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Home » Painting Good Wood
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May 3, 2012 · 47 Comments

Painting Good Wood

DIY

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Ok, so I showed you all my recovered hope chest.  I love the fancy new material in my spruced up living room.  But when I showed you my hope chest, I asked the burning question…to paint or not to paint??
I asked…you answered.  The majority of you said to paint it and your color of choice was black.  I was however, surprised by the number that suggested I paint it white.  White?  Really??  I never thought of white.

, Saving 4 Six
Anyway, a few were concerned that I would paint “good” wood.
What exactly is “good” wood?
I asked My Better Half and he said he would define it as “unblemished hardwood”.
My hope chest is cedar on the inside but simply Red Oak veneer on the outside.

This is much like my Grandmother’s Dresserand Vanity that I milk painted last year.  These were both covered in a Mahogany veneer as well.

, Saving 4 Six

, Saving 4 Six

Although, I’m not saying I would never paint “good” wood,  none of these items are what I would consider to be such.

With that being said however, I must present the argument that even if something is considered “good” wood and you are unhappy with its appearance…why shouldn’t you paint it??  I’m not trying to start a fight…I just think it would be a shame to have a piece of furniture in your home that you don’t LOVE just because it is “good” wood.  Why not paint it and LOVE it!??

Just asking…

Ok, all that to say…I painted my hope chest…BLACK!!!

, Saving 4 Six

, Saving 4 Six

, Saving 4 Six

 and…I LOVE IT!!!
Blessings,
, Saving 4 Six
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Comments

  1. Anonymous says

    May 4, 2012 at 12:37 AM

    I guess I’m a ‘chicken’ when it comes to painting good wood! lol…but I don’t think I have the ‘eye’s to see the finished product. Your cedar chest turned out absolutely beautiful!!! Now I can ‘see’ why they suggested black! Just stunning…way to go!!!!!! I just recently found your blog and I have spent waaayyy to much time at the computer catching up on your past posts! I thoroughy enjoy each one! Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • Carrie says

      May 4, 2012 at 2:36 PM

      Ahhh, thanks so much. I certainly know what it’s like to get sucked into someone’s blog or Pinterest board. I wonder where that hour went!!

      Reply
  2. Anonymous says

    May 4, 2012 at 1:23 AM

    what kind of paint did you use?

    Reply
    • Carrie says

      May 4, 2012 at 2:34 PM

      I used a Flat Black Oil Based Enamel. Enamel holds up better than latex. The brand I used was Rust-oleum…only because that’s what I had. I have used other brands of Enamel and they have done the same job!

      Reply
  3. Juju says

    May 4, 2012 at 2:07 AM

    I have a very similar hope chest (ash-gray colored oak veneer outside, and solid cedar inside). It got ruined when we were moving back from overseas a few years back…the crate it was in was dropped off the side of the ship and into the sea.
    The bottom trim that acted as the legs is gone, and some of the veneer is cracked and bubbled.
    I plan to sand it, paint it and make a nice padded top for it. Thanks for the awesome inspiration!!

    Reply
  4. Margo says

    May 4, 2012 at 12:53 PM

    I like the black with the material you chose!

    Reply
  5. Linda @ it all started with paint says

    May 4, 2012 at 1:15 PM

    Carrie, regardless of whether or not the chest was considered “good wood” you may a “good” — no, make that “great” — choice in painting it black. Now the amazing fabric you chose just shines …

    🙂

    Linda

    Reply
  6. Briana Richardson says

    May 4, 2012 at 2:27 PM

    I love the finished product! Great work!

    Reply
  7. Theresa says

    May 4, 2012 at 2:59 PM

    Looks great! I knew the black would look good.

    Usually men are the ones to balk at painting wood. Thankfully I am not married to one of those cuz I am not big on the natural wood look.

    Reply
  8. Ann @ Housefinally says

    May 4, 2012 at 4:58 PM

    So. Much. Better. Look at all the China Cabinet/Hutch makeovers on the web and they ALL look so much better painted. Good for you. I agree with Theresa, for some reason, men have an aversion to painting wood! I wait till he goes on a fishing trip, and then out come the paint cans!

    Reply
  9. Michele says

    May 4, 2012 at 9:11 PM

    I like the way your chest turned out. Sign me up with you on the don’t get the “don’t paint good wood” issue, too. A room or house with endless wood can get boring, imo.

