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
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Dixie Belle is on my bucket list of paints I want to try.
Good luck Sonja! x
Beautiful job on the buffet! I really like all the little extra touches you added to bring it more life.
Thanks Susan. Good luck to you! x
Great tutorial, and what a beautiful piece!! That water drop just made me want to go out and buy some of that gator hide. Thanks
Ya, it’s pretty amazing – I really like that it’s water repellent. 🙂 Best of luck to you Candace! x
I love all the painting tips you share!
Thanks Vivian…good luck to you! x
I always learn so much from your blogs Denise. Your style and class show in every piece you do. Thank you for always being so generous in your shares
Carole x
Thanks Carole! 🙂 I’m not sure why this didn’t post to the comments right away… had to re-do it??? Anyway, I hope you entered and good luck to you! xo
Beautiful piece, gorgeous colour 🙂
Hi Annie! 🙂 Thanks and good luck! xo
I just love this color blue. I have an old buffet and table I can’t wait to redo.
Thanks Lisa. Have fun with your projects and good luck to you. x
Hi Denise! I love your blog, all I can say is that you are incredible… I aspire to be as talented as you and have printed so many of your how-to tips so that I can slowly but surely redo all my furniture. I have one a question, I own a beautiful 9 drawer provencal dresser that has beautiful wood grain that I would like to showcase. Being that I am new to the DIY furniture redo tribe, do you think I would be able to either “white wash” the top or “white wax” the top successful? Are either technique beginner friendly? I’ve already printed out the instructions you so kindly wrote on the Annie Sloan White Wax desk (AHHH! AMAZING), as well as the grey wash Bluestone House dresser which I am just in love with as well. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! You are such an inspiration to so many, thank you from the bottom of my heart for the work that you do.
Katy
P.S. I am hoping that my initiation into the world of furniture redo will be as painless as possible… That being said, if the secret as to how you are so great at what you do is because the “initiation gods” made uou do a chicken dance in the middle of a supermarket, or made you hop on one leg for your first project… I can handle it! Ruining my dresser though, might kill me! Many thanks!
Hi Katy! Thanks for the laugh… and all your kindness. 🙂 Well first, kudos to you for taking on such a wonderful ambitious project. One of my first projects was a French Provincial Girls Bedroom Set my Mum bought for me. It had sentimental value (because my Mum had passed away), so I wanted it to turn out perfect! It didn’t…lol. BUT, it looked WAAAY better! Restyling furniture, as with ANY new endeavour improves with practice. White washing and/or white waxing ARE beginner friendly. And the effect is gorgeous! So I would suggest, seeing as this dresser means a lot to you, maybe try the white wash technique on a throwaway piece… or in an inconspicuous spot on your dresser first. See if you like it, and then be BOLD and just do it! 🙂 I’d love to hear how it turns out for you. xo Also, if you entered the giveaway – good luck. 🙂
Thanks so much for the inspirational ideas!
Glad it’s inspired 🙂 … good luck Trish! x
Absolutely beautiful. I just recently decided my bedroom furniture would look good in blue. Thanks for the inspiration.
I recently saw the most GORGEOUS blue painted bed on Pinterest. I wish I could find it again so I could link and show you. grrr Anyway, thanks Melissa and good luck to you! x
Beautiful!
Thanks… Good luck Julie!
This looks so beautiful. Thanks for the tips. I have a 1950’s radio/record player in a cabinet. Any ideas as to what I can do with it? Thanks in advanced.
Hi Denise! I’ve repurposed a few stereo cabinets and they are a fun restyle. This 70’s stereo I gave a more modern look, and this vintage stereo I did in farmhouse style. I guess it just depends on what look your after but here’s an Inspiring Pinterest Board that might help spark some ideas! Good luck with your 1950’s radio cabinet and in the giveaway! x
Thank you. I appreciate the ideas!
Pleasure. 🙂 Have a great day!
Wow, stunning piece! Love how perfectly distressed it is!
Thanks Kristy! Love you dandelion designs logo btw. 🙂 Good luck!
Love the small details you’ve brought to life in this gorgeous piece! I always enjoy your blog.
Thaaank you Iris! {hug} Best of luck to you! x
Beautiful! Looks darker on the furniture than in the container?
Thanks Shirley, and yes, some parts are darker because of the black wax I applied. Good luck! x
Wow. That made the piece of furniture look so much prettier! Made it modern but kept the classic beauty style. Fantastic.
That’s exactly what I was after so thanks for the kind words Rebecca. 😉 Best of luck to you!
Love the combo of the blue with the bronze!
Thanks Jennifer! Good luck!
Love what you have done with this piece! You have an eye for beauty!! Love Bunker Hill Blue!
Thanks so much Julie… so nice of you. Best of luck! x
This is a beautiful piece. I love the Bunker Hill color.
Thanks Lesa! Good luck to you!
