Taking on a big project always seems overwhelming at first. However, if you break it down into small steps it is much easier. In this post I will give you simple step by step instructions on how to take an old entertainment center and refinish it.
1) The most important step is to decide what you want it to look like when it is finished. It is okay if you change your mind during the process but you have to start somewhere. Once you have an idea in mind write a list of all the materials and tools you will need and get them. Here is my list including how much each item cost.
- Black Paint- 1 quart $15.00
- Old Bronze Paint- 1 quart $9.99
- Paintable Wallpaper- $9.99
- Sand Paper- medium $2.33
- Paint Brushes- 2 pack premium $9.99
- Dark Brown Stain- $8.90
- Door Knobs- $20.00
The door knobs cost the most for this project and some of these items I already had around the house. I have left over materials from the items that I had to purchase.
2) Prepare the area in which you will work and make sure you have enough room to work. Start by sanding the surfaces that will get painted. It just needs a light sanding; just enough to make the new paint stick. Once it is sanded wipe the dust off and clean the surface and surrounding area.
3) Paint all surfaces that are visible. I painted the inside and outside surfaces. Some projects will require 2 coats other only need one. The best way to tell is let the first coat dry and then decide.
4) If you want it distressed and antiqued then lightly sand the edges and corners once the paint is dry, usually 25-48 hours. To darken the distressed parts apply the dark stain evenly to the entire surface with a t-shirt.
5) If you want the textured door panels then take the paintable wallpaper and lay out a section bigger than you need and paint it with the old bronze (or whatever color your want). Let it dry and then measure how big it needs to be. I choose to center the pattern in the middle of the door. Once you cut it spray the entire back of the wallpaper with spray adhesive and apply to the door panel. Apply even pressure for at least 1 minute to dry.
6) Once everything is dry put all parts back together and enjoy your hard work.
This is an easy way to update the look of any room, and the textured wallpaper door panel adds a really unique touch. This can be done using any color combination. I choose black and bronze although black and copper looks really good also. Here are some before and after pictures.
Tyler is a professional writer and marketer. He enjoys working around the house and refinishing things. When he is not working on a project he is blogging for USCharterService.com