Oh, the Miracle of Paint!
Hi everyone–I hope you all had a great weekend and a blessed Easter. Ours was quiet–church in the morning followed by a simple dinner with just the four of us since my son had to work. My sweet husband and I did some vintage shopping on Friday, hitting a couple of mediocre estate sales. If you’re like me then I bet you sometimes run across things that are interesting, but not quite vintage enough for you, whether to decorate with or, if you’re a dealer, to sell. But the vintage and antique market is so much more open these days than it was, say ten years ago, to merchandise that has been given a little [or big] face lift. That’s where paint comes in. Today’s project is a perfect example of a piece that dramatically benefited from some TLC involving paint.
I found this firkin–a covered wood stave bucket–at a garage sale, priced at $4.00.
I’m fairly certain by the orange-y stain and type of staples used (not handmade) that it dates to the 1970’s when colonial revival furniture and accessories peaked in popularity due to the celebration of the nation’s bicentennial.
I decided to give it one coat of what I considered a realistic paint color, kind of maroon (it looks a little fuchsia in the photo). I wiped it down with a damp sponge and then painted right over the slightly crumbly varnish because I didn’t want to invest a lot of time and energy in the piece.
Then I lightly sanded the edges and curves to give it an aged appearance and lastly, applied a coat of clear wax.
Still looking a bit too fuchsia in this photo, but I’m pleased to say that it sold within a couple of days of being in my antique booth (for $35.00). Not bad for such a quick, and I must say, satisfying, project. When I paint or stencil vintage items, I always mark the tag something like, “Vintage Firkin, new paint,” so people know exactly what they’re buying. So the next time you see a nice solid vintage-y piece with an unattractive finish or paint job, don’t let it stop you because sometimes, paint can be miraculous!
Thanks so much for stopping by today–
If you enjoyed this post, sign up via email
and receive every post directly in your inbox.
Let’s connect!
Facebook
Pinterest
Blog Instagram
Vintage Shop Instagram
Twitter
Bye for now,
You may be interested in these must-have hints & tips:
Use the code EASTER 20 to get 20% off your order in April.
Our party opens Thursday at 8 am.
Pin Me!
I am always amazed on the power of paint. I will paint anything and everything. It certainly can’t hurt given the condition I find this stuff in. The box looks wonderful since getting its makeover.
You did a wonderful job with that piece, Diana…a beautiful transformation!
I have the IDENTICAL firkin that I bought at a thrift shop for next to nothing, gave mine a rough coat of Old White Annie Sloan Chalk Paint and it looks fabulous. When thrifting, I always look for form and shape over surface color, as I too know the immense power of paint to transform things. Yes, I am also the one who painted my kitchen floor and countertops for a low budget fix. I have never found something yet that couldn’t be enhanced by painting, despite paint “experts” saying that it can’t be done.
Looks much better now. Paint does make a big difference! Love the pic on garage sales at bottom. I’m not home at the moment, but when I get home, I’m going to post that on my FB page.
Paint can create a beauty from something old! And you are recycling in style!
Definitely know the power of a coat of paint! The Firkin came out great. How nice that it sold so quickly.
Paint is always a miracle worker and maroon was a great choice. I loved the Firkin when you first showed it and I am not surprised it sold quickly.
That was a quick and tidy little profit you made there, Diana! May there be more like that, yes? Thanks for the tip about not rejecting something that could be transformed by a little paint.
Did not know the name was Firkin. Just looked it up, turns out I should have known – it was to hold liquids, sometimes as a brewery cask! Yes, I like beer. My husband and I used to make our own (before children). We actually made an awesome raspberry wheat. Hope to start again, it really was fun. Wish I found things like this at our local sales. Your color choice was perfect! Glad it sold:) xo Kathleen | Our Hopeful Home
I just love this transformation! You’re right – a little paint can do wonders! 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing this at the Farmhouse Friday link party! Pinned and shared! 🙂