diy - high gloss armoire

As promised... here's the full recap of my newly refinished armoire.

I started out by doing a TON of research about different methods... I really wanted a high-gloss, lacquer-like finish, but without an excessive amount of sanding and smelly toxic paint.  (Oil-based lacquer in a small apartment with very little airflow was not exactly an option.  This was not a project I wanted to lose roommates over.)  And so, I settled on a latex high-gloss enamel paint from Benjamin Moore, that is quick drying, low-odor, and can be cleaned up easily with soap and water.  (Not that I had any spills or anything.)  I primed with Benjamin Moore Fresh Start, that I had tinted at the paint store so that it wasn't bright white.  Step by step, here's what I did:

1.  Wipe down the piece with a cloth to remove any dirt/dust.  Remove hardware.
2.  Sand lightly with a medium-grit sanding sponge.
3.  Cover with one coat of primer, let dry (I left it overnight).
4.  Paint! I used  a mini foam roller for the larger portions, and a brush to get the details.
5. Let dry (again, I left it overnight).
6.  Apply a second coat.  I was more generous with my paint on this application than on the first.
7. Let dry!
8.  Put hardware back on.
9. Admire your handiwork!

Things to note- I removed the cabinet doors and painted them separately.  I bought a gallon of paint, but could have gotten away with a quart (lesson learned).  If you've been reading for a while, you'll remember that I found the brass lion-head hardware for cheap on eBay.

For a first-time project, I LOVE how this turned out.  There are certainly some imperfections, but overall it looks really awesome - it's now one of my favorite pieces of furniture!!  And since I have a ton of paint leftover, I don't see this being my last DIY project.

Hope you enjoyed!

brass, lacquer, good things

A project I'm currently plotting is the refinishing of an old armoire.  I'm daydreaming about high-gloss black lacquer (with perhaps a pop of color inside) and polished brass hardware.  And yesterday, I may have found (and purchased too quickly to second guess myself) these beauties on ebay:

now I am beyond excited, although a little nervous as I have never taken on a project of this sort.  I've been pinning loads of tutorials and reading up on different methods.  I want to achieve a very smooth and glossy finish- if anyone has any tried and true methods please let me know!  I am hoping to tackle this in the next few weeks- so stay tuned for updates.  I promise a before-and-after post of sorts (unless of course I fail miserably, in which case we will never speak of this again.)

sensing a theme...

photos, clockwise from left: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 

I'm planning a move in the next month, and so am dreaming of cleaning/rearranging/streamlining the bedroom.   Projects are being plotted (I see some furniture refinishing in my future) and I am daydreaming constantly about creating the perfect space.  My bedroom is currently white on white on white... with a little peach thrown in.  But lately I am drawn to this combination- bold black with pale blush peach... classic, chic, and a little bit glam.  (Just look at my latest pins and you'll see the theme too.)  We'll see what comes together... but I think that pink ikat rug may have to happen.

Hope you are having a wonderful, delightful, relaxing weekend.