I was researching sites last night in search of a painting tool when I stumbled upon a great site called Design Sponge. This wonderful site has loads of projects and is a great fishing spot for inspiration and tips! Another thing I loved about this site were all the before and after shots.
One of the projects had a box full of comments, some with very passionate views about painting antiques!! Below are the before and after photos from the post I'm referencing.
photo credit, Design Sponge Online
This leads me to a question, although not as it applies to these particular piece of furniture. Remember, these are not my projects, just examples. In general, how do you feel about painting antique pieces / aged wood? Give me specifics.
I'm pleading the 5th on this because I've done both, I've refinished pieces and I've painted pieces......it's subjective for me. What I'm seeking are honest opinions....I really want to know your thoughts. I'm seeking input for a future project.
Be sure to check out Design Sponge...it's an amazing resource for you DIYs! Thanks Grace for giving me permission to use the photos!
13 comments:
I love painted furniture there is something that just makes it new and fresh yet with the old look also!
Hey question what time does your shop open tomorrow? I was thinking of driving up and shopping!
If it is a piece that is truly valuable, I do not paint it. For ex. I have a secretary that is dated on the top 1832, the wood is original and it is beautiful. I will never paint it. On the other hand the mass produced pieces from the 1920-1940"s I would paint those if I liked the look of it. It all depends on the condition of the furniture and the value.
Lorri
I think it depends on the design of the wood or what kind of wood is used. Those 50's chairs are way better painted but the dresser should have been refinished..IMHO!
I really like the painted furniture. If I have a piece that is in poor condition I will paint it. It is to hard to refinish them. I like to see a painted piece mixed in with natural wood finished furniture. Your dresser is sweet, love the color. Keep on painting........Sandi
Hi Sandi, thanks for the input....it's not my dresser, these are examples from another site. Check them out at www.designspongeonline.com
~LaurieAnna
Laurie Anna,
What gerogeous make-overs, this is not my talent and but I am envious and greatly appreciate what someone else does. Our visit to your shop for the serendipity market was awesome. I love my plates and am using the bird bath in my kitchen for Easter decorations. Will come again soon.
Love to paint everything!!! On occassion I will find a piece that I almost want to cry rather than to paint it. I will try to sell it that way first (unless I keep it), and if it doesnt sell it will be either black or cream with stain. For every 30 women that like the piece painted, only 1 or 2 will be upset that it was painted. I especially love anything with carving on it. The stain after paintint it completely brings out all the detailing...Love Tiina...
LOL...I have to laugh cause Dad and I were debating the exact thing the other day. OK. I would probably not have painted that particular piece cause it is in good condition and the wood is so lovely. However, if it is already shabby, and needs repair and a new life...go for it. Dad, however, sees NO reason to ever paint anything other than the natural wood. He cringes when I ask him to paint something. LOL.
c
I jump on both sides of the fence here. If a piece is more rare and in good condition, I am less likely to paint it. I will paint any piece of furniture if it will enhance it's life while in my possession. Just think of the 'antiques' that have multiple layers of color that just make them that much more beautiful. There were lots of ladies out there with extra buckets of paint and wanted a bit of color I think.
Hi Laurie Anna...as you can tell from my blog I paint alot of furniture.
I feel paint seems to totally change a piece in a way that brings out the beauty that the natural wood just doesn't do. If I feel that I will de-value the piece by painting it, then I will pass it by and let someone else buy it as it is.
I have had pieces that I have tried to sell in the natural wood without success. As soon as I painted it, it sold. I think that the piece on your post is beautiful both ways...It is all a personal choice I think. I love all your posts. But how do you get the time to do it all???
Hugs...
Cathleen
I like to paint the furniture:
If it looks like it needs it.
If it would make me happy.
If it is extremely old I may not.
I think the reason people will quickly buy painted antiques is because they wouldn't normally do it.
For years we were conditioned to think of the value after years. I say enjoy it now how you like it because future generations really don't care..and if they do it will be history like we like shabby chic!
I think it depends on the quality of the piece. If the antique is in pristine condition and has beautiful details, then maybe you should opt to not paint it. But, if the piece has many dents, dings and details missing go ahead and redesign it to fit your decor.
definitely paint! :)
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