Have you ever found yourself looking at an old forgotten piece of furniture, one that's been through years of neglect, and thought, "there's something beautiful underneath all of this"?
Maybe it was hidden beneath layers of grime, cigarette smoke, or a musty smell that almost made you turn away. But if you take a step back and really look - past the dirt and decades of wear, you might just find that the bones, the shape, and the detail of the piece still whisper of its potential.
It's about seeing through what you don't like, focusing on the craftsmanship and charming elements like the spindles or ball feet, and imagining how a fresh, whimsical finish could transform it into something you love!
This antique heirloom shelf was exactly that for me!
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Before: Covered in Grime & Nicotine
When I came across this daily heirloom, it was love at first sight... not for the piece in its current state but for the potential.
It was covered in years of nicotine stains, the dark wood was grimy and the smell was overwhelming!
But the charming spindles and perfect little ball feet had me at hello!
Supplies Used: Whimsical Painted Antique Shelf
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How to Prep an Smelly Grimy Furniture Piece for Paint
STEP 1: Clean it Thoroughly!
The first step in this rescue was giving it a thorough clean.
I used White Lightning to help break down the years of built up dirt.
I used a gentle scouring pad to get into the wood grain a bit and to help cut through the sticky nicotine. I used a toothbrush on the carvings and trim...to scrub every groove.
I shared a video of the cleaning process online and it went completely viral! People were full of opinions about my cleaning process and claimed I wasn't removing nicotine....just stain! Well let me tell you....the smell was intense....and there is no doubt it was years of cigarette smoke residue.
Even after I'd cleaned and rinsed it completely....allowing it to dry in the sun....the smell was less...but still present.
Step 2: Prime the Piece for Odor-Blocking and Bleed Through
I chose Bonding Boss Clear primer to try to block the odor and any possible future bleed through...since so much color was still coming off on the paper towels.
I usually use the Gray Boss.....but I wasn't sure of my paint color choice.....or the possibility of lightly distressing to expose raw wood. So just in case I wanted to do that, I went with the clear primer option.
PRO TIP: If you prime with gray or white, you lose the ability to sand back to expose raw wood without a ring of gray or white halo showing. So having a clear option is great!
I applied a single coat of Bonding Coss Clear and allowed to dry overnight. The next day...with careful inspection using my nose (lol)....the smell was completely gone!!! Hallelujah!
I have a full blog dedicated to learning how to prep furniture for paint and determining if it will need a primer coat. Learn all about how I prep furniture for chalk paint HERE!
Bright Whimsical Finish For This Antique Shelf
After much consideration, I chose a bright whimsical finish to offset the dark and heavy look that it once had!
I decided to use SILK paint. Silk is the "all in one" line offered by Dixie Belle. It has a built in primer AND a built-in top coat! The idea of adding one more layer of primer to this piece sounded like a great idea....and having the ability to do that WHILE I paint on the color was a deal sealer!
I painted all the shelves and back board in this fabulous pistachio green color called Everglades.
I LOVE this color so much! It has an energy of its own that represents life for me!
The spindles, top and base were painted in a rich green called Midnight Green.
I then painted every other board down the back in Midnight Green as well.....to finally bring in the whimsical feel!
I fully intended on bringing the stripes onto the shelves as well. But once I got to this look that you see here....I decided it was complete! And because there is a top coat built in.....it really was complete!!
The Finished Look: Whimsical Painted Antique Heirloom Shelf
What started as a dingy heirloom is now a vibrant statement piece that brings joy and color into my home. It's a reminder that with a little creativity and care, we can breathe new life into even the most forgotten treasure!
I'd love to know how you feel about this color combo! Feel free to leave a comment in the comment section below!
More Inspiration:
I pulled a few blogs from past projects that came to mind when working on this piece! I hope you can use them to draw inspiration for your upcoming project. Here are the additional designs for your inspiration:
Whimsical Pop Art Vanity - pink and red whimsical pop art
Tuxedo Striped End Table - a must see unique look
Circus Circus Armoire - from boring vanilla to circus whimsy
Click here for my blog dedicated to Bright & Bold Whimsical Furniture Ideas
Click on any photo below for more up-close photos and all the design details
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