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Update Old Wood with Stain ~ Easy DIY

I don’t know about you, but I run across unfinished primitive pieces of furniture all the time and as much as I like the rustic look, sometimes it needs revitalized because of damage or wear. Today, I want to show you how easy it is to update old wood with a simple treatment using stain.

My candidate for this makeover is a primitive chicken wire cupboard I got off of Craigslist.

Primitive Chicken Wire Cupboard Before Update Old Wood | Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

A lady was moving and unloading all sort of furniture that was not her style anymore and she was done with Americana decor. This cupboard is in great shape structurally, but has marker drawings, and had plenty of water rings on the top.

Damaged Top of Primitive Cupboard | Update Old Wood by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Thankfully, most of the stains are not chemical related and will be an easy fix to hide. Of course, you can always paint something like this, but that would require a few coats and a whole lot more work.

DIY TIME

To save me on steps, and because I love to keep wood that is in good shape in its wood state, I chose to update this cupboard with stain. I left the doors on, but removed the latches, knobs, and beadboard backing to make staining easier.

At first, I was going to use a dark stain, but the more I looked at it, the more I wanted to lighten the color of the cupboard. However, my choice was this Sunbleached stain we used on our bedroom floor and also on this coffee table makeover.

Sunbleached Stain by Varathane to Update Old Wood | Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Then, using a foam brush, I let one coat of stain soak in and then wiped off the excess with an old sock. (you know I have plenty of those hanging around!)

NEXT STEPS

For the beadboard, I wanted to lighten it up as well, so I gave it a coat of flat white paint. I can certainly use another finish like eggshell or satin, but I want this to be a sort of wash and keep with the primitive scheme.

Painting Beadboard Backing White | Update Old Wood by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

After all cures, we are ready to reassemble. First, I use my nailer to put the beadboard back on. Then, I replace the pulls and latches.

THE FINISH

This whole process only took me a couple of hours, but the after was soooo worth it. It’s simple to update old wood.

Sunbleached Primitive Cupboard Redone by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

Now this once sad-looking cupboard showcases a rustic touch. It’s a perfect spot for displaying your wares. If you love it, you can find it available in my online shop.

  • Magic Linen Beige Waffle Blanket available at Prodigal Pieces | shop.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #bedding
    Magic Linen Waffle Blanket ~ $130

 

Front of Primitive Cupboard with New Stain | Update Old Wood by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Inside of Primitive Cupboard with Beadboard Backing Update Old Wood by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

I think sometimes we tire of our decor because it is tired looking. So, why not refresh your home and be budget conscious at the same time? No need to break the bank to update your decor. For example, that screen sifter is an easy repurposing decorative item with magnets and botanical prints.

Barn Wood Style Primitive Cupboard | Update Old Wood by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

While those vintage green water jars are from Curb le Chic via my friend. tsk. Gotta love good friends.

Repurposed Farmhouse Screen as Decor with Green Glass Bottles for Vases | Update Old Wood by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

SHARE

The next time you see a piece that has a good skeleton with raw wood, give stain a try. Why not for a quick fix to update old wood, right? I’d love it if you would pin and share to inspire others to do the same. ♥

Update Old Wood with One Easy DIY Method - Stain by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Next up, I have this thrifted set ready for a makevoer. Come on over to see what I did with these HERE.

Assortment of Thrift Store Finds for #SwapItLikeItsHot Challenge | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

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Also, more makeovers for you like how to update old wood:

Budget-Friendly DIY Farmhouse Style Bathroom Makeover by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

An outdated dresser just needs a little TLC and new look to get it back to the classic vintage style by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

 

Comments

  1. Sarah says

    Still waiting to see something of yours that I don’t like! Lol! Aside from your intuitive and detailed work on items, your gift for staging them is amazing! Have a great day, Larissa! Happy Spring!

    • Larissa says

      Hahahaha…may that never happen! 😀 Thanks so much!

  2. Sherry Stuifbergen says

    I learned about “sunbleach” stain. I also have a deeper appreciation for prune juice green glass bottles! You know how to stage your pieces. I love your blog with all your imaginative ideas!

    • Larissa says

      Those are great finds, aren’t they? I love the embossed “Water” text on the sides. Thank you!

    • Larissa says

      Thank you for the love, Marie. It’s funny that I buy things to stage and sell and then end up keeping them. ha! The screens is staying with me…for now. 😉

  3. Sarah says

    What a lovely piece! And I love the stain you chose. ? Your blog inspires me to find the beauty in the broken, abandoned pieces I find…thanks for sharing your heart and your talent with us!

  4. Anita Springer says

    I would like to re-do an oak dining table with Varathane Sunbleached. Can I also use white wax to emphasize the grain? Would I wax it after staining or before? Some tutorials I have seen use the sunbleached stain first, then wax, then a slightly darker, thinned out brownish stain on top, followed with polyurethane. suggestions most appreciated!

    • Larissa says

      Hi Anita, You can use the stain, but I would refrain from using the wax if you plan on adding a poly topcoat. You can see how I did my dining table in this post. I hope that helps. 🙂

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