Monday, October 25, 2010

Faux-Boo!

Remember this?

Remember the faux-boo* Henry Link Bali Hai furniture set I scored from Craigslist to go with this?


(And, yes, I still have the skirted table - deal with it). Well, I painted it right before summer but I never completed the task of finding hardware so I just swiped some from a chest in the other room. I also grabbed the lamps from the dining room just so I could see what it would look like with lamps. And while I think it looks better painted black, it's just so...blah.


And so small! Compared with today's furniture, it looks child-sized. And with the mirror, there's TOO MUCH BOO!! (I guess you'd call that a faux-boo-boo.)

For those who asked, I did use a small Mikita power sander for the formica top and flat surfaces and I just used several coats of satin spray paint (beginning with primer) to coat it. The surface is super smooth and lovely. But if you're looking for a lacquer finish like this, I received an excellent tip from 1st Dibs shop owner Lewis Trimble (his chest is still for sale here):

"...the first tip I have for you is there's stuff called liquid sander... two coats of this and then there's an oil based paint called fine paints of europe brilliant. Use 2-3 thin coats as it runs easily with some light sanding in between... great stuff, not lacquer but for a diy'er it's almost better...
thanks for posting my chest!
Lewis Trimble"

Thanks, Lewis, for the tip! If anyone tries this lacquer technique, please let me know.

*faux-boo coined by David of Midwestern Malaise.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

I can not beleive how gorgeous it looks. I am jelous!!! . Lamps looks great. Great job.
By the way do you have any idea how to bleach the wood furniture. Lately I have been seeing this in lot of magazines.I would like to know if you have any idea.
Thanks.

Asha.

La Maison Fou said...

I really like the chest, so much better.
It really does look good. Not scary, add a little bit of glam with the knobs or a little glitz with a reflective mirror on top of the chest?
Maybe a pop of color on top of the dresser or a runner in front of it?
I like the black base now just a little pop of color and you are in bizzzzness!
L.

Jill said...

I love those lamps!

Great job... I love a chick who'll get her hands dirty.

David said...

SO much better painted! New hardware should help the blah. Or maybe some grasscloth and a sheet of glass cut to fit the top?

Such a score, I'm still envious. I'm also glad to know the formica painted out well. I'd like to try the Fine Paints of Europe, I gotta find something to paint.

Lila said...

Wow, that looks absolutely gorgeous! You did an amazing job on the paint! I have to say, I love tips and info about painting, or redoing an older piece! I'm sure everyone else loves the help too!
xoxo
Lila Ferraro

New York Muhtari said...

I just purchased the same piece from CL for dirt cheap.. The guy had the whole set and I refused to buy it now I regret it so badly..

Now I see it on ebay what I paid $20.00 is selling for $300.00..

I really like the black color but I am afraid to make a mess and cannot go near the paint & brushes.. Kudos to you.

Design Elements said...

it looks gorgeous! happy halloween!

Nuha said...

oh i love it!

Brianne [objectively awesome] said...

Nice work! I'm on the hunt for boo and haven't had any luck. I second the votes for new knobs to dress it up, or adding a small stack of colorful hardback books to brighten up the top?

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