If you’re looking to add some character and charm to your dining space, go for this DIY light blue dining room buffet! This unique piece of furniture will not only provide extra storage and functionality, but it will also serve as a beautiful focal point for your dining area.

With its soothing blue hue and rustic charm, this blue painted furniture is sure to become the talk of your next dinner party.

photo of dining room buffet furniture before the makeover

The dining room buffet is a staple in many homes, serving as both a practical storage solution and a stylish piece of decor. It’s often used to store dishes, linens, and other dining essentials, making it an important addition to your home.

But why settle for a plain buffet when you can make it stand out with some color? One of the best ways to elevate a generic dining room buffet is by giving it a fresh coat of paint. And what better color choice than a soft, light blue? This shade not only adds a touch of elegance and sophistication, but it also brings a calming and peaceful atmosphere to your dining space.

Table of Contents

Supplies Used for DIY Light Blue Dining Room Buffet

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Electric Screwdriver
Krud Kutter
Clean Rags
SurfPrep Pro Foam Pads (medium or higher grit) (Use code RAY10 to get 10% off your order)
SurfPrep 3×4 Sander (Use code RAY10 to get 10% off your order)
Vacuum
Tack Cloth
Clear Shellac
Home Depot Flat Latex Paint
Calcium Carbonate Powder
Fuji Q4 Paint Sprayer
Varathane Polyurethane (Satin)
Brown Glaze
Clear Glaze
Zibra Round Brush
Hardware

Preparing Dining Room Buffet

The first step in preparing your dining room buffet for a fresh coat of paint is to remove any hardware, such as knobs or handles, using an electric screwdriver. You want to have a smooth surface to work with.

Next, clean the entire piece with Krud Kutter or a similar cleaning solution to remove any dirt, grime, or grease. Rinse with a clean, wet rag and allow it to dry completely before moving on to the next step.

photo of cleaning and scuff sanding furniture to prepare furniture for painting

Once your buffet is dry, you’ll want to scuff sand the surface using medium or higher grit SurfPrep Pro Foam pads and a SurfPrep 3×4 sander. This combo is perfect for a buffet with intricate details and trim. After sanding, be sure to remove any dust with a vacuum and tack cloth.

Now prime your buffet with 2 coats of clear shellac. This buffet is made with mahogany, and this type of wood is prone to bleed through stains. The shellac will seal the surface and stop stains from coming through paint. Make sure to prime well for the best results!

photo of applying clear shellac onto furniture

The key to a successful paint job is proper surface preparation, so take your time and make sure to prepare furniture for painting. Again, this includes sanding furniture and priming wood for painting – they both help tremendously with paint adhesion and longevity!

Painting Dining Room Buffet Light Blue

For our dining room buffet, we wanted a light, airy blue color that would brighten up our space. We decided to mix our own paint using a custom blue shade of Flat Latex paint from Home Depot and adding calcium carbonate powder to create homemade chalk paint. You can follow our homemade chalk paint recipe if you haven’t made it before.

photo of mixing paint with calcium carbonate

We then used our trusty Fuji Q4 paint sprayer to spray this beautiful light blue color onto our buffet. You can check out our honest review and thoughts on the Fuji Q4 paint sprayer if you’re considering investing in one.

We recommend using a paint sprayer on furniture for a smooth and even finish, especially if your buffet has intricate details and trim. For best results, we applied 2-3 coats of paint for full coverage and a vibrant color.

Topcoating Light Blue Dining Room Buffet

After painting your dining room buffet with a beautiful light blue hue, you’ll want to protect it from any wear and tear. This is where topcoating comes in. There are many topcoats for painting furniture, and we recommend using Varathane polyurethane in satin for a smooth, durable finish.

photo of pouring Varathane polyurethane into a fuji Q4 sprayer using a paint filter

Use the same sprayer to apply the topcoat, and apply 2-3 coats of topcoat, waiting at least an hour between coats. Make sure to sand lightly between each coat for a smooth finish. Once the final coat is dry, allow it to cure for at least 24 hours.

The topcoat not only protects your buffet from daily use, but it also adds a beautiful sheen and depth to the color. Here’s more on sealing painted furniture and how to choose the right sealant for your projects.

Glazing Light Blue Dining Room Buffet

To add an extra touch of character and depth to your light blue dining room buffet, consider glazing it. This technique of glazing over chalk paint involves using a base coat of brown glaze, then once it’s dry, adding additional layers in the corners and details.

For a layered finish, add a mixture of white and blue glaze, created by mixing clear glaze with your light blue paint.

Apply the glaze using a dry brush technique, blending it in with the base coat and creating a beautiful textured effect. A Zibra round brush works well for this type of application. After glazing your dining room buffet, make sure to protect it again with a topcoat.

Use the same Varathane polyurethane in satin for its durability and smooth finish, and apply 3 coats. This will protect your beautiful glaze work so don’t skip this step!

And for the final touch, don’t forget to reattach the original hardware to your buffet. You may need to clean it before doing so – here’s our guide on how to clean old furniture hardware that you can follow.

You can also update the hardware and switch it out for something new, depending on your personal style. Our post on how to change hardware on a dresser will give you an idea of the process.

So how does our light blue dining room buffet look now? Absolutely stunning!

close-up view photo of Dining Room Buffet furniture after the makeover

full view photo of Dining Room Buffet after the makeover

More Before And After Makeovers

Click any of these “before” photos below to view the “after” of that makeover.

Dining Room Buffet furniture with doors open after the makeover

See how the light blue color makes it a prettier and more modern piece of furniture? It’s a simple paint job that makes a big impact. Remember to seal your beautiful buffet with a topcoat, and don’t be afraid to add an extra touch of character with glazing.

And voila! You now have a one of a kind light blue dining room buffet that will last you for years to come.