One of my favorite design looks in furniture is a black weathered finish. I call this my Pottery Barn Knockoff finish - but it could just as easily be a knockoff of a Ballard, Restoration Hardware or Pier One piece. This type of finish goes with pretty much any decor - from farmhouse to a modern look.
The key to achieving this look is the color and type of the original finish. This is a technique that you WANT the original wood finish to show through. And, dare I say it, you WANT brushstrokes! Which is pretty hard for me to admit, considering how obsessive I am about my finishes being flawless!
So here is the before. It was in really great shape, and needed some light sanding on the body to correct some dents and nicks that happened over the years.
The top, however, was in rough shape. Deep scratches in the finish meant I had to strip the entire top, sand, and restain it. I used General Finishes Antique Walnut - it's a gorgeous natural color, that coupled with black looks gorgeous! It shines again with several coats of General Finishes High Performance Top Coat in Satin. Good as new!
I painted the body in General Finishes Lamp Black. Because I was going for a rustic, weathered finish, I didn't prime first. And I painted it by hand, so that the original wood finish would show through my brush strokes.
All the original hardware needed was a long soak in mild soapy water and a gentle polish.
And there you have it...my knockoff of a Pottery Barn piece. I love taking unloved vintage pieces and turning them into something new for the next generation to enjoy!
Follow along with me on my journey of rescuing furniture on Facebook and Instagram! The more the merrier, and thanks for stopping by!
P.S. Forgot to mention that this beauty is for sale in my Etsy shop! (For an amazing deal, I might add!)
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