Before I get into this week’s furniture transfer project, thank you. Thank you for all your heartfelt condolences and sharing your stories. I read and re-read all of them. Some of your comments made me smile and some made me cry, but every one of you touched my heart and offered comfort.
So here’s what I’ve kinda-sorta-been-working-on to distract myself. I actually started this upcycled vintage radio cabinet a few weeks ago. It’s still not 100% complete. There’s no backing on the right side and I couldn’t find a matching pull for the left bottom door. The black wax is applied but hasn’t been properly buffed in…. but it’s looking good so I thought I’d share anyway.
I forgot to take a proper ‘before’ pic but here’s what it looked like with a base coat of Slick Stick and Caviar Black. I also replaced the original hardware with these larger and more ornate pulls from Hobby Lobby and added a DIY applique on the bottom.
This is the vintage radio cabinet in progress. I used a layered paint technique to tie in the colors in this Floral Furniture Transfer. I also cut two boards to size to hide the speaker holes with this floral pattern.
THIS POST CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS TO PRODUCTS I USE. YOU CAN SEE MY FULL DISCLOSURE HERE.
SOURCE LIST::
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- Vintage Radio Cabinet – SALVAGED
- Slick Stick (no sand primer)
- Paint Brushes
- Dark Romance Floral Transfer
- Caviar Chalk Mineral Paint
- Evergreen Chalk Mineral Paint
- Barn Red Chalk Mineral Paint
- Black Wax
APPLYING FURNITURE TRANSFERS | RUB ON METHOD::
Applying these rub on furniture transfers is really easy to do.
My inspiration for this radio cabinet was this gorgeous floral transfer by Re-Design with Prima Marketing. It’s called “Dark Rose” and has beautiful tones with a sophisticated moody vibe. *Update – I believe this transfer has been discontinued however you can find stunning floral transfers here! What do you think?
Step #1:: Cut Transfer To Fit Furniture
For this upcycled radio cabinet I used two full sheets of the floral transfer on each panel and then I cut one sheet to finish off the last few inches of the panel. It’s really easy to do and the key is to match the pattern so it looks seamless.
If you look up close, you can see where the seam is, but you’d never be able to tell just standing back and looking at the entire cabinet as a whole.
Step #2:: Position The Transfer and Rub-On
These Rub-On-Furniture-Transfers are super simple to apply. Use a little elbow grease and rub on! They can be applied to stained furniture, raw wood or painted furniture and a rub-on-tool is supplied with the transfer.
Step #3:: Once Rubbed On – Remove the Plastic
The transfers come adhered to a transparent plastic sheet. Once the design has been successfully rubbed on and adhered, the plastic top sheet gets removed. I like to do this step slowly in case I’ve missed adhering any spots. If you notice the design is coming up with the plastic, it’s easy to lay back down and rub a little more until it sticks.
Step #4:: Transfer Cut-Outs
To add a little ‘extra something’ to this cabinet I cut a few of the individual florals out and applied them randomly to the top drawers and left foot. This ties the piece together and adds movement.
What I really like is the layered paint technique ADDS to the floral design. How many red roses do you see on this foot? It looks like there are two roses, right? Really it’s one rose transfer on the left, but the right is the layered paint tricking the eye.
DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS ON APPLYING FURNITURE TRANSFERS? I’D LOVE TO HEAR YOUR QUESTIONS AND/OR TIPS AND WHAT YOU THINK OF THIS RADIO CABINET MAKEOVER. FEEL FREE TO CHIME IN… I ALWAYS LOVE HEARING FROM YOU. 🙂
Happy furniture painting my friends!
Denise x
RELATED POSTS::
How To Add Graphic Furniture Transfers
Furniture Transfers | 10 FAQ’s
How To Use Gilding Wax on Painted Furniture
DIY Furniture Appliques – How To
Layering Chalk Paint | Empire Makeover
Transfers For Furniture | 20 Inspiring Makeovers
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Hi Denise. My question is totally unrelated to this project but, I have a piece that needs the veneer replaced on top. It is Tiger Oak and I don’t have a clue where to find replacement for it or any other veneer for that matter. What is your suggestion?
