BLACK!?

When I started painting furniture, everything was white, off white, and oh yeah more white. But I ventured. Baby steps at first. Light blue, pale pink, seafoam green, even yellow. But this piece demanded something dark and masculine. It needed to be black!

STAGE IT!

One soggy Sunday afternoon, I decided to bring in a little piece and do a quick before shot. 

Typical, dimly lit, unstaged before picture. I always equate them to the weight loss ads that show the before person poorly dressed, poorly posed, and sad looking. Not a lot of effort goes into a before shot. 

Obviously there is a little bit of damage. It's thirsty old wood that has been a little neglected. But Something felt wrong about slathering it and paint and beating the crap out of it just for the sake of being shabby. Maybe I should give it a chance and see how it looks just as it is.

 

 A quick coat of oil and vinegar....it's not a salad I know, but it works! It photographs well and looks lovely without a drop of paint.

Some handy accessories and a little staging prove that maybe some things are better unpainted.

 

It's over 100 years old and hasn't been painted yet...that's something!

MAHOGANOOO THANKS

Pictures can't do just ice to how messed up this poor buffet was. It had holes drilled in the top, peeled veneer, and a Harry Homeowner polyshades gloss finish. Yuck. 

But It has a classic shape and good handles so it was my project for one warm December weekend....I live in Florida so don't think I'm nuts!

Tah dah! It's blue, beachy, and surrounded by dusty garage mess. It got a new home in two days!

GOT THE BLUES

 This little dresser looks beachy and cute now, but it was in a sad state when I got it! One of those, "maybe I should forget this one..." type of pieces.

Here's how I got it. And I didn't pick it out of the trash, that's what I've done to the garage! I'm a bit messy.

After half a tub of wood filler and some serious patience, it appeared that this little guy was going to make it.

The top veneer had to be peeled off because it was rippled and water damaged, a scary sight for sure.

It still has some evident ripples in the veneer, but it adds character!