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
SONJA HANSEN says
Dixie Belle is on my bucket list of paints I want to try.
Denise says
Good luck Sonja! x
susan bieschke says
Beautiful job on the buffet! I really like all the little extra touches you added to bring it more life.
Denise says
Thanks Susan. Good luck to you! x
Candace says
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
Denise says
Ya, it’s pretty amazing – I really like that it’s water repellent. 🙂 Best of luck to you Candace! x
Vivian Ledford says
I love all the painting tips you share!
Denise says
Thanks Vivian…good luck to you! x
Carole Atkins says
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
Denise says
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
Annie says
Beautiful piece, gorgeous colour 🙂
Denise says
Hi Annie! 🙂 Thanks and good luck! xo
Lisa says
I just love this color blue. I have an old buffet and table I can’t wait to redo.
Denise says
Thanks Lisa. Have fun with your projects and good luck to you. x
Katy Sanford says
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!
Denise says
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. 🙂
Trish says
Thanks so much for the inspirational ideas!
Denise says
Glad it’s inspired 🙂 … good luck Trish! x
Melissa says
Absolutely beautiful. I just recently decided my bedroom furniture would look good in blue. Thanks for the inspiration.
Denise says
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
Julie says
Beautiful!
Denise says
Thanks… Good luck Julie!
DENISE VINING says
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.
Denise says
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
DENISE VINING says
Thank you. I appreciate the ideas!
Denise says
Pleasure. 🙂 Have a great day!
Kristy says
Wow, stunning piece! Love how perfectly distressed it is!
Denise says
Thanks Kristy! Love you dandelion designs logo btw. 🙂 Good luck!
Iris says
Love the small details you’ve brought to life in this gorgeous piece! I always enjoy your blog.
Denise says
Thaaank you Iris! {hug} Best of luck to you! x
Shirley says
Beautiful! Looks darker on the furniture than in the container?
Denise says
Thanks Shirley, and yes, some parts are darker because of the black wax I applied. Good luck! x
Rebecca - TN says
Wow. That made the piece of furniture look so much prettier! Made it modern but kept the classic beauty style. Fantastic.
Denise says
That’s exactly what I was after so thanks for the kind words Rebecca. 😉 Best of luck to you!
Jennifer says
Love the combo of the blue with the bronze!
Denise says
Thanks Jennifer! Good luck!
Julie Buckallew says
Love what you have done with this piece! You have an eye for beauty!! Love Bunker Hill Blue!
Denise says
Thanks so much Julie… so nice of you. Best of luck! x
Lesa W. says
This is a beautiful piece. I love the Bunker Hill color.
Denise says
Thanks Lesa! Good luck to you!
Kim O. says
Thanks for a great giveaway. When I see your name in my emails, I always open them, they never disappoint!
Denise says
Aw, thanks Kim… much appreciated! {hug} Best of luck in the giveaway! xo
Cindy says
Love Love love, gorgeous shade of blue, would love to give this paint a try.
Thanks for sharing
Denise says
My pleasure and good luck Cindy! x
Marsha says
The buffet turned out beautiful. I’m looking forward to my new project with DBP.
Denise says
Thanks Marsha! Have fun with your project and good luck! 🙂
Mechele Rose says
Fantastic makeover. Live the blue and bronze together.
Denise says
Thanks Mechele! I really like how these two products play off each other too. Good luck! x
Erin says
I love Dixie Belle paint! This turned out stunning!
Denise says
Thanks Erin! Good luck to you. 🙂
Mickey Newman says
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.
Denise says
It would be fun to ‘dabble’ with free paints. 🙂 Thanks for the kind words Mickey and good luck to you!
Andrea says
Love your blog – I’ve been following you on Feedly for over a year now. The buffet is gorgeous!
Denise says
Yaaaaaay!… thank you for the follow Andrea! xo Glad you like the buffet makeover and good luck in the giveaway! 🙂
Mary Carlson says
Have nnever tried this brand! Would love to! This blue is gorgeous! Thanks for the chance!!!
Denise says
Pleasure and good luck Mary! x
dianne anderson says
I want to try that very shade of blue!
Denise says
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!
Regiina says
I do not usually like a “color” paint on furniture, but you just changed my mind!
Stunning!
Denise says
Huge compliment Regilina – thank you! Good luck!
Dawn says
Gorgeous re-do ! Love the color ! Have a dresser/desk to refinish; this color would work really well !
Denise says
Thanks Dawn! Good luck to you. 🙂
Kim says
Love tthis color combo. I have some pieces to paint and would really like to try this paint.
Denise says
Thanks Kim…good luck to you! x
Heather says
nicely done. I’ve been putting off refinishing our sideboard due to the work involved. I’ll have to givebthis paint & wax a try.
Denise says
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.
Carolee says
Love how this looks!!
Denise says
Thanks Carolee – good luck. 🙂
Moye' says
I love the blue! This piece is absolutely stunning!
Denise says
Thanks Moye. Good luck in the giveaway!
Linda Castro says
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!!
Denise says
So glad you’ve found the SI Blog too – WELCOME Linda! Thanks for the kind words and good luck in the giveaway. 🙂
Jaimee Hess says
This is absolutely my favorite blue color! I love how you added the metallic! Absolutely gorgeous!!
Denise says
I can see why – it’s an attention getter. 🙂 Good luck Jaimee!
k says
Love it!!
Denise says
Thanks…good luck K.
Iris says
Stunning…the buffet, the color, the details……just love it!!
Denise says
Thanks Iris – good luck to you!
Suzanne B says
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.
Denise says
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
Jan Anderson says
Great use of wax and gilding to enhance the blue, and a beautiful piece to begin with!
Denise says
Thanks Jan – I had a lot of fun with this color and the metallics. Best of luck to you.
Lee Ann Oliverio says
Nice! That blue is gorgeous!
Denise says
Thanks Lee Ann! Good luck. 🙂
Sian says
This is beautiful! I love it.
Denise says
Thanks Sian! Good Luck! 🙂
Marcia says
Just beautiful, as always! I’m not usually a “blue person,” but that color is amazing. Beautiful job! And thanks for the chance!
Denise says
Thanks so much Marcia! xo Good luck in the giveaway!
kathe nych says
Love the blue and the gold details! I’ve tried Dixie Belle paint and love it!
Denise says
Dixie Belle gets rave reviews! Thanks for dropping by and participating Kathe! 🙂
Tina says
I love how you did this piece – I want to do the same thing to a tall vintage hutch. Thanks for the inspiration!
Denise says
Glad it’s inspired Tina! I think this would look amazing on a tall vintage hutch. Best of luck to you. x
Brandi Bryant says
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.
Denise says
I’m a huge fan of greens and whites myself! Good luck Brandi. x
jackie gageby says
Beautiful. Love the color and stain combo. I plan on using this combo on a small
side table for my Linai.
Denise says
It’s a beautiful combo so it will look great I’m sure. Good luck in the giveaway Jackie!
Yvonne Sanders says
I absolutely love that Blue. It’s so distinguished looking.
Denise says
Thanks Yvonne! Good luck to you!
Adrian says
This turned out super cool! Nice job!!!
Denise says
Thanks Adrian. Good luck to you. 🙂
Shay Moore says
Oh my goodness, how beautiful! Love that blue!
Denise says
Thanks Shay… good luck! x