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Paint and stain create a whole “new vintage” look for this $9 vintage chair update!
Hello friends!
When I was at the ReStore (about the only place I can find furniture these days!) recently, I came across a vintage chair. Well, an Early American Empire chair, to be exact. It was in great shape except that the finish was somewhat worn. I considered sanding it and refinishing it, keeping it wood. However, with all of the grooves and turns, I decided to paint it instead.
Maybe one of these days I’ll get this sander. I’ve wanted to for forever! But just haven’t bit the bullet on it yet. One day! Once I do, sanding some of these old wood pieces will be so much easier.
Until then, paint might remain my best friend. lol
Here is how I found it.

They called it a hymn chair…and cherry. I’m fairly certain it is mahogany, however.

As I mentioned, my first thought was to restore it.
But paint won.
Maybe if it were a set, but since there was only one, painting was a good choice.
CLEAN
First, we clean.

I used TSP Alternative to clean it up.
And it was pretty dirty.

PRIME
And since this is that fun red wood that loves to “bleed”, I sprayed it with primer before painting.

PAINT
“Chateau” is a nice, neutral beige.

Perfect for what I have planned next.



Everything got just one coat. I didn’t mind if the wood grain showed through a bit. However, the paint covered well with just one coat.

STAIN
After it had dried for a day or two, I pulled out my Driftwood stain and got busy.

I applied one coat…

…then went back and wiped away the excess.

You can see the difference between the painted side and the stained side here.

Which left a lovely vintage look all its own.

I love how the stain brings out the details.
REVEAL

Driftwood is a favorite of mine anyway.

I love how it creates a different type of vintage feel.



And there’s my nosy girl, always checking everything out. haha

PIN it to save it!

Here’s a few other Driftwood stain makeovers:
Have a great week!!
xoxo













