When You’ve Just Got To Paint It Right Stinking Now
August 10, 2009
There’s a little saying that goes through my head every time I see woodwork that is extremely unattractive. I don’t know where I picked it up. Was it during those embarrassing days as a teenage cheerleader? Is it from a movie? The little ditty goes something like this:
“U.G.L.Y. You ain’t got no alibi, you ugly, yeah yeah, you ugly.”
Sometimes you own see a piece of furniture, and at that moment it strikes you. You simply must grab some paint and transform the piece that very instant. When I feel the need, the need for speed, I turn to my trusty spray paint.
I had this extremely unattractive “cherry” bench that I bought online years ago. Real cherry wood is darker and richer. But in my case, it was one of those moments of desperation when you 1) pretend the online photos aren’t all that bad and 2) need something right now and you don’t think the ugliness factor all the way through.
Exhibit A:
I am not a wicker person, and I typically steer clear of reddish cherry wood tones. So what prompted me years ago to throw good money at something so faux? A question Mr. CG has asked several times – I usually just change the subject. But not today. Today, I faced my ugly reddish wicker basketed bench* head on.
*My sincerest apologies to anyone who owns said “ugly reddish wicker basketed bench”.
What is that color anyway?
Must. Address. Problem. Now.
Step One: Sand edges.
Step Two: Spray primer.
Step Three: Miracle worker ‘Heirloom White’.
Step Four: I located the plain Jane cushion that came with this bench in the depths of my linen closet, and with a bit of brown floral fabric, stitched up a quick little slipcover with my sewing machine with the same technique I used for these cushions.
I considered painting one of the wicker baskets for the center, but the bottom was prickly in parts and I risked scratching my paint job. Some canvas bins might work here, or a higher quality softer bottomed basket.
Step Five: Reattach brushed nickel knobs. Reuse wicker baskets elsewhere. Stack a few books. Add a cozy blanket. Voila ! Now I have myself a more Pottery Barnish (not a word) bench.
Once again, the ‘Before’ and ‘After’:
After I completed painting this bench, I posted some words in a discussion about the pros and cons of spray paint. It’s true, and I can’t deny it. The smooth and uniform finish of perfectly applied spray paint on wood makes my heart go pitter patter.
Now this bench is perfect for extra seating at this pedestal table, lounging, reading a book, or enjoying a quick bite.
What about you? Have you ever been stricken with the affliction to paint something immediately and without hesitation ?
Tags: bench, heirloom white, painted, primer, simple sew, spray paint
Incredible. She's done it again! Another beauty. Keep the incredible ideas coming!
if the piece is already painted, do you need to sand it? you said to sand the edges, so not the whole thing? I have a dining room table that is great, just not my favorite color, what steps should i take so I don't ruin it? I'm pretty sure it has a polyeurethane coating on it, and then back paint underneath. I don't know how I should proceed, and you seem like the queen of beautiful transformations!
What a transformation…I love it!
Since I started blogging, spray paint has become my new BFF…who knew!?!
I have a bench with similar baskets & I was worried about scratching, but I found some felt strips at Wal-Mart ($3) – they are adhesive & stick right to the bottom of my basket. Now they slide right out and my paint stays intact!
Yes indeed, I think a lot of us share your condition. Compulsory transformation.
We had that same cheer in high school. Ain't got no alibi. What were we thinking?
Now, are you thinking of TOP GUN when you feel the need, the need for speed?
I believe the “UGLY” cheer comes from “Wildcats” with Goldie Hawn. Love, love, love the bench!
such a wonderful project.. now i will be looking for some of the same items to do one for my bathroo.
keep sending ideas!!
Thanks a bunch
[...] #15 The Catalog Bench [...]
When I added baskets to my newly painted shelves I had the same worry about scratching the paint. I just added those felt stick-on “dots” to the bottom of the baskets.
I agree! We moved into a house this summer with salmon colored shutters. I love pink but could not take the shutters! Spray paint and an hour of labor later the neighborhood and myself were much happier!
I agree! We moved into a house this summer with salmon shutters. I love pink but could not take the color. An hour’s work of labor and 3 cans of spray paint later, the neighborhood and myself were much happier. Great quick fix!
Do you remember where did you get that bench? And for how much? I’ve been looking at some online that like your original, aren’t perfect, but if a cheap and easy transformation like the one you performed on your gorgeous bench is possible- I would be more interested in some of the ones I’ve been finding. Funny that you called it Pottery Barnish- I was totally thinking Pottery Barn when I saw the finished product! Love it!
I spray painted an old large square wood coffee table. I lightly sanded, primed, and spray painted, but it feels a little grainy even though I used a gloss finish. Since it is a coffee table, should I wax seal it? I’ve already hauled the heavy thing back into the house and would prefer a hand wax. Do you know of anything? It’s painted with Krylon indoor/outdoor ocean blue gloss. Thanks.