It was a total freebie! It was one of those days that only a furniture flipper understands all the feels from a curbside find like this one. Who throws away furniture like this? I knew the potential for a fantastic washstand makeover with this one!
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My Painted Antique Washstand Makeover – I found it on the curb!
I’ve always said that painting furniture has saved my life through paint therapy. True, but since I started moving my body by walking, many things have changed, including my health.
On January 1st, 2021, I decided to do better for my health. I added daily walking, and it has now earned the label “lifesaver.” Mentally and physically. I enjoy my walks and have met wonderful new friends and found some beautiful things along the roadside.
The day I found this gem, I was on my 20-mile walk, to be exact! I’m in training for a walking marathon, and Sundays are my long walks. Maybe “they” knew I would be passing by (most of my neighbors know me as the lady that walks all the time), so they put it out just for me. I want to think that anyways. So, I phoned my hubby to come to pick it up ASAP. I waived as he drove slowly by with it loaded in the bed of his truck. He’s a good guy!
It’s not every day you SCORE a curbside find like this antique washstand. It will be well worth the furniture repairs it needs to bring it back to life. I think it needs some color (chalk mineral paint), but I also want to salvage that beautiful oak wood underneath those layers of paint. Washstand makeover, here I come!
SUPPLY LIST:
- SurfPrep Sanding System (10% discount code DOIT10)
- Bondo
- Paintbrush
- Chalk Mineral Paint
- Howdy Do Hemp Oil
- Applicator Pad for hemp oil
- Big Mama’s Butta Flannel (my FAVORITE scent)
Paint Stripping Without Chemicals
Since getting my SurfPrep Sander, I rarely use chemical strippers on my furniture. Don’t get me wrong; chemical strippers are helpful for specific projects, but I like this tool for the quick removal of old varnish and paint. CLICK HERE to learn more about stripping furniture with this tool.
I began this washstand makeover by removing the OLD paint from the top. I also decided to strip the cabinet door as well.
Of course, there were some needed furniture repairs, like the door needed some work on the hinges and a new shelf inside the cabinet. One of the reasons I love these old washstands is because of the cabinets. I played with the idea of leaving the door off and just using a basket for display, but the oak wood door was too pretty, and I wanted to salvage as much of the original wood as I could.
In the past, I have rebuilt many old dressers and added shelves inside broken drawers. It’s a great look!
Repairing The Wood Damage – Washstand Makeover
One of the drawers had a good bit of wood damage and would need repairs before painting. Also, I knew that I wanted different hardware to match the wood tones on this washstand makeover so filling the existing holes will allow me to drill new holes for a different style of hardware.
I used Bondo to fill the existing hardware holes and repair the damaged wood at the same time. CLICK HERE to learn more about using Bondo for wood repairs.
After the Bondo was dried, I use my SurfPrep Sander to smooth out any remaining Bondo. Trust me when I say, no one will know but us there were ever any holes or damage anywhere. POOF! It’s like magic!
Why You Should Chalk Paint An Antique Washstand
You bet I’m painting it! Whenever we hear the words “antique furniture,” we immediately think that we ruin the value when painting these old antiques.
HELLO! The washstand was left dead on the curb and it had already been painted. Where’s the value in that? I don’t think re-painting this antique washstand is going to devalue it. When done correctly and tastefully, I believe you can paint these old pieces, add value, and save them from the landfill. Or worse, the BURN PILE!
How To Distress Chalk Paint With A Sander
When I say I use my SurfPrep sander all the time; I mean it! After painting this piece with chalk mineral paint, I used it to distress and add worn areas that added to the aged look it already had. Some of the original paint was exposed to add even more vintage charm.
This sander isn’t just for furniture makeovers. I just completed a closet update in my master bedroom and used it for the shelving too. CLICK HERE to see my closet now and the yucky builder-grade before!
Using Hemp Oil For Wood And Chalk Mineral Paint Finishes
I was skeptical about using hemp oil over chalk mineral paint, but I was pleasantly surprised at how well I loved the finished product on this washstand makeover.
The naturally thin viscosity of this hemp oil will penetrate porous surfaces well. Use it on bare wood and over Dixie Belle Paint chalk mineral paint. It’s great for reviving old wood, and this antique washstand had plenty of that.
And lastly, I used Big Mama’s Butta (flannel) to give the inside of the drawers a fresh smell. CLICK HERE to learn how to remove that musty moldy smell from antique wood furniture.
My Painted Antique Washstand Makeover Results
I think it’s fabulous! Everything from the color used down to the imperfect oak wood that still had leftover remnants of old paint. Nothing makes me happier than seeing these old antiques getting a second chance and living on to tell the story of how my grandparents lived.
This washstand makeover was so much fun as I watched it evolve. It was a labor of love for sure, but I would do it all again in a heartbeat. My walking paid off big with this one! What do you think?
Thanks for joining me today, and if you liked this makeover, would you be so kind as to let me know in the comment section? Also, don’t forget to share and PIN this project to your DIY furniture makeover board for reference whenever you need it.
Until the next project… xo, Do
Do, I love how great this wash stand turned out. What a wonderful FREE find on the roadside. You did an amazing job. The color is perfect.
Thank you, Tammy. It worked out better than I expected. 🙂 xo
Equally impressed by how beautiful this turned out and that you aren’t just walking…. but 20 miles!!!! Wow!!!
Love this color! Do you mind sharing which one it is and also do you need to seal after hemp
oil or does that serve as a top coat?
Thanks so much!
Hi Amy, The hemp oil can be used as a topcoat over Dixie Belle’s chalk mineral paint and wood. The color is called Juniper and was released in their Fall line of colors. I hope they bring it back. I LOVE it!
