Young House Love

Home Decorating & DIY Tutorials

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How To Match New Paint To An Old Paint Job

Let’s talk about the buffet again. Remember the one that we got for a steal off craigslist and parked in our entryway? Here he is now to jog your memory (sidenote: I think everyone should always pronounce jog as yog and jogging as yogging – it’s infinitely funnier).

Sideboard3

Dude was gorgeous, but he had a few little bumps and bruises that I wanted to heal. I wanted to play nurse with the buffet, ok?

BuffetPaint 1 Before One Side

So file this under super speedy quick fixes – heck the whole thing only took about half an hour and ran me under $3. As for my materials list, here it is:

BuffetPaint 4 Paint

Yup, all it took was a small craft brush that I already had and a $2.99 test pot of paint from Home Depot in the closest possible color to the buffet (I brought home a ton of swatches and held them up to see which ones melted right in and looked nearly identical). Oh and the winning color was Cricket by Behr for anyone who’s looking for a soft moody green tone).

As for my technique, first I prepped the entire buffet by:

  • using Gorilla Glue to secure any loose trim pieces or small wood carvings to adhere them for the long haul (I noticed some wiggly things that I feared might chip or fall off with daily use, so I stuck it to them and gave everything a full day of curing time before moving on to the next step)
  • giving it an awesomely cathartic scrub-down with a Magic Eraser (there were some dingy areas that were sort of smudgy and gray, like a lead pencil rubbing, and they came up with some scrubbing, so it looks a lot less muddled)

Then it was paintin’ time…

BuffetPaint 5 Sherry Painting

I just used that small brush to paint wherever I saw big chunks of bare wood. First I brushed it on and then I blended things with the swipe of a paper towel. I didn’t want things to be thick or perfect, so that paper towel swipe helped to sort of “distress” that area so it blended right in with the rest of it (which is definitely not pristine at all). We love all of the little imperfections and rough spots – so this process was really just about filling in those big gaping holes where something clearly broke off or was much more damaged than a little timeworn distressing.

BuffetPaint 6 After One Side

Here’s a little side by side comparison to help you see what I mean. I didn’t fill in all the dark spots or scratches, just the big gaps. And once the paint dried (it always looks too light when it’s going on) it looked pretty darn seamless.

Bef After Buffet

Here’s another detail to show you the difference. Before:

BuffetPaint 3 Before Middle

And after:

BuffetPaint 8 After Middle

So now she still looks old and loved, but doesn’t put out that dinged-with-a-baseball-bat effect that she was subtly broadcasting before. Boom. Quick, easy, and cheap. Oh and you might notice that our snake-riddled pumpkins aren’t up on the console in this pic (they moved outside to the porch), but I have some plans to do a little fall-a-fying to this surface soon. Oh yeah, momma’s feeling a case of crafty comin’ on…

BuffetPaint 10 After With Door1

Anyway, after gluing, scrubbing, and painting this bad girl, all that was left of Operation Buffet-mou-flage was to apply three thin and even coats of SafeCoat Acrylacq (it’s my very favorite non-toxic sealer, which comes in a satin finish so it’s not all shiny and obvious).

Buffet Safecoat 3

We like to apply it with a small foam roller so it’s nice and thinly spread (thick = gloppy).

Buffet Safecoat 1

And as for the more detailed (aka: bumpy parts) a small brush works to get into those grooves. Thin and even is the key though. Otherwise you’re veering off into gloppy territory again.

Buffet Safecoat 2

Now this baby deserves a “lovingly restored” sticker. Except please don’t put a sticker on my buffet or $herdog will get feisty. Thankfully Clara just contains them to various body parts:

Stickerswoot

Atta girl.

Anyone else out there showing some love to old pieces of furniture without straight up stripping them down and starting over? I gotta say, it’s a nice four-hour project instead of spending a full weekend on something. Those are always nice, right? It gives you more time to gorge on candy corn and then royally regret it about an hour later. Or is that just me?

Psst- Clara’s at it again with her hilariously random conversations here on Young House Life. 

Comments

  2. Gail says

    Love quick fixes and the fresh/clean look of new paint, even if its just to clean up an older piece. We just got through painting the exterior of our house..LOTS of work, but well worth it!

    Also, I just checked amazon and my book (that I pre-ordered in August!) has already been shipping and should be here on Saturday! WOO HOO!

    Reply

  3. Anele @ Success Along the Weigh says

    I love the way that looks. I have this antiquey looking shadowboxy shelf that I bought from an antique mall and the more I look at the dings (similar to your befores), the more irritated I get. I think I might tackle that thing on a slightly warmer day so I can love it again. Thanks for the inspiration!

