Painted upcycled buffet with brass handles

Painting with Porter's Paints Yacht Race and adding stylish brass handles refreshed this buffet.

The project

A neighbour was throwing this buffet out, so I got it for free. The drawers looked like a sad face, so I covered them with ply for a flush look.

I used an orbital sander and 80 grit paper to get the varnish off, and went back over it with 240 grit for a smoother finish. The awkward parts were the creases. I had to do this by hand. It didn’t take too long though.

I already had Porter’s Paints Yacht Race from other projects and just bought new handles to finish it off. All up it cost around $80.

Before and after

Materials

Porter’s Paints Yacht Race

Cabot's Cabothane Clear

Prestige Brass Shell Cup Drawer Pull Handle

3mm plywood panel

Liquid Nails

More upcycled buffet projects

With fresh paint and new handles, craftyhopper was also able to give this buffet a stylish new look.

By lightly distressing fresh paint and adding vintage handles, prettyliving completely changed the look of this buffet.

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Accepted answers

All comments

AliciaR

Love your work with the buffet! I'm starting my first project and I was wondering if you had any advice on Primers and any suggestions for first timers? Thanks!

EricL

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @AliciaR. Thank you so much for joining the discussion and sharing your question about your first upcycle project.

It's great that this project has inspired you to attempt your own upcycle adventure. A word of warning though it is very addictive! Let me tag @craftyhopper so that they are made aware of your kind comments. The best primer I've used is Dulux 1L PRECISION Maximum Strength Adhesion Primer White. This primer is excellent on difficult to prime surfaces such as PVC, vinyl, glass, glazed tiles, high gloss enamels, fibreglass, galvanised steel, glazed brick, chalky paints, masonry, metal, aged enamels, and Laminex.

If you are planning more upcycle projects I suggest investing in a sander to reduce the prep time of your projects. Once you've prepped and primed your project, it's just a matter of choosing your preferred paint colour. I recommend considering where you will be sanding and where you will park the project in the evening.

Let me tag our experienced members @DanaR and @lifestylebymari for their recommendations.

Here is a handy link: How to paint and upcycle your old chest of drawers

Here are some amazing featured projects that our Workshop members have shared:

If you need more advice or information, please let us know.

Eric

craftyhopper

Hi @AliciaR

I love an upcycle project! Can i ask what your first project is? Is it a buffet like this one?

I have been trying to find another buffet like this, so I can do it all again; @EricL is right, its very addictive! 🙂

I have completed two of these so far & both times used different paints. Neither time did I prime and the key to not priming is making sure you give the timber a good sand; it does all depend on what the material of your upcycle project is.

Good luck and happy to help should you need 🙂

Vicki65

@craftyhopper

The Blue looks beautiful. Im about to paint a bed side table I found on thr road. I considering Blue. You reminded me to go to Porters to get a sample pot of paint.

RenoRach1

Stunning! Great colour combination. I've been trying to choose a navy blue for the bottom row of my new laundry cabinets, so thank you for show-casing Porters Yacht Race in a completed project...AND with some of the handles I'm considering using.

You've completely changed the look of the buffet and now, it's not only useful but beautiful. Congratulations!

Dave-1

Afternoon @craftyhopper

Tardis Blue is what caught my eye when I was trolling through projects 🙂 You have painted the hutch in Doctor Who's Tardis colours 🙂 It looks so much better then the old varnished timber. The ply over the inset is perfect! Brings it into the modern age for sure.

Love the brass handles btw.

Dave

HK6

Wow amazing. Love the color.

EricL

Hello @HK6

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's fabulous to have you join us.

Allow me to tag @craftyhopper to make them aware of your kind words. I totally agree the Porter's 2L Yacht Race Eggshell Finish Broadwall Washable Paint is a gorgeous colour. Despite being such a subtle blue, it still manages to catch your attention. I personally love the eggshell finish.

If you are planning on making your own upcycle project, please make sure to post an update. I'm sure our members would be keen to see what you're working on.

Eric

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