Antique Radio from Shabby to Shabby Chic!

I am SO excited about this week's blog becuase I am so proud of the way it turned out! I spent this past weekend in LBI and found the most incredible store in Beach Haven's Bay Village, Walker Trading Co. The owners find neglected furiture and restore them into the most beautiful pieces! While I was browwsing through their shop, I found an antique radio which was restored and immeditaly was inspired. This week's inspiration goes to them, and their great eye for diamonds in the rough! Like Walker Trading Co. on Facebook!

I found this radio at an estate sale this past Sunday, and saw it's potential immediately! Take a look at the before and after.

I'll take you step by step how to do this yourself!

For this project you will need:

1. primer

2. color paint of your choice

3. 2 good quality paint brushes- one medium size and one smaller brush for details

4. sand paper

First, you'll need to thrououghly sand down all surfaces of the piece. Depending upon how many layers of paint or stain are already on the piece will determine the grit of sand paper you will need. I chose fine becuase  my rule of thumb is you can always take more off, but can't put more on!

Next, you will need to get a slighly damp paper towel to wipe off the dust and prepare the surface for painting. Do not dampen your towel too much, as you want to make sure the surface is completely dry when you paint. 

 

Now, you are ready to paint. Two important things to know about painting furniture!

1. You will want to prime your surface for a couple of reasons. Priming prior to painting allows you to use less coats of the color paint (which is more expensive) and priming also allows for a layering look when you sand at the end. The primer you purchase should be the SAME finish as the paint finish you choose. (For example, if you choose semi-gloss paint, you should purchase semi-gloss primer.) 

2. You want to make sure you purchase interior or exterior paint, depening upon where the furniture will live.

I chose an eggshell base for my color and primer. Pantone Universe paints (available at Lowe's) has fantastic and trendy colors to choose from. The one I used is called Bay.







Tape off any surfaces that you want to protect from paint. I also removed the knobs to allow for easy painting. Apply one coat of the primer. Let it completely dry before moving on. When the primer is dry, apply one or two coats of your color paint. Also, allow it to completely dry. 
             Primer                                                                         Paint

 

 In my opinion, sanding in the best part because you can not mess it up, and this is where the project really starts to take form. Sand all over the piece, applying different pressures so that you have some areas that are sanded down to the wood and some that are sanded down to the white primer layer.

Once you are happy with the sanding, take another slightly damp paper towel and wipe down the piece to clean off the dust. And that's it! Now get painting!!