Thanks for a great giveaway. When I see your name in my emails, I always open them, they never disappoint!
Aw, thanks Kim… much appreciated! {hug} Best of luck in the giveaway! xo
Love Love love, gorgeous shade of blue, would love to give this paint a try.
Thanks for sharing
My pleasure and good luck Cindy! x
The buffet turned out beautiful. I’m looking forward to my new project with DBP.
Thanks Marsha! Have fun with your project and good luck! 🙂
Fantastic makeover. Live the blue and bronze together.
Thanks Mechele! I really like how these two products play off each other too. Good luck! x
I love Dixie Belle paint! This turned out stunning!
Thanks Erin! Good luck to you. 🙂
Love what you do and your blog. I like to dabble in painting furniture also and enjoy your advise and suggestions. Thank you for sponsoring the contest.
It would be fun to ‘dabble’ with free paints. 🙂 Thanks for the kind words Mickey and good luck to you!
Love your blog – I’ve been following you on Feedly for over a year now. The buffet is gorgeous!
Yaaaaaay!… thank you for the follow Andrea! xo Glad you like the buffet makeover and good luck in the giveaway! 🙂
Have nnever tried this brand! Would love to! This blue is gorgeous! Thanks for the chance!!!
Pleasure and good luck Mary! x
I want to try that very shade of blue!
Hi Dianne! If you’re one of the 3 lucky winners, request the Bunker Hill Blue! I’m sure they’d be happy to include it as part of the package. 🙂 Good luck!
I do not usually like a “color” paint on furniture, but you just changed my mind!
Stunning!
Huge compliment Regilina – thank you! Good luck!
Gorgeous re-do ! Love the color ! Have a dresser/desk to refinish; this color would work really well !
Thanks Dawn! Good luck to you. 🙂
Love tthis color combo. I have some pieces to paint and would really like to try this paint.
Thanks Kim…good luck to you! x
nicely done. I’ve been putting off refinishing our sideboard due to the work involved. I’ll have to givebthis paint & wax a try.
Starting is always the hardest part and large pieces can be a little daunting… but I’ll bet once you get into it, you’ll have some fun. 🙂 Good luck Heather.
Love how this looks!!
Thanks Carolee – good luck. 🙂
I love the blue! This piece is absolutely stunning!
Thanks Moye. Good luck in the giveaway!
I just recently found your blog, and I’m so glad I did. This paint looks fabulous and that color blue was perfect for that gorgeous piece of furniture. Stunning!!
So glad you’ve found the SI Blog too – WELCOME Linda! Thanks for the kind words and good luck in the giveaway. 🙂
This is absolutely my favorite blue color! I love how you added the metallic! Absolutely gorgeous!!
I can see why – it’s an attention getter. 🙂 Good luck Jaimee!
Love it!!
Thanks…good luck K.
Stunning…the buffet, the color, the details……just love it!!
Thanks Iris – good luck to you!
It’s lovely. I never find handsome pieces of furniture like that within my budget range to redo. I would have this in my house in a heartbeat. Thanks.
If you’re in or around the GTA (Greater Toronto Area) it will be up for sale shortly. 🙂 Thanks for your kindness and good luck in the giveaway Suzanne! x
Great use of wax and gilding to enhance the blue, and a beautiful piece to begin with!
Thanks Jan – I had a lot of fun with this color and the metallics. Best of luck to you.
Nice! That blue is gorgeous!
Thanks Lee Ann! Good luck. 🙂
This is beautiful! I love it.
Thanks Sian! Good Luck! 🙂
Just beautiful, as always! I’m not usually a “blue person,” but that color is amazing. Beautiful job! And thanks for the chance!
Thanks so much Marcia! xo Good luck in the giveaway!
Love the blue and the gold details! I’ve tried Dixie Belle paint and love it!
Dixie Belle gets rave reviews! Thanks for dropping by and participating Kathe! 🙂
I love how you did this piece – I want to do the same thing to a tall vintage hutch. Thanks for the inspiration!
Glad it’s inspired Tina! I think this would look amazing on a tall vintage hutch. Best of luck to you. x
I am usually drawn to green or antique white, but absolutely love this color and this piece. This piece is beautiful and I must say if I saw it in person I am sure I would be converted to a lover of blue and would have a fit for it. Great work and thanks for the giveaway.
I’m a huge fan of greens and whites myself! Good luck Brandi. x
Beautiful. Love the color and stain combo. I plan on using this combo on a small
side table for my Linai.
It’s a beautiful combo so it will look great I’m sure. Good luck in the giveaway Jackie!
I absolutely love that Blue. It’s so distinguished looking.
Thanks Yvonne! Good luck to you!
This turned out super cool! Nice job!!!
Thanks Adrian. Good luck to you. 🙂
Oh my goodness, how beautiful! Love that blue!
Thanks Shay… good luck! x