Tuesday, December 18, 2012

White Vintage TV Cabinet

white painted tv cabinet sydney Lilyfield life furniture shabby chic

I bought this cabinet just before I went away - I wasn't going to buy anything before I went but how could I walk away from these gorgeous doors?


  I think the main reason that this piece had no one else buying it is that there was an area of bad damage on the top. Someone had obviously left a pot plant for ages on the wood and it was badly cracked in a large circle. If this wasn't the case I probably would have refinished the top and left it wood but it needed a huge amount of wood filler and then painting to fix it. I tried a new wood filler product and was so happy with it that I'm passing on the details.

the damage once I'd filled it with wood putty
I usually use wood putty for filling and find that it can be difficult to sand perfectly smooth and also that there is wastage as the jar of it usually dries out before you finish it. When I saw the powder form Agnew's Water Putty Multi Purpose Filler (500g for around $6) that you just mix the amount you want with water as you require, I thought I'd give it a try and it worked beautifully. I can honestly say that this gave me the best repair job I have ever done.  Once the cabinet was painted you could not even see where there was damage. I'll definitely be buying it again.

white painted tv cabinet sydney Lilyfield life furniture shabby chic

This cabinet is such a gorgeous piece and a perfect size to use as a TV cabinet.  Once I'd repaired the water damage, I primed it and painted it with my home made white chalk paint and then gave it a good sanding with my orbital sander. I love how the distressing brings out the ornate details. I then waxed it with Miss Mustard Seed's finishing wax and buffed and buffed and buffed so it is super shiny. (a great bicep workout! oh I really need to hit the gym again...)

white painted tv cabinet sydney Lilyfield life furniture shabby chic
white painted tv cabinet sydney Lilyfield life furniture shabby chic

Gorgeous original brass lion head pulls.

white painted tv cabinet sydney Lilyfield life furniture shabby chic

As you can imagine this piece was snapped up and is already in its new home as a TV cabinet.

white painted tv cabinet sydney Lilyfield life furniture shabby chic

I am feeling very relaxed about this Christmas.  I'm not sure if it's false and I've deluded myself to feeling in control. I did a little shopping while in America and then a little more over the last few days. I'm going to do some baking for teacher presents today and I'm giving several cows and pigs to family members so I can just order them online. Such a good present for that person who has everything!  (or kids who have too much already!)

What do you have to do still? are you feeling on top of it all or running around like a headless chook?

Fiona xx

7 comments:

  1. Heifer?? I love that group! I wish I had your talent when it comes to eyeing reusable pieces of furniture and giving them new life. I think it's so great to reclaim and personalize something that someone else thought was too old or too shabby. You should start an Etsy shop (maybe for smaller pieces?)!!

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    Replies
    1. thanks Liz - we send our animals for charity through Oxfam. I'll have to check Heifer out also. i have lots of smaller pieces around but have never thought of Etsy - thanks for that! great idea - perhaps in the new year.
      have a lovely Christmas
      Fiona

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  2. another incredible piece....going straight to my ideas folder!
    Bec x

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  3. A glorious cabinet-what a score, I just love a great auction find. I love how you made the carvings shine. Great work.

    Small House / Big Sky Donna
    White Oak Studio Designs/Hand-Painted Vintage Furniture Restorations
    BLOG: http://smallhouseunderabigsky.wordpress.com
    Facebook: donnaallgaierlamberti@facebook.com

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  4. So beautiful Fiona I can see why you couldn't pass it up!

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for taking the time to comment! Sorry if you have trouble commenting, you can always email me at lilyfieldlife@bigpond.com