So beautiful, my friend. You are so talented. Hugs to you.
Thank you, Renea! Always nice to hear from you. 🙂 xo
Another beautiful piece. Thank you for saving it!
Always! 🙂 xo
One more thing…what color is this? Thanks!!
Gail, it’s called Juniper, and it was from the Fall line of colors with Dixie Belle. I don’t think it is in their color line, but I hope they will bring it back. I love it!
This is beautiful and what a great find. I love it! You are doing fantastic with walking and I’m looking forward to hearing about your marathon.
Take care and a blessed Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas to you, Lori! I appreciate the encouragement. Jan 2022! That’s the plan! I could have picked a better month to walk, right? 🙂
Hi Do! Congratulations on your journey for better health, and good luck with your marathon!! I can’t wait to hear about it. Maybe I missed it but what color did you use? I saw it was Dixie Belle paint but didn’t notice the color. I love the green, and the natural wood color combination that you chose for the dresser, absolutely gorgeous!!😊
Hi Holly! The color is called Juniper; however, it was a Fall color release. I don’t think it’s available any longer. I’m hoping they will add this color to their line. Fingers crossed. I love it too!
Love the wash stand. I have a similar piece that I stripped completely and restained. All new pulls that I picked up from D. Lawler. I hand made the back splash. But recently I found an original backsplash and towel rack. It will be fitted and put on soon. These little wash stands are so cool. What a great piece. You scored.
Thank you, Robert! They are some of my favorite pieces to refurbish.
I love that you saved this beauty and transformed it into something gorgeous! That green color is just perfect with the oak. Love seeing all that you do!
Thank you, Shelia. I love sharing with you. 🙂
I’m always excited to see your mail in my inbox. This cabinet turned out lovely and especially cuz it was curbside! Super that you are almost a year into your walking and sticking to it! Can’t wait to read about the walking marathon! Please keep posting!
I’m almost as excited about it as I am about my furniture makeovers. Almost! 🙂 xo
I feel the same way as you do about antiques. Do what it takes to save the piece is my motto!! Your washstand turned out great. Good job!!
Hi Barbara, Yes, it gives me a sense of pride to salvage these old pieces so that others can enjoy them long after I’ve have gone. Well, that’s the plan. 🙂
Hi Do! Congratulations on this new health kick. You look great! What color did you use here? If is definitely a keeper
Hi Cheryl, the color is from Dixie Belle. It’s called Juniper and was one of the Fall colors. Thank you so much 🙂
What a great find and transformation!! I love the color you chose. Here’s to finding more freebies!
Yes! Give us all the FREEBIES! xo 🙂
Your antique wash stand looks great! Quite a curbside find. I really like using bondo for repairs, as that is something I have around here for car repairs. I never thought of using it for furniture repairs… but I definitely will! I also saved an antique bed from the dumpster and found an antique dresser sitting out in the snow. I’m pairing them together. I just finished the bed. I’ll send you some pics. It turned out great! Thanks Do!!
Bondo is a good product for wood repairs if you’re planning on painting. I can’t wait to see your dumpster finds. 🙂
Do, this washstand is beautiful! I remember the day you found it out on your walk. Free is the best and I’m sure your neighbors wished it was theirs again! Pinning!!😊
Thank you, Cindy. I often wonder what they would think if I took it back to them. But I did walk back by looking for more. The house is now for sale. I guess they were cleaning out the garage. Maybe there will be more. LOL
I love a good curb-shopped flip and you certainly turned this one into a beauty my friend. The color paired with the wood look amazing! XOXO
You are the queen of curb-shopping flippers! Your work always inspires me. 🙂 xo
You are a genius! I love how the washstand turned out. Very tasteful indeed! I like everything you do.
Elsie de Wolfe’s quote you printed on the board is unique, too. Very well done! Even the board with the caster wheels is neat.
You noticed! That sign has been with me for about eight years now, and the antique wheels are from my Grandmothers buffet. 🙂 xo Thank you!
I have a washstand similar but in much worse shape. The top had several layers linoleum on the top if you can believe that. Underneath the wood is in rough shape missing the back board which I will replace. The base of course was painted – door missing. I was trying to decide what to do with it – was leaning towards leave it natural. After seeing yours I’m sure that’s the right answer. I love finding pieces others think it belongs in the trash and saving it. Thanks for inspiring me.
Hi Charlotte,
It’s always exciting for me to restore or repair those old pieces. I can see you are up for the challenge too. I guess it’s the pride we feel afterward that keeps us coming back. Sometimes I think I’m a sucker for punishment. LOL Thanks for sharing your project journey with me and if you have a minute after it’s complete, I would LOVE to see a before and after pic. Have a great week. 🙂 xo
A beautiful makeover! Thank you for saving a beautiful old piece and giving it a second (third? fourth?) life. Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas to you, Gayle. Thanks for reading, and I wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas. 🙂 xo
Holy smokes you turned this curbside find into a drop-dead beauty! I love the color you went with and the contrast of the natural wood areas that you kept. This is definitely Pinterest worthy! 😍
Hey Natalie! (aka YDTM) 🙂
Holy smokes is what I said when I found it curbside. There’s nothing prettier to me than a paint and wood combo on an antique piece. It’s the best of both worlds. Thanks for reading, my friend. Tell Taylor I said hello! xo
What a well loved piece you found! Thanks to your beautiful makeover, it will be loved again for years to come.
Thank you, Christina!
I certainly found a treasure that day. Thanks for reading.
Have a great day. 🙂 xo Do