Shabby Chic; Volume III

Catriona_P

Thanks guys, based on last night's efforts I think a heat gun might be the way to go, I made such little progress . The paint stripper makes the paint bubble a bit but the scraper doesn't get much of it off.

Pretty sure the paint isn't lead based as the guy who took the stuff off the floorboards didn't mention it at any point. And I can't take the fireplace off the wall since it's the original and would probably bring the plasterwork off with it.

Catriona_P

Ugh this fireplace is KILLING me, why did I ever start it! :mad:

Progress is slower than a tortoise. I'm now pretty sure that the fireplace isn't original as we thought, but actually wood veneer. Scraping the paint off is leaving lines in the wood (but not deep ones). The trouble with this is that the paint stripper causes the paint to blister but it only scrapes off in small pieces, so it takes forever. Not sure a heat gun would work any better actually.

I spoke to our nice 'professional' wood guy who stripped our doors and he told me to buy some expensive strong stripper but said regardless it will be a long job. Doh.

tiff

Honestly, sand it all down and paint it black, life's too short lol x

Catriona_P

tiff wrote: »

Honestly, sand it all down and paint it black, life's too short lol x

I've tried sandpaper and wire wool, it doesn't get the paint off. Totally agree, just trying to get it to a place where I can paint over it again (in a more agreeable colour) without it looking like I tried to take all the paint off! :rotfl:

chalkysoil

If you haven't tried a heat gun, try pouring boiling water over it with towels to catch the run off. Are you using an electric sander?

Try everything in the house - nail varnish remover can be evil. Mr Muscle, limescale remover, washing soda...

I have bought a few 2nd hand fire surrounds - ebay/ boots/ junk shops and one rtc from B&Q prices from 99p to £30
Just in case you lose the plot and kick it to death

Kevie192

Hi all,

Just a quick post to show you these coasters I've made. They're the first Xmas presents I've made this year and all the ladies in the family will be getting some!



Made from 4" white tiles, Cath Kidston napkins and some felt. I am really pleased with them!

Hope you like them

Kevin x

hannahsmamma

Ooooh! I like these coasters. How did you make 'em?

bubblegumcola

Kevin, those coasters are fab! Great idea. Do you have any tips for making them?

tatabubbly

Would also love if you could PM me how to make them Kev, they look fab!

shandyclover

Just after some advice, I must admit I am rather in awe of all you experts!

Oldest DD has just moved out. Younger DD's now get their own rooms each. Trouble is all the furniture we have to make up their rooms will be mismatched (a mahogany coloured mdf wardrobe, a 70's light coloured veneer wardrobe, cream laminate chest of drawers etc etc..) We can't really afford to buy all new matching furniture at the moment and shabby chic is not really the girls style but if I was wondering what is the possibility of just painting it all so at least it matched in colour even if it was not the most modern. i.e. black, red or purple? Anyone tried this?