Revitalizing an old piece of furniture can be a rewarding experience, and that’s exactly what happened when I stumbled upon this neglected nightstand. It was in dire need of some TLC, with its surface full of unsightly scratches, dings, old stains, and cobwebs. However, the potential of the piece was still apparent, and I knew that with a little elbow grease, I could turn it into a beautiful refinished piece.
Cleaning & Sanding
My first step was to give the nightstand a thorough cleaning using my favorite Green Stuff and ripping out the old drawer liners. Once it was free of any debris, it was time for a thorough sanding. Although the wood was still in good shape, I wanted to smooth out any imperfections and create a fresh surface for the paint. My plan from the beginning for this nightstand makeover was to leave the top of the stand and the face of the drawer to be left with a raw wood look, and the rest was going to be painted a matte black.
Using a hand sander and 120 grit sandpaper, I scuff sanded the areas that I was going to paint. After the scuff sanding, I shifted my focus to the top and the drawer face. Starting with 150 grit sandpaper, I worked my way up to 220 grit, which resulted in a beautiful, smooth finish.
It’s essential to remember when sanding that you don’t want to skip more than 20 grits at a time. Jumping from 120 grit to 180 grit, for instance, can lead to a multitude of issues such as deep scratches, an uneven surface, or even affect the bonding of finishes or adhesives to the surface.
Painting with Rustoleum’s Milk Paint
With the sanding complete, it was time to paint! For this nightstand makeover, I chose Rustoleum’s Milk Paint in Eclipse for a rustic, brushed feel. I used a cabinet trim brush to get into the harder-to-reach spots and a foam roller for the bigger surface areas. The directions for this paint say to “apply a light coat to your surface, brushing in a “V” pattern to achieve a washed look.” The coverage with this paint was excellent, and I only needed two coats. Overall I loved this paint, especially the rustic texture, and will post a full review soon.
The inside of the drawer had been badly water-stained, so I decided to use the same black milk paint to paint the bottom of the drawer. To stain the sides of the drawer, I mixed some water into the paint to create a stain, applied it with a foam brush, let it sit for a minute, and then wiped it off with a clean rag. I repeated the process to achieve the desired darkness, and the wood grain came through beautifully, creating a stunning red tiger stripe effect.
Nightstand Makeover Final Touches
I love the look of old brass so the original drawer pull is perfect for the look I’m going for. To clean the pull, I soak it in a homemade solution of hot water, vinegar, and a drop of mild dish soap and then clean it with an old toothbrush. What’s your go-to for cleaning old hardware?
To seal and protect the entire piece, I used my favorite beeswax furniture paste. Using beeswax paste for wood furniture is easy, and I love the feel of the wax once it’s set. The final product is a beautifully refinished nightstand that I am proud to have saved from being thrown out.
Overall, I am thrilled with how this makeover turned out. It’s always satisfying to bring new life to an old piece, and this nightstand is no exception. This nightstand makeover is a great reminder that with a little elbow grease and some creativity, even the most beat-up pieces can be transformed into something beautiful.
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