Sanding, fresh paint and new handles worked wonders on this old buffet.
The project
I asked on Facebook Marketplace if anyone had an old buffet they wanted to sell. A really nice lady reached out and said she had this old unit that I could have for free.
Having already made-over a unit like this before, I had learnt from my mistakes:
1) It isn't necessary to go too crazy with the sanding back.
2) Don't use an Eggshell paint finish as dark colours show scuffs and scratches.
3) A roller gives the best finish.
I started by removing the doors and drawers and giving the areas I was going to paint a light sand using 120 grit sandpaper. I really went to town with an orbital sander for the top, starting off with 80grit, then 120, then 240 for a smooth finish.
I went straight into painting from here, applying Dulux Aquanamel in semi-gloss using a roller and a brush to get into the corners. I chose Open Living by British Paints.
After two coats and once it was dry, I put the doors and drawers back together and added new black handles. To finish it off, I used Cabot's Cabothane Clear on the top.
Materials
- 80, 120 and 240 grit sandpaper
- Dulux Aquanamel Semi-Gloss 1 Litre
- British Paints – Open Living
- Cabot's Cabothane Clear 250ml
Before and after
More upcycled buffet projects
By lightly distressing fresh paint and adding vintage handles, prettyliving completely changed the look of this buffet.
Bunnings Workshop member DanaR saved a kerbside find from landfill by sanding, painting and varnishing this buffet and lining the drawers with chevron wallpaper from Bunnings.
