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My favorite little aqua redo

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:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Comments

  5. Redlilocks {Swoon Worthy} says

    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. Joy Burkhart says

    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. Perfect Imperfections says

    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. Maryann @ Domestically-Speaking says

    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. Jaime Lyn at Crafty Scrappy Happy says

    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. Maggie @ Midwestern {Sewing} Girl says

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

    Reply

  29. Katie says

    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. Judy @ In His Grip says

    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. Natalie says

    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. A Lot of Potential and No Ambition says

    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

  37. Michele Alger says

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

    Reply

  40. My Sparrows Nest says

    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. Carrie @ Fine & Handy says

    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. Carrie @ Fine & Handy says

    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. Nancy's Couture says

    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. Karla Medina says

    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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