My favorite little aqua redo

ByCarrie Posted on Updated on

I picked up this little radio cabinet at a massive yard sale earlier this summer. I really liked the shape but it was in terrible condition. Luckily, I was able to scoop it up for just five bucks.

old radio cabinet before painting

 

One of the huge problems on this piece was the dry, peeling veneer on top. I started to repair it with wood filler, but then seeing just how loose it was, decided to try peeling it off instead.  I was able to scrape it right off using a paint scraper.

removing the veneer from an old radio cabinet

I got really excited when I found this unique hardwood top underneath – it is pieced together from strips of different types of wood.  I’m sure it was never meant to be seen, but with a little stain, it was gorgeous!
 
removing peeling veneer to reveal a beautiful wood strip top

I decided to go aqua with this piece – my absolute favorite color.  I didn’t use any fancy paints – just plain old latex paint.  I sanded a few rough spots and then rolled on some primer.  I painted it using a gallon of mistint paint I was lucky enough to find at Lowes for $5, but if you are looking for a similar color, it was very close to the color Aqua Ocean by Valspar.

old cabinet updated with aqua latex paint and chesnut stain

I used 100 grit sandpaper to heavily distress the whole cabinet, especially the curves and corners.  And then I used Minwax English Chesnut stain to give more of an antique feel.  I wiped the stain on with a cloth in small sections and then immediately wiped all of the excess off with a damp cloth. There were some areas where the stain still looked ‘dirtier’ than I wanted so I wiped them down lightly with paint thinner.

 

aqua painted vintage radio cabinet

 
aqua upcycled radio cabinet
 
Of all the pieces I have redone to sell, this is the only one so far that I have had a hard time parting with.  I thought about keeping it, but I don’t have the perfect place for it, so to the shop it went.
 
 

Looking for more painted furniture inspiration?  Check out these tricks and transformations:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Hi I'm Carrie and I’ve been sharing approachable, budget-friendly home DIY projects here at Lovely Etc. for over 14 years! I firmly believe that you can transform the house you already have into a home you love - on your real life budget. I'm here to share creative DIY projects and helpful tutorials to help you create a space you love to come home to.

128 Comments

  6. You work miracles – that piece is beautiful! Love the rustic, stained top and the turquoise. Great work!

    Visiting from Tip Junkie. Following you now. :)

    Reply

  8. I love it…like, I would sneak in your house at night and steal it love it. I can never wrap my head around people who get rid of such “good” stuff, but I’m always glad they do…so I can have it!

    Reply

  14. Love love love that you used that top! It’s fantastic! The turquoise color is smashing too, wanna share that perfect shade? *drooling**

    Reply

  15. I absolutely love this piece…love how you stained the wood top, love the color and love the glazing. I’ve tried that before, using stain, and it always looked dirty, like you said. So, I will give it a go again w/ paint thinner on hand…thanks for the tip!!! Awesome find and love how you got creative w/ the missing cabinet door!

    Reply

  16. I’m so in love with this piece! Turquoise is my favorite color too and I’m loving the stained top. The accessories you decorated it with are darling as well :)

    Reply

  19. and i know your name is carrie- i read the comments (katie’s is at top) and just had a brain lapes- blame it on the wine and my current mental state- ugh!) sorry!

    Reply

  20. and i know your name is carrie- i read the comments (katie’s is at top) and just had a brain lapes- blame it on the wine and my current mental state- ugh!) sorry!

    Reply

  25. Hands down, the color you chose was the best for this piece! I adore it! Thanks for writing me back, I love it when I get a response from other bloggers!

    Reply

  35. You did a great job on this…it is definitely an unusual piece and I love how you chose to refinish it! I just picked up a $5 little table yesterday at Restore…don’t ya just love a good deal?!

    Reply

  40. ohhh my goodness I am soo so so so in love! You seriously inspire me more and more with each post! I am telling you—-I think you are the best!
    Jaime from Crafty Scrappy Happy

    Reply

  45. oooh! i love that you kept the rustic top and didn’t try to make the piece “perfect”! i have a similar piece waiting in the wings and you’ve inspired me to get my booty movin’!

    amy

    Reply

  46. Such a great color and the top is just amazing
    Visit from primitive and proper
    Stop by if you have time

    Rasha @ Mychampagnetaste

    Reply

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