A Vintage Magazine Rack Makeover
Back in the day, everyone had a magazine rack. But let’s face it, back in the day we read more hard copy periodicals then we do now. We no longer really need magazine holders because much of our reading is done online.
Yet they can be used to hold other items, right? Like cutting boards, plants, or old-school records. So don’t turn away from the next magazine rack you come across because today you’re going to see how transformative a magazine rack makeover can be!
I’m always pretty amazed by the effect a makeover can have on a sad looking piece.
Materials for the Makeover
The project, of course, starts with a dark and clunky looking magazine rack, straight out of the 80’s I’m guessing. You want a rack that has a dark finish that will show through the paint with a little sanding. This will create the farmhouse, aged look you want.
*This post contains affiliate links for products necessary to complete the project. This is both for your convenience as well as to support my blog, as I receive a small compensation whenever you click on such a link and make any sort of purchase, for which I thank you.
Materials
- Vintage dark-stained magazine rack
- Chalk paint (I used DecoArt “Timeless”)
- Stencil (I used Cafe Paris by DecoArt)
- Sand paper
- Stencil brush
- Paste wax
- Stain
- Cheese cloth
- Small cup
- Spoon
Step 1: Paint the Magazine Rack
Give your rack a coat of chalk paint and allow it to dry. If necessary, give it a second coat. Deco Art Americana Chalky Finish Paint in “Timeless”
one of my favorite colors.
Step 2: Sand Your Project
Lightly sand your project to allow some of the original brown stain to show through the paint. This will “age” it and give it the vintage look you’re after.
Step 3: Stencil the Vintage Magazine Rack
Use your favorite stencil to add some unique character to your project. This Cafe Paris
stencil is one of my personal favorites. I’ve used the entire stencil, as well as each, separate part on a number of different projects:
Step 4: Wax Your Project with Homemade Dark Wax
Lastly, apply a coat of dark wax evenly to the entire surface of the piece with a piece of cheese cloth. Leave it for ten minutes and then buff it out with a piece of clean cheese cloth. using my own, homemade dark wax (see photo).
You can find instructions for making your own dark wax in my Clock-face Table post. It’s a very simple process.
I gave the rack just one coat of wax, which aged it quite nicely, but if you want to age it even more, you can apply additional coats of the dark wax.
The Completed Vintage Magazine Rack Makeover
It makes a nice statement piece for holding magazines but there are so many other things it could hold:
- Plants
- Dried hydrangea
- Files
- Cutting boards
- Cookie sheets and other pans
- Scrapbook paper
I’ll be bringing it up to my antique booth shortly and listing it for $38.00, if I can bear to part with it, that is 🙂
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* I am a DecoArt Blogger Outreach Program Member. I joined because I’ve been using their products for quite a while and I like them a lot. They gave me some paint to use for this project.
Very nice. I like both the color and the stencil you used.
Thanks Kim!!
It turned out very nice and can certainly be used for more than magazines. I can see why you love that stencil.
It’s definitely a favorite!
Hello! 100% agreement with the “hoopla” being over but what a beautiful and magical holiday season it was. I love the paint and wax treatment you gave this piece and the stencil is the icing on the cake. Very nicely done!
JoanMarie
Thanks so much JoanMarie 🙂
Diana, this is a lovely makeover. I have an old magazine rack that I picked up thrifting that is desperate need of just such a makeover. Thanks for giving the link to the recipe for dark wax I had forgotten about it. sb
Thanks Sharon–here’s to tackling our “to do” list in 2016!
Beautiful re love Diana. Super pretty.
Kris
Thanks so much Kris–you are so encouraging 🙂
Pretty! It’s been rescued and beautified! You do great work.
You’re a sweetie, Mary Ann–thanks so much 🙂
Wanted to let you know that my daughter liked the two plates – well platter and plate – that I purchased from you this fall. I told her the story of how I came upon them on your blog. Thanks again.
I’m SO glad she liked them Marcia. I love finding out about the “homes” my vintage pieces find.
Cute piece and great result. I have so many ideas, if I can get my butt off the chair, so tired from the holidays. Grins and have a cup with me, lol, Sandi
I hear you, Sandi! I think you’re allowed to rest for a while 🙂 Here’s to more energy in the new year–
Cute! Instead of a magazine rack, it could be a coloring book storage.
Turned out great Diana. I love it! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
hugs,
Jann
Love the transformation and thank you for the tips on aging!
Diana, I’m stopping by from 21 Rosemary Lane/Share Your Style. Your magazine rack turned out very nicely indeed– simple with just the right amount of ornamentation. That stencil is the perfect touch.
How fabulous would that look on your kitchen counter holding your favorite cookbooks? Great rescue — I don’t think I could part with it! Take care, Cynthia