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Reality Daydream

The Dream is Free, The Hustle Sold Separately

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Tutorial: DIY Painted Buffet w/ a Chevron Pattern

November 26, 2012 by Bethany Sy

How do you like that for a title… so creative, I know.

Sooo HI! I finally finished a piece of furniture to share. It’s been awhile, huh? Things have been slow-moving (understatement of the century) as we’ve been working away on Operation: WALL BE GONE, and chasing our two enthusiastic toddlers. It’s like they siphon my energy and add it to their already extensive supply.

We bought a buffet from craigslist. Sometimes a piece of furniture has obvious potential… and this is one of those. I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it. Would you look at that hardware? *sigh*

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We sanded/primed/painted, using Sherwin Williams’ ‘Antiquity’. It’s a creamy mustardy yellow-ish/beige-ish/olive-ish color. Got that?

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This color looks very different in different lighting… so don’t mind how the coloring varies in the photos.

We hauled this thing into our living room for a time, so I could work on it in the evenings in the comfort of my living room. The girls quickly claimed it as their clubhouse.

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It sat around like this for quite awhile, because I just couldn’t decide what I wanted to do with it to make it ‘special’. Then I saw this on Pinterest, and loved the colors and chevron. This became my inspiration for this piece! I would LOVE to own this sweater btw.

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These next few photos were taken at night, and the color is all jacked up. But I wanted to demonstrate the technique that I used to tape off my zigzags. I wanted it to look haphazard and whimsical, so I slapped the tape on pretty randomly. Here is my process:

Zigzag painting Technique

Once I had my first color done, I started taping over that color to prepare for the next! I don’t know what I would do without my little helpers.

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I’m not going to lie… this is tedious work. Not difficult, just time-consuming. I mostly worked on it in the evenings while I watch The Voice. Melanie is my favorite. I hope she wins!

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At times, it was very fun though. I just love painting!

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I taped off each door 4 times, for the 4 different colors. Taping/painting the two outer ‘doors’ was the hardest… because they aren’t actually doors. They don’t come off.

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Looking through these pictures, I’m realizing the true reason why it took SO LONG to finish this piece.

Finally… the doors are done.

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We glazed (tutorial HERE!) in white. I love the way white glaze makes it feel modern and vintage at the same time.

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And we sealed everything real good with several coats of PolyCrylic using our paint gun. And there you have it…

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It’s a bit of a relief to have this one done. There are so many fun projects that I’m ready to dive into!

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Oh! And it’s a ‘server’ too, so the flaps open to make for a larger surface area for serving guests! I painted that part the same aqua color that’s in the zigzags.

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Before/After:
Before and After Buffet (Zigzag Painting Technique)

Fun, right? I mean, it might not be everyone’s cup of tea… but that’s ok. It would be impossible to please everyone… so we try to please no one! We do what’s fun for us, and unique, and original.
Have you guys gotten in over your head on a project lately? Tell me I’m not the only one!
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About Bethany Sy

Nick and Bethany Sy are the creative free-spirits behind DIY/Lifestyle blog, Reality Daydream. They recently purchased a historic mansion and have been documenting the ups and downs of renovation and making this home their own... all while sharing tips and tutorials along the way! When they found themselves in the trenches of infertility, they started a journey that would prove to be their most important DIY project ever, and have 3 beautiful girls to show for it. <3

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Comments

  1. 9

    Patty Mallett says

    December 29, 2012 at 5:18 pm

    I love it and the fact that you could see something more in that piece inspires me. I always look past the big thick tudor style furniture that people are always getting rid of, but this gives me ideas how to bring it back to a “new” life. Thank you…

    Reply
  2. 10

    Emily H says

    November 28, 2012 at 3:01 am

    You are definitely creative and gutsy! It reminds me of Dr.Suess! Cool!
    I have been reading your blog for a while but had multiple Google accounts and a lot of trouble leaving comments. It took me like 5 minutes to fix it and I’m good now! Haha Your little girls are just so adorable. I’m so glad you got to be a Mommy. 🙂 I love it!

    Reply
  3. 11

    Anonymous says

    November 27, 2012 at 7:34 pm

    I really like it, it would not go with my decor but it’s really nice. The girls are just too cute, trying to help the momma. Thanks for sharing. Mary in NY

    Reply
  4. 12

    runtspickins says

    November 27, 2012 at 3:05 pm

    That looks great! It;s not my style, but I still love it! It’s cool to see because that’s definitely not something I would do. Maybe I do need a statement piece like that in my house though! =] I started sanding this replica ice box my Hubs brought home for my from work. I thought I would hand sand and be done with it – ya, not happening. I started before Thanksgiving and it’s still not done AND my hand still hurts. (I did try stripping the stain but I didn’t like the stain stripper I got and how it was working so I ditched the stripper – poor girl, ha kidding! – and started hand sanding.) I am definitely going to need an orbit sander to finish the project so I guess I’ll have to wait until after Christmas. I asked for an orbit sander for Christmas!

    Reply
  5. 13

    Anonymous says

    November 27, 2012 at 4:27 am

    Nope you arent alone!!! My daughters second birthday is tomorrow so im dying to hurry and finish this vanity im doing for her 😀 !!!

    Reply
  6. 14

    Maria E. says

    November 27, 2012 at 1:34 am

    Not just fun – but unbelievable fabulous fun buffet paint job. I really enjoy and love to see what you come up with. Looking forward to your next project!!

    Reply
  7. 15

    Holly says

    November 26, 2012 at 8:37 pm

    Firstly, I LOVE that peek-a-boo teal on top of this. What a gorgeous surprise! Secondly, I TOTALLY want Melanie to win, too! I’ve even been voting from Germany!

    Reply
  8. 16

    Cassidy says

    November 26, 2012 at 7:09 pm

    Beautiful project!

    Also, I’m going to copy you, I hope that’s ok! (I’ll link back to your page, promise ;). Once I find a vintage dresser for my 9 month old daughter’s room, I want to paint the top in a giraffe print, and the rest in lavender. See how I’ll be copying you? Instead of copy, can we use the word inspiration? It makes me sound better 😉

    Reply
  9. 17

    Kenz @ Interiors By Kenz says

    November 26, 2012 at 6:00 pm

    You are so good at bringing the design to “the next level.” It is outstanding! Are you going to keep this one or sell it?

    Reply

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We are Nick and Bethany! Welcome to our blog, Reality Daydream where we share our DIY adventures!
Click here for lots of art projects using only wood stain on furniture!!
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Attention: Almost any do-it-yourself project involves risk of some sort. Your tools, materials, and skills will vary, as will the conditions at your project site. Reality Daydream has made every effort to be complete and accurate in the instructions of the plans on this website. Reality Daydream will not assume any responsibility or liability for damages or losses sustained or incurred in the course of your project or in the use of the item you create. Always follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions in the use of tools, check and follow your local building codes, and observe all commonly accepted safety precautions.

 

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