Old Sideboard Makeover
We have another fun and creative project to take on – this old sideboard makeover! If you have an old sideboard you want to update and give a new life to, or if you just want furniture makeover ideas to inspire your next project, then you’re in the right place!
We’ll show you how to transform your old sideboard into a beautiful and functional piece of furniture you’ll want to put on display. So let’s get started on this DIY transformation!
The picture above shows this sideboard before we first painted it with Wise Owl One Hour Enamel in a dark gray color. While it looked good from afar, up close we noticed some imperfections. The brush marks and texture from the sprayer were more visible than we liked.
But that’s okay, because part of the fun in furniture makeovers is being able to experiment and try different paints and techniques until you find the perfect result. And sometimes, even if you put a lot of effort into painting a piece, it might not turn out exactly how you pictured it.
The good news is, you can always go back and redo it! That’s exactly what we did with this old sideboard. We decided to give it a second chance, and we’re so glad we did. Keep reading to see how we turned this previously painted piece into a stunning masterpiece!
Supplies Used for Old Sideboard Makeover
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- Electric Screwdriver
- Krud Kutter
- 220 Grit Sandpaper
- Medium+ Foam Sanding Pad (Use code RAY10 to get 10% off your order)
- Electric Sander (Use code RAY10 to get 10% off your order)
- Vacuum
- Tack Cloth
- Clear Shellac Spray
- Painter’s Tape
- Glidden Premium Latex Paint (in desired color)
- Calcium Carbonate Powder
- Vonforn Paint Sprayer
- 400 Grit Sandpaper
- Waterbased Polyurethane
- Valspar Antiquing Glaze
- Cheap Paint Brush
- Baby Wipes
- New Hardware
Prepping Old Sideboard for New Paint
To start off, we removed the hardware from the old sideboard using an electric screwdriver to make it easier and quicker to take off all the knobs and handles. Removing the hardware helps us paint the whole piece evenly without any obstacles getting in the way.
Once all the hardware was removed, we used Krud Kutter to thoroughly clean the surface of the sideboard. Don’t skip this step! Cleaning the surface will make sure that the new paint adheres properly and doesn’t peel or chip off easily.
We lightly sanded the piece next using 220 grit sandpaper. This helps to roughen up the surface a bit, giving the new paint something to grip onto. The combo of using a medium+ foam sanding pad and an electric sander made this step quick and easy as well. Of course we cleaned off any dust with a vacuum and tack cloth afterwards.
Next, we applied 2 coats of clear shellac spray all over the sideboard. This seals any potential bleed through and also helps with adhesion for the new paint color we were going for. We let the shellac dry overnight to really make it set in and do its job. Check out our post on priming wood for painting here to learn more about the priming process.
Painting Sideboard with Homemade Chalk Paint and Paint Sprayer
Before moving on, we taped off the drawers to prevent any paint from getting inside while spraying. This step may seem extra, but it’s important for a clean and professional looking finish. You can check out more tips on how to prevent overspray when painting furniture here.
How to Make DIY Chalk Paint
For our new paint color, we decided to make our own chalk paint. It’s a great way to save money and have full control over the color you want. To make our DIY chalk paint, we mixed Glidden Premium latex paint and the color Basil from Sherwin Williams with calcium carbonate powder and water.
This is a deep but muted green that’s both calm and sophisticated – we love how it turned out! Here’s our detailed homemade chalk paint recipe to guide you with making chalk paint at home. These chalk paint recipes use other supplies that may be more easily accessible for you, so make sure to check them out too.
We sprayed our green chalk paint onto the sideboard using a Vonforn paint sprayer. It’s one of the best paint sprayer for chalk paint options, not to mention budget friendly, so we highly recommend it! We did 2-3 coats of paint to get a solid and even coverage.
Then we wanted a distressed look on our sideboard, and we made that happen by lightly sanding the edges and some areas using 400 grit sandpaper. You can learn more on how to distress chalk paint here if you’re into that rustic and worn style.
We locked in the distressing with a coat of waterbased polyurethane topcoat and let it dry for 24 hours. No, we’re not done just yet!
Adding Glaze to Painted Sideboard
After 24 hours, we were ready to add some depth and character to our painted sideboard. We applied Valspar Antiquing Glaze in brown with a cheap paint brush, working in small sections. We usually leave the glaze on for 20-40 seconds before wiping it off with a baby wipe.
The first coat of glaze is a light one, just enough to add an overall hint of color and create that aged look. Then we went back with a second coat of glaze around details and corners to really emphasize them. Don’t forget to work in the same direction as the wood grain for a natural look! Our how to glaze over chalk paint post should guide you more with the glazing process.
Sealing Paint and Glaze
For the final steps in our old sideboard makeover, we wanted to make sure that all of our hard work would last for years to come. We sealed the paint and glaze with 3 coats of waterbased polyurethane. This not only protects the finish from scratches and stains but also gives it a beautiful sheen.
We also updated the old hardware to give it a modern and elegant touch. We found these white knobs from Hobby Lobby that fit perfectly with the new look of the sideboard! Don’t they look amazing against the green and glazed finish?
More Before and After Makeovers
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Click any of these “before” photos below to view the “after” of that makeover.
So yes, don’t be afraid to give old furniture a second chance! Even if you’ve painted it before and weren’t happy with the results, you can still switch things up and create a whole new look with the right supplies and techniques.
Old Sideboard Makeover
Give your old sideboard a fresh new look with this guide on transforming an outdated sideboard into a beautiful and functional piece for your home.
Materials
Instructions
- Remove all hardware with an electric screwdriver to quickly and easily remove all knobs and handles from the sideboard. With the hardware off, you can paint the whole piece evenly without any obstacles getting in the way.
- Clean the surface of the sideboard thoroughly using Krud Kutter for proper adhesion of the new paint and prevent peeling or chipping. You want to remove any dirt, grime or old wax from the surface before moving on to the next step.
- Lightly sand the sideboard using 220 grit sandpaper to roughen up the surface and give the new paint something to grip onto. Using a medium+ foam sanding pad with an electric sander makes this step quick and easy.
- Apply 2 coats of clear shellac spray all over the sideboard to seal any potential bleed through and improve adhesion for the new paint color. Let the shellac dry overnight so it sets in properly.
- Tape off the drawers to prevent any paint from getting inside while spraying. This step may seem extra, but it's important for a clean and professional looking finish.
- Make DIY chalk paint by mixing latex paint with calcium carbonate powder and water. Mix well until it reaches a smooth and consistent texture.
- Spray the chalk paint onto the sideboard using a paint sprayer, doing 2-3 coats for solid and even coverage. Let the paint dry for 24 hours before moving on.
- Distress the painted sideboard with sandpaper to add a rustic and worn look. Lightly sand edges and details to expose some of the wood underneath, creating a unique and personalized piece.
- Seal the distressed paint with a coat of waterbased polyurethane topcoat. Let it dry for at least 24 hours.
- Add depth and character to the sideboard by applying a coat of antiquing glaze using a cheap paintbrush. Work in small sections and wipe off excess after 20-40 seconds with a baby wipe. Apply a second coat of glaze around details and corners to emphasize them even more.
- Seal the paint and glaze with 3 coats of waterbased polyurethane for long lasting protection and a beautiful sheen.
- Update the hardware with modern knobs or handles to complete the new look of your sideboard. This small detail can make a big impact on the overall appearance of the piece.
Recommended Products
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More Painted Furniture Makeovers
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- Turquoise French Country Sideboard
- Vintage Buffet Makeover
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