Details, details, and more details! I landed this jewel of a side table when I purchased a storage container full of furniture a while back. All those details had me everywhere trying to decide on a finish and the perfect look. While I wasn’t attracted to its ornateness, I knew it needed a finish that would bring out the character of the piece. Just look at those handles! I love the look that the metallic painted furniture gives these detailed pieces that can handle the BLING!
My plan for this makeover was to use metallic paint from Modern Masters. I have used their metallic paints many times, and it’s one of my favorites. I love that they carry a variety of metallic paint colors/metal effect finishes. If you want a dramatic finish on your furniture, the metallics will not disappoint.
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Champagne Metallic Painted Furniture Finish – Before
Supply List For This Project
Here is a supply list of what you will need to recreate this finish. Click on the products below to find where to purchase them for your next metallic painted furniture project.
Metallic Painted Furniture – The Prep
Always begin with proper cleaning and a light scuff sanding with 220 grit sandpaper to smooth out any rough spots. Metallic paint needs a smooth surface to look its best. Use a damp cotton cloth to remove any dust left over and allow it to dry before the next step.
You’re going to need a good primer. Most primers come in gray or white, but this particular can was on the oops shelf and was marked down. I can’t pass that up. Normally, I would have used the white primer and tinted it to a similar color that closely resembles the color of paint I’m using. That’s the best practice, but sometimes you use what you have. I used 2 coats of this primer. Allow ample drying time between each coat of primer, following the directions on the product label. Brush the primer on with a good paintbrush. Always use a good paintbrush.
Applying The Metallic Paint
Here’s a tip for you. I use plastic grocery store bags as liners for my paint tray. Always double the bag and make sure that the lettering on the bag is not exposed to the paint. I learned the hard way. Use the backside of the bags. The dye from the lettering will fade into the paint. Not a pretty look on your furniture.
Modern Masters Metallic Shimmer Champagne is a great color for metallic painted furniture. Who doesn’t love champagne?
This paint is opaque, so I was expecting to use three coats. I was pleasantly surprised when it was covered with two, even with the gray primer. That’s a winner in my book.
The first coat was applied with a roller and then smoothed out with the paintbrush. I like this method because it speeds up the process. When brushing on metallic paint, I did notice that it had a memory of the paint. That means if you brush it in two different directions on a flat surface, it appears streaky. To eliminate this, after applying with the roller, I smoothed the paint with the paintbrush in one direction… being careful and not using the back and forth strokes like you would with other paints. The finish is super smooth and flawless.
While You’re Waiting On Paint To Dry – TIPS
Between times when the paint is drying, wrap your roller in a plastic grocery bag or plastic wrap to keep it fresh for the next coat of paint. This will save you a lot of time and frustration of washing out your equipment before completing your project.
Allow the metallic paint to dry for a good 24 hours at a controlled room temperature. I applied 1 coat of the MasterClear® Protective Clear Topcoat over the whole surface for extra durability and protection to finish it off. It is recommended with Modern Masters Metallic Paints. This topcoat is specially formulated to allow the metallic particles to shine through while giving it a durable finish. I used this same topcoat over my metallic painted dresser, and it still looks good after 4 years.
Once my piece had been completely painted, I stood back to admire the finish. Hmm, 🤔 I decided to add a little more shimmer. You can never have too much bling! The drawer pulls on this side table were in perfect condition and were pretty as is. Even though I like to leave some originality to the pieces that I makeover, I felt metallic gold would be amazing with the champagne metallic shimmer. Why not?!
The Completed Look Of A Metallic Champagne Finish
I was right! What a drastic change the metallic paint gave this side table. Painting this piece with one solid color, in my opinion, really brought focus to the ornate handles. Gloriously elegant and a bit of bling and shimmer for just the right look.
Thanks for joining me today for another metallic painted furniture makeover. If you like this look, you’ll want to check out the links below for more metallic inspiration.
Until the next project… xo, Do
