Shabby Chic; Volume III

shelley_crow

Hi Shabby Chicas! Hope you don't mind me invading.

I've been browsing and have decided to finally do something about my early 1970s eyesore kitchen, it really does make my eyes ache! It's horrible melamine type jobbie with a wooden fingerboard at the top of the doors and drawer fronts.

I've gathered from previous posts that ESP primer will help the paint stick to the abominations that are my cupboards. I was going to paint over all of the door, fingerboards and all. I would like a nice cream colour paint, is there any in particular I should look out for? I would like it to be wipe clean if possible but not gloss, I have 2 kids so the kitchen takes a battering.

My cupboard doors look a bit like this - they aren't as big or as nice as these, the trim is a light wood colour and the doors are browny grey

http://oldhousemyhouse.thisoldhouse.com/2007/06/page/2/

I don't know whether to attempt to put handles on it, decisions!

emma_kate

Hi shelley crow, the most durable paints are the oil based variety and if you don't want gloss perhaps an oil based eggshell? Oil based eggshell will give you a really nice flat look.
I think handles would add a more traditional feel. I haven't used ESP before but I would just add that kitchen cupboards will need a thorough degreasing before you do anything with them. And do take them off and number them! Good luck!

shelley_crow

emma_kate wrote: »

Hi shelley crow, the most durable paints are the oil based variety and if you don't want gloss perhaps an oil based eggshell? Oil based eggshell will give you a really nice flat look.
I think handles would add a more traditional feel. I haven't used ESP before but I would just add that kitchen cupboards will need a thorough degreasing before you do anything with them. And do take them off and number them! Good luck!

Hi Emma, thanks for your reply, you are a shabby chic goddess!

I will have a look for oil based eggshell, would you use a paintbrush or roller?

Do you know, I hadn't actually though about numbering them, I'm really glad I asked! :T

emma_kate

I would use a brush with eggshell as it's a very flat finish so you shouldn't get brush marks but it's all down to personal preference!

Saving-to-retire

Hi everyone. I read this thread all the time but have never posted on here before. I am looking for some advice please. I have been given 2 sets of drawers. Dark wood, polished with brass handles. Would put photo's on but i'm not very technical! I would like to paint them and put on new handles and wondered how to do this. Preparation? What type of paint? Where to buy replacement handles at a reasonable price? Really would appreciate some help with this.

Thanks x

sheilavw

Ive used Annie Sloan chalk paint on a cabinet I bought cheaply in TK Maxx and on an old mahogany nest of tables for my conservatory. Both came out well , just used some wax after. Ive also used some of the paint on an outdoor bench today. I ordered the paint online.

emma_kate

I would take a handle off and take it with you to the DIY stores because if you can find a replacement with the same dimensions and not have to drill any new holes or fill old ones it's so much easier!
You could use chalk paint for an easy refurb as sheilav says, then the only preparation is sugar soaping. No sanding, no priming.

catkins

Hi everyone, I am reading through this thread - am on page 61 at moment but would like to ask a question.

I am pretty new to all this but I love the shabby chic look. I have 4 items of furniture which I have plans for but my question is about stamps!!

I am loving the Olympics and want to get some of the stamps - general olympic ones and some of the gold medal winner ones.

I don't want to just put them away - I want them to be on show but any ideas? Would you just frame them or has anyone any other ideas?

emma_kate

Old print tray to show off your stamps?
http://julienuttingdesigns.blogspot.co.uk/2011/03/charms-and-printer-trays.html

Saving-to-retire

Thanks Emma and Shiela. Can I buy the paint at DIY stores or do I need a specialist shop or internet. Thanks for the advice about sugar soap as I thoight I would have to sand them down. I'm going to look for some crystal type knobs as theyre for the bedroom and I think they would look quite pretty. Will try to upload some photos.

Thanks again
Ju x