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Buffet Makeover ~ A Night & Day Difference

Earlier this week in my upholstered footstool post, I told you I would show you the after of a vintage buffet I was doing some custom work on. It seems once my own sideboard (or you can call it a buffet) was refinished, it caused quite a stir. As soon as my own buffet sold from my shop, I have had the blessing of receiving several requests for custom work and thought it would be fun to share it with you today.

Vintage Custom Buffet Before Makeover | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

At first glance, you may think to yourself, “There’s nothing wrong with this buffet.” But, upon closer observation, if you look at the top you’ll see something.

Damaged Top of Vintage Buffet | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

Being that I don’t know the full story, my best guess is that someone tried to refinish the top but quit. I mean, there’s no topcoat and the wood is dry. Not to mention look at those awful stain strokes. {{gasp}}.

My client was after a piece to help her family celebrate the holidays, and also an accent piece to match their dinette set which was cherry wood mixed with black paint. Naturally, she wants something to compliment her decor and match her current furniture. Sounds good to me!

DIY TIME

To get started, I sanded down the top with my sander to reveal that gorgeous wood. When looking to remove all finish I typically start with an 80 grit paper and work my way up to 150, then 220 or more depending on thickness of layers and what damage there might be.

Sanding Down Wood Buffet Top | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

After that, I lightly sanded the cabinet to give it tooth (something for the paint to stick to), and made some repairs to the damaged veneer using wood filler.

Once top is ready, I fulfill the custom request to give the top a cherry stain finish using this Varathane Traditional Cherry by Rustoleum. This is always fun because I truly love seeing the wood come to life.

Varathane Traditional Cherry Stain by Rustoleum for Buffet | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

After staining and curing, I applied a topcoat of a semi-gloss poly.

PAINT TIME

Since my client’s dinette set was also in a black paint with light distressing, I did the same to the buffet cabinet. You know I love me some black – check out my other black makeovers HERE.

To seal and protect the black paint finish, I went with this Varathane Matte Polyurethane to give it an aged appeal.

Varathane Matte Polyurethane by Rustoleum for Buffet | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodidgalpieces.com

One little thing I want to share with you. Sometimes wood can look tired and just need a pick-me-up. Take the inside of the buffet for instance. It certainly has seen use, and even though most will never see it, it makes a difference to take care of it too. My go-to for this sort of thing is Old English Scratch Cover.

Revive Old Wood with Old English by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

Just clean your surface and wipe on. Easy.

Applying Old English Scratch Cover to Refresh Wood by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

Amazing difference, isn’t it?

Inside Buffet After Old English Scratch Cover | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

THE REVEAL

Now put all those different techniques together and this is what you get…

Vintage Buffet Gets Black Paint and Cherry Stain Makeover by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

A night and day difference, I say. Isn’t it chic?

Corner of Vintage Black Buffet by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

The serpentine style of this piece is always one of my favorites, and who can deny the beauty of the carvings?

Side View of Vintage Black Buffet by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

And how about that top? The results are perfect and love that the wood takes center stage.

Cherry Stained Top of Vintage Buffet Refinished by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

I bet you’re wondering what my client has to say. Well, here was her response:

WOW!! so beautiful! You did such a great job!  God blessed you with a great talent! Thanks so much for doing such an awesome job on the buffet for me. ~ Miss A

Client's Buffet in their Dining Room | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

courtesy of Miss A

Hearing those compliments is the icing on the cake and makes my day. Thank you, Miss A!

I say it all the time, but my goal is to encourage you to not only give your own furniture a try, but don’t be afraid to make it your own in color and style. It is YOURS.

I’d love it if you would pin and share to inspire others too! ♥

Vintage Buffet Gets Night and Day Makeover by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

Funny thing is that I already have another custom buffet in the works, not to mention working hard on our kitchen remodel.

UP NEXT

Next week, I have the fun opportunity to join up with a group of bloggers for Swap It Like It’s Hot! We each send a thrifted assortment of goodies to another blogger, and they have to give it a makeover. Here is what I got in the mail…

Swap It Like It's Hot Thrifted Items "Before" | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

Hmm….Any guesses as to what it will become? Head here to see!

To get these DIY tips & tricks in your inbox, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. PLUS, you will get your FREE Furniture Buying Checklist and special discount to my online shop. Until next time!

