From Shabby to Chic in 10 Steps

Refinishing Furniture - from shabby to chic in 10 steps


I bought this trunk at a Flea Market in New Hampshire about a year ago. It was shabby but interesting and that's why I just had to have it. I love a charming piece that will complement my home decor and help make my house a home. I go on treasure hunts to find things just like this trunk.

It sat in my kitchen with its beat up green paint until I figured out exactly what I wanted to do with it. Just about a week ago creativity struck and I got to work. I love a good project but I got to be in the mood for it or it wont turn out well.

Step 1: Remove and toss ugly latch that clearly was not original and did not belong.

Step 2: Sand, sand and sand some more to remove most but not all of the green paint, I wanted to retain some of its history.

Step 3: Clean thoroughly, vacuum off dust, wipe down and let dry.

Step 4: Apply first coat, I used a Primer & Stain in one, color: Mystic White. Let dry.

Step 5: Apply two coats of chosen color, I used Tanglewood (again it was a Primer & Stain in one). I like this kind because it is easy to sand down later. Let dry. (lots of that involved, not a project you would likely finish in a day)

Step 6: Decide whether or not I wanted the shabby but chic distressed look. I did! So I carefully started sanding, down to the bare wood in some places and others just enough to let the white come through. Clean again!

Step 7: Apply an even coat of furniture wax - I used Minwax Paste Finishing Wax, available at Lowes, in-store only - with a cotton cloth. Let dry for a little while. If you are refinishing furniture that will see some heavy use, you could apply water-based polyurethane instead.

Step 8: Buff with a clean cotton cloth.

Step 9: Admire! Find the perfect spot in your home. (I'm still working on that)

Step 10: Attach new latch or preferably an antique lock. (Still working on that, too)

And there you have it. It's that easy to go from shabby to chic (I like to think so anyway) and give an old piece new life.

A word of caution, if you have a truly antique piece that you would like to restore vs. "just" a vintage find, it's best to turn to a professional.