Buffet Before and After

Wendy and I picked up this buffet at one of our favorite picker stores. It was such a beautiful piece, but boy did she need some work! It was missing one of the shelves, all drawer stops and one door stop. Plus, she appeared like she had been beaten with a variety of objects....pooooor buffet....

Since it is almost the fall, I decided to do this piece a nice creamy taupe. I've always loved the look of a painted base with a stained top, but boy did this top need help before that was even possible. I suggested the idea to Wendy and she said "nope, just paint it." But did I listen? Nope, I never do! (although I regretted it when I was covered in a thick layer of sanding dust from head to toe...I mean COVERED!)

Anyway, I sanded the top down heavily using 60-grit sandpaper. I recommend using a belt sander if you have one handy, but a regular palm sander will get the job done too. I then clean the top completely off and free of debris.

The base was then given three coats of an oops paint that we had color-matched.....Now it was time to tackle the top.

I first stained it using a coat of dark walnut Minwax stain.

I thought showing the current state of my stain can would help show my love for it!!

I then added a coat of Minwax Wood-sheen rubbing stain and finish in a Colonial Walnut color.

Finally I used my favorite colored wax for the top coat. It's Howard Citrus Shield Color Paste Wax in the Dark Oak finish. I got this wax from a local antique store but if can also be ordered online.

I use a heavy coat of wax filling in the grooves in the wood and then polish it back off after it sits.

It leaves this great shiny finish.

I then distressed the whole piece and she was ready for repair.

Wendy cut a new shelf. I added drawer stops and she was perfect!

Quick tip...If you have a drawer that goes too far back into a piece, then it probably needs a drawer stop. Yes, they make actual drawer stops, but no, you don't have to use them. My favorite things to use are upholstery tacks. They have enough of a nail head to stop the drawer, but are short enough to be easy to tap in place. Small screws and nails can also be used. Just use the old hole for the drawer stop as a guide for where to put the new one. Drawer stops are usually located at the front bottom of the piece where a drawer slides. Tap your tack/screw/nail into place and you're good to go!!

Here she is all finished.....ahhhh, i'm in love!

(can you tell that I work in my playroom???)

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