” to you. Just lovely!
Denise says
Your comment is lovely…thanks Laurie. x
Sarah R Pralet says
Loving the whole look & feel.
Denise says
Thanks Sarah…good luck. x
Mary L says
Great color! Great tutorial! Great product information!
Denise says
Thanks Mary! best of luck. x
ColleenB.~Texas says
What a beautiful shade of blue and wonderful piece of furniture.
Absolutely Gorgeous
Denise says
Thanks Colleen! Best of luck to you! x 🙂
Cynthia Kay says
Absolutely love it Denise ! Love the colour you chose and the metallic enhancements !
Denise says
Thanks Cynthia. Good luck to you! xo
Sally says
Wow!! That piece is gorgeous! You did a great job. The gator hide sounds like I need to get some.
Denise says
Thanks, and yes, I’m impressed with it. Worth giving it a try if you get the opportunity! 🙂
Alaina Smith says
Stunning! Your pieces are always so beautiful and your staging is so thought out!
Denise says
Thanks for this Alaina! I’ve struggled with staging for some time and it’s just starting to come more easily to me.
Patty Soriano says
Wow, Denise, the buffet is gorgeous! I’d love to win and paint something blue…what great inspiration. gotta send it to my Pinterest page ! thank you for the opportunity to win.
Denise says
Good luck Patty… and thanks for the Pinterest share! 🙂