    Reply
  10. Janet says

    May 4, 2012 at 11:11 PM

    Beeeeuuuutiful! I’ve always been told not to paint such things as a cedar chest (mine’s cedar in and out) but love how yours looks now.
    craftythriftydecoratingwifemom.wordpress.com

    Reply
  11. mary says

    May 5, 2012 at 1:25 AM

    Did you prime/sand it first? And did you wax it when finished. Details please.

    Reply
    • Carrie says

      May 6, 2012 at 10:38 PM

      I scuffed it up with a scotch-brite pad and then painted directly with my oil based enamel. When you are putting oil based over oil based it adheres fine without primer. I didn’t wax or seal it for easy touch-ups in the future.
      Thanks for visiting!

      Reply
  12. micki @ ADD housewife says

    May 5, 2012 at 1:26 AM

    i do love it in black! Think about linking it up to our UFO party since you weren’t sure and now you’re done with it 🙂 http://www.addhousewife.com/2012/04/ufo-link-party.html

    Reply
  13. Barbe @ Beez Rental Designs says

    May 5, 2012 at 7:17 AM

    Hi I found you over at the Feathered Nest party. I love your chest in black. My first thought would have been white, but the black really makes your fabric stand out! I kind of go back and forth on painting wood. I love some natural finishes, but love painted pieces to. Honestly, I have more painted pieces in my home. lol I’m a new follower and would love if you’d link to my Frugal Treasures Tuesday party going on until Sunday. Have a great weekend.

    Reply
  14. Laurel Stephens says

    May 7, 2012 at 4:35 AM

    Love your hope chest!

    Reply
  15. Christine @ Angel Stitch Embroidery and Jezebel says

    May 7, 2012 at 2:32 PM

    I think your hope chest looks so pretty! I also don’t paint “good” wood. It devalues it if it is an actual antique. And, when the paint all wood craze is over I don’t want to have to scrape all the paint off, lol…..I think its like painting brick, its very hard to go back if you don’t like the outcome.

    Reply
  16. Anonymous says

    May 7, 2012 at 11:02 PM

    Fabulous! You made the right decision! If you do want to refinish it again, they make many, MANY paint strippers that are easy to remove. (I use a orange based, gel remover, coat it thickly and let it sit overnight. A plastic spatula will make it slide right off…)

    That said, THIS and all the other painted furniture out there has inspired me to paint over heirloom pieces that were pretty cheap to begin with and not very pretty to look at. I hope they transform as well as your piece did.

    Great job!

    Reply
  17. Sanghamitra Bhattacherjee(Mukherjee) says

    May 8, 2012 at 2:36 AM

    I love it and so creative. I think it turned out fabulous! Thanks for sharing.
    Hope to see you on my blog:)

    Reply
  18. Ginny @ OrganizingHomelife.com says

    May 8, 2012 at 2:38 AM

    Yay! I was rooting for black. 🙂 I love it!!

    Reply
  19. Annette {This Simple Home} says

    May 8, 2012 at 2:22 PM

    I like it!

    I wouldn’t consider veneer to be good wood. My problem is that I have MANY (close to 10) pieces of solid wood items made by my husband’s grandfather and my great uncle. Yep…some are even cherry. I’m thinking the few pine ones may be painted some day, but it’s HARD!!! I think going with classic black or white is wise.

    Reply
  20. Annie says

    May 8, 2012 at 11:54 PM

    Veneer is not a bad thing! Furniture makers have used veneers for centuries. If the furniture piece is in good shape and of a style I like, I would never think of painting it. Also, I’d never paint an antique piece unless I consulted an expert first. You can destroy the value of an antique by painting it.

    Reply
  21. Six Sisters says

    May 9, 2012 at 12:09 AM

    This turned out beautifully!! We’re so glad you joined us for “Strut Your Stuff Saturday.” Thanks and come back soon!! -The Sisters

    Reply
  22. Six Sisters says

    May 9, 2012 at 12:19 AM

    We’re so glad you joined us for “Strut Your Stuff Saturday.” Thanks and come back soon!! -The Sisters

    Reply
  23. Recipes We Love says

    May 9, 2012 at 1:48 AM

    Love the colors! This turned out really nice! Found you on Reasons to skip the housework.

    amber
    recipeswelove.net

    Reply
  24. Seaweed and Raine says

    May 9, 2012 at 10:56 AM

    We have had the “painting timber” conversation here many times. I have a timber veneer baby cupboard (contains hanging space, shelves & drawers) and the veneer is quite dark. I think I’d like to paint it something light… but hubby thinks I should leave it alone (even though the french polish has seen better days). I’m still undecided. (And he would be doing some of the work).
    Glad you finally have a piece of furniture that you LOVE! 🙂

