Cabinet Makeover - Part 1

 Way back in November, rescued this old cabinet from a curb. It wasn't very beautiful, but it was solid. All it wanted was a new coat of paint and it could really be great! So, thus inspired, I took it home.

Of course, November in Chicagoland is pretty chilly and not great weather for painting. So, while I couldn't really get down to the fun part, I decided to start the prep-work, in anticipation of warmer temperatures. I took off the doors, and had a little helper working with me to strip off the decorative fringe detailing on the edge of the shelf.

Then, I tucked everything into a corner of the garage and waited for spring. Happily, time keeps on keeping on and eventually we were back to warmer weather. So, I dusted off the cabinet and started plotting and planning. First came a primer coat. This cabinet had all the earmarks of an antique, so I didn't want to sand it 'cuz who knows what type of paint they had used originally. So, I used a strong primer that would cover it and, hopefully, keep any oils, lead or other stuff safely enclosed.

Next it was time for adding some color, but I had a little bit of a tough time making a definitive choice. I went to my local hardware store to get some spray paint, and they had a really light sea green that I thought might work... but, upon further reflection, I was looking for something with a little more pop. So it was back to the drawing board (and a bigger store with a larger color selection.) I found this one, and it spoke to me. 

When I'm spray painting, I generally use Rustolium 'cuz they make really tough paint (so it won't easily scratch) that covers nicely and lasts well. I hadn't ever seen this brand in spray paint before and I was intrigued. Plus, look at this color! Perfection. However, this store only had one can and I knew I'd need more than that. So, I ended up driving way out into the suburbs, to the next nearest store that had some, to find a couple more cans. My quest was successful and I was set to start painting!

Even with just one round of paint, I was loving how it was turning out. So far, I was very happy with my choice to use a new brand of spray paint. AND, it dries a whole day faster (24hrs to recoat vs 48hrs) which is lovely when you're an impatient maker like me. Though, my feet saw a little bit of action with the overspray.

Next, came the doors. The glass on the doors had some cool bubbles, so I wanted to keep those clear to preserve the details. So, I carefully covered it all before painting (next time I wrapped my feet with plastic bags to save my shoes and my toes from further indignities.)

Then the doors were primed and painted: 

Once the doors were fully dried, it was time to put them back on the cabinet, do some touch-ups and one final coat of color. Then, all that was left was to let everything dry and the outside (spray painting) was done!

Now, I am plotting and planning how to dress up the inside and maybe add some detail work to the outside. Stay tuned!