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

  5. I am in LOVE with this – so gorgeous!

    I would have totally chucked something else out to make room for it myself lol

    Visiting from Simple Home Life xxx

    Reply

  10. You did a fabulous job on this! Love the dark stain on top (probably prettier than the original veneer) and the aqua or turquoise is beautiful!

    Reply

  12. I just love this piece! It is so unique and you made it really pop with that color. I must agree the stained unusual “patched” wood top looks amazing!

    Reply

  18. What a unique piece of furniture and I love the teal with the dark stained top… beautiful! I’m putting in the PoPP Spotlight this weekend. Thanks for linking up.

    Reply

  22. Hello my wonderfully talented friend! I just wanted to let you know that I featured this beauty over at my blog :o) you are so darn talented!
    Jaime

    Reply

  23. This is ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS! I found you over at Crafty Scrappy Happy & I’m your newest follower! Yay!

    Reply

  29. OMG! I love the colors of this and love what you did to this piece of furniture! I wanted to let you know that you are the reader’s choice for this project today on Sew Woodsy! Come on over and grab a sparkling new “readers choice” button and while your at it you can update your current featured button!

    Reply

  30. This is so great. I saw you featured on Sew Woodsy. I was featured too, I am the burlap table runner, I love the colors they are perfect.

    Reply

  31. This is insanely perfect. I love it so much! I might just try to paint our piano in a similar style! Saw you at A Diamond in the Stuff!

    Reply

  33. Thank you so much for giving me hope that I can achieve this look without shelling out the $$$$ for chalk paint. It looks gorgeous & you completely gave this piece a new life!

    Reply

  35. Stunning! I love everything you did to this little jewel. I would have had a hard time parting with it too!

    Reply

  37. This turned out so beautiful! Thank you for sharing. I love how the details are accentuated by the color. Simply stunning!

    Reply

  40. I adore this re-do. I absolutely would never sell it. It is too unique and lovely! Quick! bring it back to your house before it sell! LOL I really love it! Hugs and Tweets to you!

    Reply

  42. That is so stinkin’ cute! Yes I have a problem parting with almost every piece I do. I do love it when it goes to a home that loves it just as much as I do. I just found your cute blog and I am following :)
    Carrie @fineandhandy.blogspot.com

    Reply

  43. That is so stinkin’ cute! Yes I have a problem parting with almost every piece I do. I do love it when it goes to a home that loves it just as much as I do. I just found your cute blog and I am following :)
    Carrie @fineandhandy.blogspot.com

    Reply

  47. This piece is gorgeous!!!! It would go perfect in my house, which is beach themed, seeing as we live in Myrtle Beach. I love the color! The top is my favorite part. BEAUTIFUL!!!

    Reply

  50. OH EM GEE!! This is gorgeous. I love it. Just found your blog through the shabby creek cottage and am loving your projects. So beautiful. I look forward to seeing more. :)

    Reply

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