How We Refinished The Buffet

First, let me say how much it means to receive so many nice comments on my finished buffet.  That is almost as rewarding as the finished piece!

As promised, here are the steps we took in refinishing the buffet.  If you missed the first post, click here to read.  

We didn't take pictures while we worked.  But that is OK as this is not really intended to be a step by step tutorial.  There are other bloggers with some really good ones.  I highly recommend Shaunna at Perfectly Imperfect and Mariann at Miss Mustard Seed.    

I painted two coats with Annie Sloan's Chalk Paint in Louis Blue.  I found the paint did become thicker the longer the can was open.  This led to more visible brush strokes after the second coat.  One of the nice things about this paint is that you can easily add water to achieve a lighter color or thinner consistency.  This also leads to an easy clean-up!

This whole process was completely an experiment as we (my husband and I worked on it together one Saturday) had never worked with chalk paint before.  We used a very fine sanding block to remove brush marks.  This paint sands so easily!  We then distressed it in various areas.  Again, a breeze. 

Because we had it on hand, we used Ralph Lauren Tinting Glaze in Cottage Hill to added some age to the buffet.  We diluted this, two parts glaze and one part water.  My husband wiped it on and I came behind him and wiped it off.   I found that this glaze had some green undertones.   

We then used Minwax, Paste Finishing Wax in Natural.  Again, this was the wax we had on hand.  

We put it on much like you would on a car in a circular motion.  Waited about 15 minutes, then used a soft cloth to buff to a nice shine. 

It was really after the wax was buffed that this piece really began to sing!  The wax brings out the beauty of the chalk paint and the distressing.  Up to that point, I wasn't sure.  The longer we buffed, the more I smiled!  The wax brought out the old-world patina I was looking for.   We chose to use the existing hardware.

And for those who have difficulty with me painting an old piece of furniture, I have to say that I feel I gave this buffet it's second life.  I never would have bought it in the first place without planning on painting it.  Before, it looked too Victorian and granny.  Now, it feels fresh and modern with a European antique style.  I believe we will enjoy this buffet for years to come. 

A reminder of how it looked before.

And some more "afters" of my treasure!

Thanks for visitng!  Libby~

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My Louis Blue Chalk Paint Buffet

You may remember that a couple of months back I purchased two pieces of furniture that I was so excited about.  I found them on eBay classifieds.  These listings are usually just for local sales.  More like Craig's List.  Here is the post when I shared about my finds.

The buffet was going to be used in the foyer.  I knew I wanted to try out the chalk paint that everyone has been using but I couldn't decide which color.  After some deliberation I decided to use Louis Blue.  I remember the day the paint arrived I was so excited I couldn't open the package fast enough.  Unfortunately, this is what greeted me. 

Yup, the paint can had popped opened during shipping.  Good for me, kind Virginia, at Southern Institute of Faux Finishing in Mississippi, the placed I had ordered from, immediately made it right.  Two days later I received another can and this one was in tip top shape.

Here is the buffet before in all of it's 1920's glory.

And the reveal!!

Last Saturday, my husband and I finished up this project and I couldn't be happier with the results.  Like many others, (namely Miss Mustard Seed) I chose to leave the top as is.  I just polished it with some Old English.

  

We removed the decorative piece that was centered on top as we felt it competed some with the mirror.

 

With having the piece finished I decided to change some things around for a fresh summer look.  I brought my two white lamps from another room.  On one side I added a silver tray with a small frame, wooden box and sea shells.  

On the other side I added a pretty etched glass bottle from Portugal and continued using my silver wine cooler as a planter.  

From another view

    

And a final view with the lamps on.

I'll be back with more details on how we achieved the finished effect.  It seems everyone uses a little different process. Again, I couldn't be happier.  I just smile every time I pass it now! 

Thanks for stopping by!!  I love to read your comments!  Libby! 

**pointed out by Annie Sloan herself - it is Louis Blue not Louie Blue - Thanks Annie! correction is made**   


Linking to the following parties:

Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style

Tabletop Tuesday at a Stroll Through Life

Home Decor and Organizing Link Party at Organize and Decorate Everything

Piece of Work Wednesday Furniture Link Party at Primitive & Proper

Furniture Feature Friday at Miss Mustard Seed

UPDATE:  To see how we refinished the buffet, click here.