This Knechtel sideboard came from such a loving home. When I picked it up, the owner let me know that she was happy I was the one who purchased it because she knew that I would take good care of it.
Click here for a list of basic supplies you’ll need for your chalk paint project and here for the typical steps.
Materials:
- Annie Sloan chalk paint (Pure White)
- Annie Sloan clear wax
- Clorox bleach
- Rust-Oleum’s Paint & Primer in Pure Gold
How I refinished this piece:
I started by taking the base off because I knew that I wanted the legs that would raise it up and give it a more modern feel. After the refinishing was complete, I installed sleek, gold legs.
For the top and the drawer, I sanded through 2 layers of veneer and the wood that lay underneath made it all worth it.
To lighten the wood, I sprayed it with Clorox bleach (I bought a spray bottle from Dollarama) and let it dry in the sun. I repeated this process 3 times throughout the day and I was so impressed with how well it worked!
I’ve been seeing other refinishers use a special wood bleach product but haven’t been able to find it in Canada. Thank you The Painted Bench for the suggestion.
The bottom frame,sides and doors were primed twice using Zinsser’s Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Water-Base Primer. Two coats of Annie Sloan’s Pure White chalk paint were applied followed by clear wax to seal it.
The paint was sealed with Annie Sloan clear wax. For tips on waxing, click here.
The original vintage hardware was cleaned using a 1:1 water and vinegar mixture. I boiled them for about 10 minutes and then scrubbed with steel wool. Using Rust-Oleum’s Pure Gold, I spray painted them and the legs.
The new owner is setting up an Airbnb and has been looking for mid century modern pieces to complete the space. She recognized the original hardware on this piece as the same that was on piece her grandmother owned many years ago. When I sent her the “before” picture, it was the EXACT SAME PIECE!! She took it as a sign and loved my modern take on it.
Furniture can bring back such fond memories. There was so much good surrounding this piece. One could call it fate that aligned all the stars so that the new owner now has a piece of a history she loved and that the previous owner can be rest assured that it is definitely being taken good care of 
Kristin Lia Restoration 