Redo your armoire to create a colorful, distressed appearance.
Whether you picked it up at a secondhand shop or a garage sale, or it's an armoire you've had for years, there's no need to store your belongings in a scratched, dull, damaged or boring piece of furniture. You can redo an old armoire to create a distressed, colorful appearance and proudly display your handiwork. With just a bit of skill, patience and imagination, your armoire will go from old and boring to colorful and decorative. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Sand the armoire with medium grit sandpaper to remove any old finish, oil stains or rough edges. Dust to clean away grit.
2. Choose two colors of water-based wood stain. Find brands offering a selection with many colors. Pick two colors that are close in value, such as green and blue, for a subtle, aged or country look, or select two colors very different in value, such as yellow and purple, for a trendy, bright and young look.
3. Apply the lighter color to the armoire. Use a paint brush dipped in the stain just enough to moisten the bristles. Make strokes running in the same direction, and do not paint over the same area twice. Don't be concerned with achieving absolutely even coverage. Paint the entire outside of the armoire in this manner.
4. Wipe gently across the armoire's surface with a balled-up clean rag immediately after applying the stain. Run the rag in even strokes all going the same direction. Let the armoire dry overnight.
5. Paint on the darker color of finish, using the same technique as in Step 3. Don't worry if there are small bare areas on the wood, especially near the corners and edges.
6. Follow directions in Step 4 to wipe immediately with clean rag. Let the armoire dry overnight.
7. Replace outdated drawer pulls, knobs and fixtures. Install glass, chrome or porcelain fixtures that complement the new colors of the armoire and suit your room.
8. Cover the inside of the armoire doors and cabinet with wallpaper or contact paper in a cheery print that highlights the finish and matches your decor.
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