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Also, more of my projects for you like this buffet:

1980's Orange Dresser Gets Prairie Charm Makeover by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com

Vintage Waterfall Dresser Gets Volkswagen Bus Makeover by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Comments

  1. Steve Robinson says

    It was lovely to start with, now it is truly stunning. I love the look of pieces where the top is stained wood while the rest is painted, like you’ve done here. Not surprised the client was thrilled!

    • Larissa says

      That is my all-time favorite way to finish. Thank you, Steve!

  2. gwen says

    GORGEOUS as always! did you do something to the hardware as well? it looks a bit different in the after photo. can’t wait to see what you do with those pieces in the Swap It Like It’s Hot challenge!

    (and i do hope you survived the week and all is going better!)

    • Larissa says

      Woot! Thank you, Gwen. The hardware was left as-is. 🙂 Yes, all is better and slowing down on some fronts. Thanks for asking!

    • Larissa says

      It’s so classic and makes such a statement. Thanks for the love, Mary!

  3. Patty says

    Oh my! Absolutely beautiful. Your work is so gorgeous, you truly have a God given talent.

    • Larissa says

      Awww…that’s wonderful to hear, Patty. 🙂 Thank you!

  4. Debrashoppeno5 says

    What a beautiful transformation. And I love the classic look of the stained top and painted bottom.

    • Larissa says

      It is my favorite way to finish to that some of the original wood is revealed. Thank you, Debra!

    • Larissa says

      Thank you, Marie! It made her Easter time a pleasurable one. 🙂

  5. Tom says

    We are about to tackle A very similar piece in that exact same color scheme. Can you give some details on the type of paint used on the base and the prep (I.e. priming, etc.)?

    • Larissa says

      Good for you, Tom. 🙂 I just used a flat black and lightly sanded as mentioned. No priming needed. Hope this helps!

  6. Daisy says

    Absolutely gorgeous and one of my favorite makeovers!

  7. Melodie Barrick says

    Beautiful you have such a wonderful talent. I enjoy your sight vary much.

  8. Judy Burnside says

    Oh my goodness! What a stunning piece! Love the combination of color and wood! When I see the pieces you find, I keep thinking I need to shop at the places you do! But it would be quite a road trip. I’ll just have to continue to be inspired by you! Thanks for everything you do, 😊❤️

    • Larissa says

      It would be a fun trip, Judy! 😀 Yes, I feel like the find me, however. I have such joy recreating them and especially feel blessed when I get to see them in their new home. Thanks for the smile.

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Client Love

I love it! Larissa is amazing. She listened to what I wanted and then she took care of the rest! This is my second piece I've bought from her and I'm in love! I highly recommend her.

~ Laurel

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:34:13-04:00

~ Laurel

I love it! Larissa is amazing. She listened to what I wanted and then she took care of the rest! This is my second piece I've bought from her and I'm in love! I highly recommend her.

I love this cart, it's exquisite. The item was received in extremely secure packaging, no damage to the item. The delivery person was very professional and courteous. Larissa of Prodigal Pieces is so very amazing. A rating of 10 is deserved. Thank you, Larissa.

~ Stephanie

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:39:34-04:00

~ Stephanie

I love this cart, it's exquisite. The item was received in extremely secure packaging, no damage to the item. The delivery person was very professional and courteous. Larissa of Prodigal Pieces is so very amazing. A rating of 10 is deserved. Thank you, Larissa.

I should have left this review MONTHS ago! I absolute love this lunch bag. I honestly carry this 5 days a week. It is the perfect size! Not only can you put your lunch in it, it can also hold your book. I enjoy reading at lunch, so I have all I need in one cute bag. Thank you so much Larissa!

~ Mikki

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2020-03-21T21:43:16-04:00

~ Mikki

I should have left this review MONTHS ago! I absolute love this lunch bag. I honestly carry this 5 days a week. It is the perfect size! Not only can you put your lunch in it, it can also hold your book. I enjoy reading at lunch, so I have all I need in one cute bag. Thank you so much Larissa!

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~ Sharon

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:45:37-04:00

~ Sharon

Awww…I love this sweet Cat with an attitude!! SO SO adorable! Well worth the money, and he will become a priceless treasure in my home! Thanks Larissa for always making your ideas turn into true treasures!

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~ Deanna

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:52:00-04:00

~ Deanna

Perfect purchase from start to finish! Absolutely adorable piece so creatively thought out. Packed with the greatest of care with lightening fast delivery. Very customer-oriented and friendly crafter. Could not ask for more! Thank you!
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