    Reply

  4. tracy says

    I love this fix. I really liked that console, and all the character it has, but the one thing that was kind of bugging me was the broken off pieces.
    Bonus: the comment above prompted me to check my book shipping status, and it says “shipping soon” and should be here by next Wednesday!

    Reply

    • alisha says

      HA! I was going to ask the same thing! I wondered if a sexual reassignment surgery was also preformed during this little sprucing up project =]

      And I must admit when I saw the post title I thought “NOOOOOO!!!!! Leave that buffet alone!!!” BUT that paint color is an excellent match and the finished project emphasizes it’s (gender neutral) charms instead of hiding them. Well done!

    • Stefani says

      Mmmm no I have to disagree. Not Jimmy.

      I really see this piece of lovely furniture as a classy lady with the name Chantelle because for some reason her older feminine vibe makes me have this song by the Big Bopper pop into my head:

      “Chantilly lace and a pretty face
      And a pony tail hanging down
      That wiggle in the walk and giggle in the talk
      Makes the world go round”

      And so from chantilly lace the name Chantelle just seems a natural fit.

      Am I crazy or what!? :)

    • Stefani says

      Oh just saw that further down in the comments you agreed to name her Phoebe :) well I’m glad she’s a girl! Maybe her middle name could be Chantelle :)

  6. Megan @ Rappsody in Rooms says

    Wow! You would have never known that was a different paint than the original! Impressive. I also just got really excited at Gail’s comment about her Amazon book coming Saturday. I got mine through Amazon too so they had better be on my door step on Saturday!

    Reply

  7. Haley says

    This looks great!! This post is motivating me to touch up my old hand-me-down dresser. I can’t believe I’ve never thought of just touching up the spots.

    Reply

  9. Mahareen says

    I found an inlay chest of drawers at Homegoods during their “India” sale that needs some loving care where some of the inlay came off. Its sooo pretty and will be even better when I finish using your tips – thanks!

    On a whiny note, I was SO looking forward to attending your book signing in NJ this week, but after 3 days without power I had to give up and head south to my parents place in MD. I work from home, so no power/cell service for another 7-10 days (I live in a shore area) just wasn’t going to happen, especially since there wasn’t even any public places that have power and all our friends close by are in the same boat. I am SO BUMMED to be missing it, but thanking my lucky stars that at least we only had exterior damage and no flooding.

    Hope I catch you guys at a future one!

    Reply

  11. Katie says

    I have to say, as much as I love this antique buffet mini-makeover, I would love to see it completely re-painted. But you might lose that lovely antique feel! (and taken 20 billion hours.)

    Reply

  12. Amy says

    It looks perfect! and in response to the “jog=yog” idea…I literally laughed out loud because just yesterday my hubby asked if I had an empty “yug” in my craft stuff… we replace “j” with “y” more often than I should probably admit…but oh well. We have our own lingo and we like it ;)

    Reply

  14. Karen says

    I just thought you should know that whenever I read your posts I play a little game with myself. I skip where it says who wrote the post, then try to guess if it’s you or John. I’m pretty good if I do say so myself! Totally cool, right? Not at all dorky!

    Reply

  15. Kellee says

    Love the way it looks now! It’s definitely looking worn but loved.

    I have to admit that your buffet has inspired me. We have been looking for something (I was leaning towards a small desk) for our entrance and after seeing your buffet, I thought that could work for us too :)

    I was at an antique store a few weeks ago where everything was outrageously priced. I was about to give up on the place when I found an old buffet in the back marked at $45! It’s not painted but we are definitely going to have to strip and restain it (in need of a lot of love) but I think it’s totally worth it.

    Thanks for all the awesome ideas you have!

    Reply

  16. heather s. says

    I’m so glad you did this! Every time I saw pictures I cringed a little with the big spots that were obviously broken/something missing. Now it looks much more aged vs. ugly.

    Reply

  17. Meagan {Green Motherhood} says

    Im impressed you found a matching swatch! Looks great :)
    1 question for the spray paint queen- I just spray painted Isla June’s children’s table and chair set. Left it outside for 4 days to “off gas” (was that enough time???) and now I am wondering if I need the Safecoat? Is that how you “seal” after you spray paint something or do you normally leave it?

