To paint or not to paint!?!
Wait!
You love to paint furniture, right? So do I, but before I do I always consider These 5 Things before painting…
Here is Exhibit 1: Thrift Store Table – Before
It’s cute and petite and I envisioned a beautiful yummy paint job for our Monthly Themed Furniture Makeover Challenge. I couldn’t pass it up for a mere $20.
I then began to notice a few neat details that had me researching a bit more before deciding what to do with it.
I found a picture in an online sales group with a similar table (a bit larger than mine) that a lady said was valued at $12,000 – say what??? You read that right. Hmmmm. I checked mine for similar markings, similar leather top, cute drop leaf, dove tailed drawers and thought maybe I needed a professional to intervene.
I asked for advice on Hometalk, an online Home/DIY forum and received some great advice.
I then submitted the above pics to an appraisal company and upon research they advised that it is definitely an antique and valued around $1,000-$1,150. Furthermore, if I cleaned it up to restore it back to it’s original state then the value would increase.
Exhibit 2: Simple Restoration Process
So I decided not to paint it but to restore it to it’s original beauty!
After applying some Leather Cleaner to the top and Restor-A-Finish to the wood, it now looks like a stunning brand new table! I am beyond elated, like when I refinished the beautiful Antique Waterfall Chifferobe Armoire , The Gentleman’s Dresser with Dark Walnut Stain, or the Outdoor Wood Patio Table. There is just something about that natural wood beauty that shines!
Exhibit 3 etc…Petite Antique Drop Leaf Table
The leather shines and the wood is now a deep rich walnut color.
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So glad I decided not to paint it.
That’s okay though because as mentioned before, I love to paint furniture and there are plenty of other pieces I cannot wait to get my paintbrushes hands on!
As promised, here are the 5 things to consider before painting furniture:
1. Is the furniture piece sturdy and structurally sound?
2. Is there minimal damage to the surface only that is not deep into the wood?
3. Is there inlaid wood/carved wood or leather inserts?
4. Is there a chance the value would increase by restoring or refinishing it?
5. Is the furniture piece very old, considered valuable or an antique?
If you answered yes to most of these questions it might be best to ask a professional for their opinion and/or appraisal. You may be surprised at what it is worth!
Now I am going to go try to sell my little Petite Antique Dropleaf Table. Although I am sure I will not get he $1,000 at least I can assure to make a little bit of return on my investment.
Wish me luck!
<div align=”center”><a href=”http://www.thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/” title=”TDC Before and After” target=”_blank”><img src=”http://www.homestoriesatoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/beforeAndAfterButton_thumb1.gif” alt=”TDC Before and After” style=”border:none;” /></a></div>
Here are some other stunning table makeovers from a very talented group of bloggers!
Here are some other stunning table makeovers from a very talented group of bloggers!
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I love "all" you cute lil DIY bloggers. I am a homemaker of 36 years….and love it! However, the current craze seems to be "paint everything if it ain't breathing" kind of baffles me. LOVE that you took the time to research and save this little piece from doom. LOL It's beautiful! Great article on "Paint: Proceed with Caution!" Good, good, good job!
Love, love, love the table and I so wish I lived close enough to you to buy it from you 🙁
This is such a pretty piece. I'm glad that you were able to restore it. It definitely did not need paint!
Cute little table!
Good for you for taking the time to research a bit further. This was an incredible find for $20. You'll no doubt make a very nice return on your investment!
SCORE!! Yes, I really don't like to paint unless there is something cosmetically wrong, and you were spot on in your intuition. Great job!!
Wow, it's stunning!! What an awesome treasure. Hometalkers will be happy with this makeover!! 😉
Great job!!!
Nancy
What a unique beauty! So glad that you recognized it's value and returned it to a glorious finish!
What an awesome find and you did a great job of restoring it!
You have such a good find and good intuition too! T=Your little side table turned out fabulous! I love the Howards Restore-A-Finish product too!
Thank you so much for pointing that out. It really help me make my decision esier when I have to paint something.
Thanks for sharing, this is a fantastic article.Thanks Again.Office Reworks