Thanks for your help.
Patty B. Helms
Hi Patty! Home Depot, Lowes, and Lee Valley sell veneer sheets but often the selection is limited. You can also find veneer replacement online here or go to specialty shop like this one here. Hope this helps. 🙂
Was there wax already applied before the transfer? I want to use a black wax antiqued finish before putting in the transfer but I’m not sure if that works?
Hi Gen! No, it’s not recommended to apply transfers over wax because they might not adhere properly. Rule of thumb – wax is always last. 🙂
How do you apply the transfer across the opening lines of drawers on a dresser?
Hi Carolyn! I lay my piece on the ground face up. Then place the transfer in the exact position I want it over all the drawers. I rub the transfer on going right over the cracks in the drawer and use a utility knife to cut the backing. Once the transfer is smoothed out along the edge, it’s a PERFECT match. 🙂
Hi Denise!
Your cabinet is gorgeous!!! After you apply the transfer do you sand it or add any paint to the edges to help it blend?
Hi Jeanine! Yes and yes! You can do both. It just depends on what type of look you want for your piece. High contrast you might leave the transfers as if or if you want a softer more blended look, you can sand or wash with paint. 🙂
This is one of the most beautiful projects I’ve seen in all of my browsing. Absolutely gorgeous! You are very talented. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you SO much! xo 🙂
This piece is so unique and I love it, the colours match so perfectly,!the knobs are gorgeous and the transfer just added the charm on it. . You are really an inspiration Denise!
Thanks so much Mara! And can’t wait to see what you do with that Chinese wedding chest! 🙂
Must the applique be applied to a flat surface? I recently painted a vintage sewing machine and would like to embellish it with some kind of floral design. I saw your work and would love to use a transfer on the machine if possible. There is a couple of flat areas but also one rounded place of like to decorate. What do you think?
I think that’s a brilliant idea Brenda! I used these transfers on a rounded globe and it worked amazing. 🙂
Can I transfer these rub-ons to a cabinet painted with enamel? Do you use a sealer over the transfers to make them waterproof? I want to put them on a bathroom vanity but worry about steam and enamel. Thank you, I love your work!
I love your work!! will the rub-on transfers adhere to enamel painted cabinets and do you top-coat with poly to make them waterproof? Or, are they waterproof without a topcoat? Thank you
Hi Sharon! These transfers are durable but I’m guessing they wouldn’t hold up to constant water exposure. A waterbased poly (maybe like Gatorhide which is waterproof) would be ideal.
Thank you!
Not my style but beautiful none-the-less! I have the same issues as Christine. Living in a medium size town in Alberta and with an extraordinarily overpriced Michaels (ie: $19.99 US, $32.99 Cdn.) I find Amazon is one of my few options. But what is funny is I went to the Estsy site mentioned and they show all their items in Cdn. $, however near the bottom it states “We do not ship to Canada”. Run in to that issue a lot. On the upside I love your blog and have learned so much from you. Thank you.
Hi Barb! I know there can be a big difference in US and Canadian pricing. A perfect example is Hobby Lobby vs Michaels! ugggh Here is an Etsy shop link in GTA and I’m sure she ships across Canada. Hope this helps. 🙂 https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/RFbyMariola
Hello Barb, I just want to mention to you that I never pay full price for anything that I buy at Michael”s. You can print coupons from their website for 40 to 55 even 60% off. You can use it on one item only. but nothing prevent you from going twice on the same day. If you are over 60 you have another 10% off your purchase except for what you buy with the coupon. They do not tell you that but if you mention it they do take off the 10%.
Marie, thank you for mentioning that. I had no idea I could get an extra 10 percent off because of my age, woohoo. Lol
Hi Denise, it’s Monique again:) I have another quick question about the rub on transfers. You say the transfers can be applied to stained wood, raw woos and painted wood. I have a beautiful old hutch that could use a slight face lift. I’d love to add a transfer to the inside back of the hutch and the doors, but I have no idea what kind of paint or varnish or wax my hutch was finished with. Do you think I can apply the transfer and it will stick? Or would you recommend I do a test area? And again, I LOOOOVVVVEEE THIS CABINET!!!!