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      If it’s for a kid’s room I usually try to use no-VOc paint and this sealer, so yes I would try to get this sealer on it of you can. Hope it helps :)

      xo,
      s

    • Meagan says

      Thanks! Would have LOVED to use some No VOC paint on this but it was one of those projects that had to get.done.right.now! kind of things. Plus, We don’t have any of our tools here :( When we finally move out of this condo I’m anxious to have space (and storage) to finish all my projects with material of my preferred choosing!

  18. Mandy B. says

    This looks amazing…I was wondering if you think this sealer could go on over some old doors that could possibly be painted with lead paint? I love the antiquy (not a word, I know) look, and hate to strip down the beautiful patina they’ve gotten sitting in someone’s shed, but don’t get so warm and cozy at the idea of our little one accidentally ingesting paint chips. The doors are planned to be made into a headboard in our room, btw.

    Reply

  20. Liz O says

    I love that buffet! And I’m glad my child isn’t the only one that puts stickers all over his body. Why do they do that?

    Reply

  22. Ryan says

    I was a fan of the chippy green paint, but I think it still looks great without the nekkidness in spots. :)

    Have fun at your first signing! I hope you’re awkwardly awesome! :)

    Reply

  23. Amanda says

    Looks AMAHZING!!!!!!

    I’m all for a restored by Sherry sticker on the back (where it’s not finished/visible). I inherited a piece of furniture that my ancestor had stuck a label to, saying who first owned it, where and when. I noticed it when I was moving it, and I have to say it was seriously cool!

    Reply

  24. Julie Anne says

    OOOOh. Dear.

    I usually love everything y’all do, but in this case, I do feel like a gentle word of caution is in order before all your fans run off to buy paint and sealant.

    Restoring the color and finish for a contemporary piece that just looks old is a-OK, but to mess with an early or original finish for a real bona-fide antique (anything over 100 years) is a no-no.

    Changing the finish can reduce the value of an antique wood piece by huge (and I truly do mean huge – in some cases thousands o’ beans) amounts of money.

    So it’s good to check what you got including its age and relative value before getting too jiggy with the paint or stain.

    Sears 1974 = OK to paint
    Shaker 1774 = not so much

    The other school of thought also, is that because collectors would never touch the finish of a real antique, that those little bits of wear and tear on a faux antique make the piece look more swanky and real-life-collectible. Just an opinion, not everyone might share it.

    Still love ya, and really glad you weathered the storm well – go cheer up those folks in Connecticut!)

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Oh yes! We definitely aren’t encouraging folks to go crazy and ruin antiques! But if you have an old chippy Craigslist find or hand-me-down that won’t sell for a pretty penny and isn’t a truly valuable heirloom, this is a nice way to make it work in your house :)

      xo.
      s

  26. Allison H. says

    I loved the buffet before and it looks ever better now! Great job!

    Did you know you can take things (for example, the door of your buffet) to the paint center and they have a machine that will match the color dead on? You did a great job matching the color without their fancy technology though.

    Reply

  27. Cassondra says

    Love that! You have such a beautiful home, definitely found the balance in having a modern and clean look but still loading it up with cute and playful accessories.

    Reply

  28. Gabby says

    Such a small amount of work but a BIG result. It looks beautiful!!

    BTW Sherry, what name does Miss Buffet go by? Phoebe, perhaps?? (After Phoebe in Friends)

    Have a safe trip guys and the very best wishes for an awesome day tomorrow!! :)

    Reply

  29. Grace@ Sense and Simplicity says

    I am in the process of giving some love to my dining room table. I painted the legs and am refinishing the top. Do you use that same sealer on stained wood as well. I love how your buffet turned out. Now it looks very loved, not abused ;)

    Reply

  30. Andrea Harper says

    It looks awesome! You’d never be able to tell you patched her up (picture me slow clapping here) And call me crazy, but I liked the big ol’ chippy version as well! Either way she’s a winner ;)

    Reply

  31. Sara C says

    Stickertastic! I hear ya on containing stickers to body parts–we amp it up so that they don’t wander to newly painted old stuff. Side note: did you know that any tuck in shirt can tote any and all toys? The things you learn from two-year-olds.

    Reply

  32. Jen@The Decor Scene says

    It looks great. You really matched that color perfectly. I really love that color on your buffet. It’s like the perfect green. :)

    So does SafeCoat Acrylacq have any smell at all? I have a piece of furniture I need to seal and would love something I can use that doesn’t smell. ;) Thanks.

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Once it fully dries it has no smell. When you apply it it has a bit of an odor though (like any poly, except it’s low-VOC instead of super fumet). Hope it helps!

      xo,
      s

  33. Teri says

    Love what you did to the buffet, but am confused about the gender. You say, “Dude was gorgeous, but he had a few little bumps and bruises” and “So now she still looks old and loved”. Just wondering if you were still on the fence or if it is trans gender?

