Shabby Chic Vanity Transformaton



The 'Before' in all it's glory!

      I love the transformation so much more if it is a challenge!  This was one of those projects that had me cringing the first time I saw it and worried through the whole process that it would turn out.  Now that I've done a few, my anxieties seem to be lessening so someday all this will seem like second nature.

      It had the usual veneer issues.  The drawers weren't too bad and the small pieces along the bottoms easily came off whole.  The top, however, was the typical nightmare!  I have to admit, though, that this is getting to be my favorite part - a close second to realizing that there are going to be no bleeding issues (Bonus!)  I took better pics this time to show what I was up against.

 

After scraping off all the peeling veneer.



Second of four layers of putty.



Putty job completed



        I've learned to get crazy on the peeling veneer right away - just doing it without thinking about it.  I had to keep reminding myself on the first few projects that the surfaces were already ruined and I wasn't going to make it any worse unless I didn't complete the job. 

     So, after peeling and puttying, I ended with four coats or Rust-Oleum's Heirloom White and a light scuff job. 

     We used to pass on these veneer pieces all the time at auctions because, at the time, we weren't into the refinishing much less painting furniture.  I have stripped many pieces but we soon realized it wasn't very cost effective for us.  Also, it never failed that I would spend two days stripping when the customer couldn't wait to get it home and paint it.  I had to see for myself with this very talented vendor we had.  Terry would buy our cast-offs and bring in the next day a truly unrecognisable beauty.  Of course, he'd then sell it in three days to triple his money.  Couldn't argue with that!  So we learned quickly and now I have endless projects!

     Speaking of which, I have a Duncan Phyfe waiting for me!  Gotta go;)