Yes, for sure! I’ve seen some gorgeous furniture transfer hutch/cabinet backings on Pinterest. If you tape your transfer to the back and start to rub on, you’ll notice whether or not it’s sticking because of the plastic top sheet -it kind of pulls away and the color changes. I don’t think you’d have any problem getting it to adhere though. 🙂
You know you have a knack for blending right? Great job! Looks like something you would find in an abandoned Paris home. Really like it.
I’m all for anything Paris so thanks for this Tracy. 🙂 XOXO
Love the dark moody vibe of the paint layers and dark furniture transfer. Another stunning makeover, Denise!
Thank you Marie! XOXO 🙂
I follow your projects and live your work.. I’ve done a few and working on a few more. My frustration is finding some of the supplies, like transfers etc. Other than Amazon, there aren’t any stores that carry transfers or specialized paint here in ontario. Unless I visit a private store where they are selling these lines ( and I’ve only found one – limited supplies and triple the money). Prima marketing website only lists retail locations. All in the U.S. no online order option. Where do you source these supplies, transfers. Paints etc?
With thanks,
Christine
Hi Christine! I get them shipped to me from the states but I spoke with Cari over at ReDesign With Prima. She said the newer transfers will be selling on Amazon in about a month or so. In the meantime, retail locations are selling them too, but it’s best to call or check in before you take the drive. As you said, they may have not have ALL the transfers in stock… or more likely, they may be sold out.
Hi Christine! I found an Etsy store in Mississauga GTA that has this design if you’re still interested. https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/RFbyMariola Hope this helps. 🙂
Thanks for posting my link 🙂
Thanks so much Denise. I appreciate it.
Christine
Hi Christine, if you are close to Mississauga you can pickup the items I have in my Etsy shop and not pay for shipping.
That is just gorgeous 😆
Thank you Kaz! 🙂
Wonderfully revamped. Just wow! I love everything you made remodeling the cabinet. Your step by step posts made it look simple.. Gaining self confidence.. Thanks for the post 🙂
Oh, I’m so glad and thanks! 🙂
What a beautiful and artistic makeover Denise. The floral pattern is lovely and I love your layered painting technique. Everything blends in perfectly. I thought the close up of the leg was two large roses you transferred on! You have a great eye.
Thanks so much Nicki! xo
This is absolutely beautiful! I love the transfer with that dark layered paint. They look like they were made for each other!
That was my goal. 🙂 Thank you Melanie!
That is beautiful!
Can you give me a link to purchase the transfers?
When I go to the web site I am directed to a list of retailers. I have looked At several but have not been able to find a good selection.
Thanks Janie! Yes, I wanted to add an Amazon link but I couldn’t find it. If you’re comfortable purchasing online, here’s a link on Etsy. If you’re not, feel free to email me and I’ll reach out to my contact at ReDesign with Prima and see what I can do for you. 🙂
I love how you pulled all of this together. I’m itching to try a transfer – possibly on a telephone chair I have. Currently I’m fumbling my way through my first furniture redo. It’s been a learning process for sure! You pros make it look so easy.
Thank Valerie! The learning never ends but that’s what makes it so fun. I checked out your telephone chair on your IG and I think a transfer would look amazing.
DENISE, I ABSOLUTELY LOVE EVERYTHING YOU DO. THIS PROJECT, HOWEVER; DID NOT STRIKE A CORD WITH ME. I FEEL THE CABINET WAS TOO DARK FOR THE PATTERN. SO SORRY.
Hi Kathy! I was going for a sophisticated-moody vibe which may not resonate with everyone. But that’s part of the fun of painting furniture. Coming up with different looks and styles.
Hi Denise. I’m loving this radio cabinet makeover. I’ve never used a furniture transfer before but the way you explained it, I’m thinking I could do it:) Gorgeous salvaged piece!!!
I KNOW you could do it. 😉 … Thank Monique! xo