Nearly all of us have that big, outdated and sadly unfashionable or no longer desirable solid wood armoire that was the “it” thing in the late 80′s and early 90″s. Actually many of them can be found at your local second hand furniture shop. While its original purpose was as an Entertainment Unit, it is time to recreate and revitalize these relics, and what could be more useful than a self contained and wonderfully organized home office. Your old Armoires are perfect for keeping your work organized and away from the “little fingers” of children and eliminating clutter from your home.

While we need to reinterpret the interior of the Armoire and reconfigure it for a computer monitor, pullout keyboard, fax machine, shelves and drawer; the exterior also needs a complete makeover. The majority of these units have a boxy design with a dated wood finish in pine or oak. A quick trip to your local hardware shop will provide a plethora of carved details that can easily be glued on to the exterior, such as a carved appliqu? for over the doors, carved wood rope mouldings for around the inset in the doors, a chunky crown moulding to cap off the top and of course, beautiful new chunky dark hardware. Then it is time to give the exterior a dramatic distressed finish perfect for both traditional and modern decors. The paint technique is actually very easy (believe it or not). First paint the exterior in a deep rich umber latex paint, once this has completely dried coat the exterior with a thick crackle medium and then top coat it in a lighter tan or rich cream tone (latex paint). The finished exterior has the effect of a family heirloom perfect for any d?cor and all of these materials are available at your local paint store.

While the exterior is classic and elegant, the interior is to be finished very modern, inspiring and of course, sexy! Paint the interior a dramatic gloss black, Sky Blue or Chinese Red. Then transform it so that it can be act as a home office with a counter and pull out tray added (available at local hardware stores). Add a dry erase board to the back and frame it with simple wood moulding. Then add chrome shelves for storage and chrome mesh trays to the inside of the doors. Let your imagination go wild on the interior. Make the interior as inspiring, sexy, glamourous and as wonderful as you are, don’t forget that the goal of this project is to motivate and inspire you to work, write and create. Make sure when beginning the interior to cut the appropriate holes in the bottom of the Armoire for your computer, fax and other electronic equipment, and if the budget allows, opt for a new flat screen monitor. Your newly transformed “old” armoire will become the perfect home for your computer, fax and all business materials in order to keep your work organized and your home clutter free.

Distressing Tools and Materials

o Satin, acrylic basecoat paint

o Satin, acrylic topcoat paint

o Crackle Medium

o Satin, interior clear protector (optional)

o Fine grit sandpaper

o 2″ nylon/polyester paintbrushes

o Cotton cloths

STEPS

1. Apply basecoat color to surface, using 2″ brush.

2. Allow basecoat to dry a minimum of four hours.

3. Using a wide brush apply the Crackle Medium. The heavier or thicker you apply the more dramatic the finish will appear.

4. Apply topcoat color to the entire piece of furniture.

5. Allow topcoat to dry a minimum of 24 hours.

6. Using fine grit sandpaper, sand lightly with the grain of the wood, thus removing the topcoat in some areas and revealing the basecoat even further on raised edges.

7. For a realistic worn look, sand areas such as knobs, handles and table tops more heavily.

8. Clean the surface and use as is. For better protection of the finish, apply a satin interior clear protector.

By: Robin De Groot

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One of the most common problems I see in homes is paneling. Faux wooden paneling found its heyday in the sixties and seventies, and has become the nightmare of the modern decorator.

In those days, wooden paneling was often put up in lieu of drywall because it was easier and cheaper. The problem with paneling is that it’s dark, dull, outdated, and difficult to replace.

Not everyone has the money or energy to take on the project of tearing out walls of old paneling and replacing them with drywall. It can be a financial and mental drain.

Thankfully there is a cheaper solution. Painting paneling has been an overlooked solution to this common problem. I’ve met many people who did not believe that their wooden paneling could be painted, and many more that believed that painted paneling would look terrible.

Neither of those is true. Paneling can be painted, and it can look great. You can turn that dark and dingy paneling into something bright in the course of a few hours. But there are several special preparation steps that need to be followed to get great and lasting results.

Here is what you’ll need:

• Liquid Deglosser

• Oil-based (Shellac-based) Primer

• Latex Eggshell or Satin Finish Paint

• 3/8” Nap Paint Roller

• 2” Nylon-Poly Brush

• Painter’s Tape

First Step: Deglossing

Begin by cleaning the paneling and taping off ceilings, adjoining woodwork, windows, etc…

• Tip – Be certain that your area is well ventilated. Turn on fans, open windows.

Wooden paneling has a natural gloss or shine to it. The first step in ensuring that your paint will adhere to the surface is to remove the gloss. You could sand the entire surface with fine-grit sandpaper… But that is entirely too messy and labor intensive. There’s an easier way.

Liquid deglosser is a great product that can take the sore muscles and dust out of the equation. Once applied, it removes the gloss from painted and wood surfaces, allowing primer and paint to better adhere to the surface.

Using a lint-free cotton rag, apply the deglosser lightly to the surface of the paneling in five foot strips. Allow the deglosser to sit on the surface for the directed amount of time (follow label instructions), then move to step two.

Work across the wall in sections…deglossing and then priming the deglossed area. Deglosser is only effective for a set amount of time (usually no longer than an hour) so the primer must be applied over the deglosser in that amount of time.

Second Step: Priming

Select the right primer for your project. For wooden paneling, I suggest an oil-based primer. This adheres better than water-based and provides superior stain-hiding coverage. But remember the tip about maintaining a well ventilated area.

Apply the primer with a brush and roller. Use the brush to “cut in” and prime into the grooves of the paneling. Roll out the remainder.

• Tip – If you are intending to paint a darker colored top coat, use a properly tinted primer.

Third Step: Painting the Paneling

Finally, apply the eggshell or satin finish over the dried primer. Be sure to allow primer sufficient time to dry before beginning to apply the paint.

Cut in along the edges and into the paneling’s grooves with a 2” brush, then roll out the remainder of the wall with a 3/8” nap roller.

If necessary, allow the base coat at least 6 to 8 hours to cure before applying a second coat.
When finished, remove all tape as soon possible. If the paint has dried and formed a skin over the edge of the tape, run a utility knife along the edge of the tape to separate them.

Painted paneling can make a tremendous difference in the look and feel of a space. Update (and upgrade) your outdated and dull rooms by painting paneling.

By: Adam M. Smith

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