Outdated Oak Cabinets Updated with Java Stain

I posted about our master bathroom cabinet update a few months ago, here:

http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8461157380551183494#editor/target=post;postID=4879238404474922297;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=7;src=postname

My mother-in-law loved ours, so while she was out of town I surprised her for Mothers Day by re-doing HER master bathroom vanity cabinet, also. I have wonderful in-laws who are incredibly loving and supportive. I was tickled to bless them in this way!

Here are the AFTER photos:

 My father-in-law was in on the surprise, so he took the light oak medicine cabinet down so I could stain it to match. Here is a tip: If you have brass hinges, knobs or fixtures you want to blend, use Rustoleums Oil Rubbed Bronze spray paint to update the metal finish. It worked well with the java stain here, especially.

It took several more coats than my cabinet did and I was wishing that I had taken a bit of time to sand them, first. The tutorials online say you don't NEED to sand but I found it helpful and worth the extra step. Here is what her vanity looked like, before...your basic builders finish.

 

Since I adore my in-laws, they got a bonus: I re-painted the bathroom walls, too. They chose the shade, a warm rich neutral that was just a shade off from the previous color. It is always surprising how just a shade or two lighter can still make a room brighter and warmer! If you enjoy your current color scheme but wear and tear makes it time to re-paint, consider going up one shade on the paint chip for a simple but effective change.


My mother in law loves neutrals and her home is always warm, classic and welcoming...like her!

 

Spraypaint Power!

Here is a very useful tip when shopping at thrift stores or yard sales for inexpensive home decor:

 

 "Look MAINLY at the shape of the item."

 

So many things are still useful, still lovely...but their color screams so loudly of the decade they were sold (the gold of the 1970s, the brass of the 1980s, the forest green of 1992!) that to the untrained eye it all looks like outdated junk!

 

I never see the color, only the possibilities, because I know the power of spraypaint.

 

 

I loved the (very current) gourd shape of this heavy glass lamp.

What I didn't love? The brass ring around the base and the peachy 90's color.

 

The key with painting very smooth surfaces like glass or ceramic?

 

1. Primer first. (I like Kilz brand spraypaint primer)

2. Paint in an area without wind, on a warm enough day.

3. Shake the can until your arm is about to fall off and you hear the ball rattling. Rest. Shake it again.

4. Slow, even strokes about 10-12 inches away will help prevent drips. It is far better to do 2-3 light coats than 1-2 heavy coats.

5. Invest in the better brands of spraypaint. A $4 can of Krylon or Rustoleum is going to do a much better job than the generic versions!

 

Every time I have had a bad paint job with drips or later chipping, it is because I was in a hurry and skipped one of these steps.

These tips will help you transform
vases
pitchers
lamps
baskets
shelves
picture frames
and more!
into lovely accents for your home.












Next time you are at the store, check out the the spraypaint aisle and purchase a can or two in your current color scheme. Then you'll be ready for the next bargain! I love red and use it as an accent color in my home, so I rely on my favorite shade: Rustoleums Candy Apple Red...these items were recently jazzed with it.
The papertowel holder was in a tired brown honey oak, picked up at a tag sale for $1. The birdhook I've had for years, but recently decided its cast iron material needed perking up.

Keep your eyes open, your finger on the trigger, and save money by utilizing the power of spraypaint!