    Oh, and my daughter did the same thing with stickers. Then when she hit 3 I started finding them in various corners and behind furniture all around the house. It was like a sticker scavenger hunt everyday. Funny kids!

    Reply

  35. Susan says

    I just got a king size Pottery Barn 4 post farmhouse bed on Craigslist for $170. “glimmer”
    I want to paint the light pine in a chocolate brown. Any suggestions about good colors and methods to use so it doesn’t look too…painted and cheap?

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Haha! You only see it when you’re down low (the tripod is like 3.5′ tall) so I always forget to hide it since we don’t notice it in real life. Haha.

      xo,
      s

  37. Shannon Summers says

    I thought I was going to be bummed when I saw the after photo because part of me kinda liked some of the wood showing through, but once I saw the after I felt a lot better haha, is it weird to be concerned for the welfare of buffet tables that don’t belong to you or someone you know personally and that are at least 1200 miles away? Anyways, great fix!

    I’ve been avoiding a similar project, only it’s not painted wood, it’s stained veneer and it’s an antique record cabinet that is quite huge. I’m incredibly intimidated by it and therefore have been afraid to so much as clean it for fear of damaging something. Any advice on how to semi-restore it in a stress free/cheap manner? It’s a kinda a tall order I know, but any advice would be welcomed!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Hmm, that’s rough because you don’t want to damage an antique, so maybe take a picture of it and bring it into a local paint shop and talk to an expert there for advice? Sometimes they’re actually “restorers” and they have lots of tips and info. In general, veneer can be gently sanded and stained/sealed to look like new.

      xo,
      s

  38. Allison says

    See… I knew y’all could give it more love than I could. It looks lovely all cleaned up! And I can’t wait for the book tour, going to see y’all at the Visual Arts Center in Richmond with some friends. Looking forward to it. : )

    Reply

  39. g says

    I GOT YOUR BOOK IN THE MAIL TODAY!!! I LOVE IT! When is the auction for the projects?!?! Will Canadians be allowed? Congrats!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Aw thanks so much! You’re so sweet! We tried and tried to figure out a mail order auction but to make any money for charity we couldn’t ship things (and even having bidders pay for shipping raised worries about damage and lost/delayed-in-customs issues) so it will just be an old fashioned auction here in Richmond at an event we’ll be at on the 8th. So sorry we couldn’t send secret book projects all over the world!

      xo,
      s

  41. Sarah says

    Great fix! I love the color of the buffet – it’s such a perfect green. I was really worried at the beginning of the post that you would cover up all the chips, so I was glad to see that you just touched up the big spots!
    Sarah

    Reply

  43. Lauren Nicole says

    MY BOOK SHIPPED!!!! I am officially going to get zero things done around my house this weekend because I will be devouring my copy of YHL!

    Reply

  45. Ashley says

    Feel like a crazy person… Am I the only one who stared (like… STARED) at the pic of you holding the SmartCoat bottle wondering how your fingers were coming through the front label?! That picture of the droplets on wood totally threw me! Extra points for the unintentional Halloween-y-ness!

    Reply

  46. Allisen says

    Looks great. I can’t believe the color matched so perfectly. Is that the safe safecoat acrylaq that you were using before that came in the gallon paint container? Did they just repackage it? I’ve been looking for it in the paint gallons and haven’t been able to find it anywhere. I think it may be looking for the wrong container. ha

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Yes, we ordered it from greendepot.com since its hard to find in stores and it turns out they repackaged it, but it’s still the same inside. Hope it helps!

      xo,
      s

  47. Melissa says

    Just got this email…

    “Your Amazon.com order of “Young House Love: 243 Ways…” has shipped!”

    Woohoo! Can’t wait to check it out.

    xoxo,
    Melissa

    Reply

  48. Sarah S. says

    Way to match that paint color! It looks great. I love old furniture. I painted my piano last week and it turned out amazing! I used Miss Mustard Seed’s milk paint and it is the bomb dot com. No sanding, deglossing (or even dusting) required! I don’t have a blog but I’d love to show you a before and after if there’s a way to send you a pic.

    Reply

  49. Amanda says

    I am a CL addict myself! THANK YOU for the tip about images on the “old school site”. Even though I spend quite a bit of time on the site, I have NEVER noticed that option. LOL Blonde moment! You seriously just changed my world of Craigslisting! haha

    Reply

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