    Reply
  25. Katie @ Pincushion Creations says

    May 9, 2012 at 5:04 PM

    WOW!!! That looks fantastic! Love the pillows too!! I would LOVE to have you share this at my link pary! I am your newest GFC follower!

    http://www.pincushioncreations.com/2012/05/homemade-by-you-11-giveaway.html

    Reply
  26. Connie says

    May 9, 2012 at 9:12 PM

    Hi Carrie: I’m Connie, a new GFC friend. I would love if you stop by http://hotflashncraftn.blogspot.com/, and be mine, too.
    I love the hope chest seat. It looks great in that room. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  27. mandysmoney says

    May 9, 2012 at 11:22 PM

    Loving the finished product!

    Reply
  28. Mindie Hilton says

    May 10, 2012 at 1:57 PM

    Very pretty!

    Reply
  29. Stacey says

    May 10, 2012 at 6:46 PM

    That looks beautiful – very pretty!
    I would love if you stopped by my linky party to link it up! I would love to have you there!
    Stacey of Embracing Change
    http://staceyembracingchange.blogspot.com

    Reply
  30. Nicole Estes says

    May 11, 2012 at 5:49 PM

    Oh, it turned out sooo pretty! Love the before and after pics. I found your link on Delightful Order’s Link Party. I would love for you to post this on my link party at… http://www.doodlesandstitches.com/2012/05/link-party-time.html
    Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  31. Ginger says

    May 17, 2012 at 7:26 PM

    Featuring YOU today! 🙂

    Thank you so much for sharing!

    Ginger @ gingeersnapcrafts.com

    http://www.gingersnapcrafts.com/2012/05/take-look-at-you-my-favorites_17.html

    Reply
  32. Jenilyn says

    May 18, 2012 at 7:26 AM

    This is lovely! I would love for you to link these up to “I Made This” at Grits & Giggles! http://www.gritsandgiggles.blogspot.com/2012/05/i-made-this-5.html

    Reply
  33. Andrea says

    May 19, 2012 at 1:52 AM

    Love it!!! I have the same wonderful fabric that I found one night months ago just walking through Walmart. It jumped out at me and I knew it would look great somewhere. Just gotta decide where. Anyway I am your newest follower!! I just started blogging myself and have two little men. I am hoping to hope school also, so I will be back to look for tips and ideas for my home and little ones. Have a great weekend!!
    Andrea
    http://www.myblessedmess-4.blogspot.com

    Reply
  34. Mariah says

    May 28, 2012 at 9:46 PM

    I personally fall into the category of – if it's yours, and you don't like it how it looks, then paint it if that will make it worth more for YOU to own. My dad is of the mindset that "you don't paint wood, period.". Well, we moved into a house with SO much natural woodwork, which is nice because it's good quality – doors, trim, all cabinetry. Problem is, for me, it

    Reply
  35. Dayjah Day says

    June 4, 2012 at 10:33 PM

    wow i have a build in chest similar to this in my entryway. i have been looking for ideas for it and haven’t found anything that would be nice to do with it until now. so thanks for the idea.

    Reply
  36. raparigamoderna says

    June 25, 2012 at 11:45 AM

    Nice job, like it !

    Reply
  37. Anonymous says

    July 17, 2012 at 10:57 AM

    Wow great job 🙂 i am tackling the same project as we speak. I was wondering, since im new to this, hoe do i go about with the seat part..is it just a boars with some type a cushin then fabric on top?

    Reply
    • Carrie says

      July 17, 2012 at 9:11 PM

      How fun! Here is the link on how I recovered the top of my hope chest. https://www.saving4six.com/2012/04/recovering-hope-chest.html
      I hope it helps! Best Wishes!

      Reply
  38. Cathy says

    March 4, 2014 at 7:55 AM

    I love this chest! I am not too familiar with blogging. Do you say on here somewhere how you covered the top and made it look so perfect and professionally done?

    Reply
  39. Tricia says

    February 7, 2017 at 10:58 PM

    I have a cedar chest that was my moms, her and my father were killed by a drunk driver. The hope chest is in bad shape but I can’t throw it away. I have never refinished anything but I love yours!! It would be perfect in my house if I painted it black. I wouldn’t have to hide it in the closet anymore.
    Where do I start……..Do I sand it before paint?
    The bottom part that was some sort of press board trim and looked awful so I took it off. I don’t know if I should leave it off or figure out how to construct something that looked like it??? It just sits flat directly on the floor without it and that is fine with me. Any advice would help. It does have a cushion seat but of course is dated and needs to go. I am going to take this project!! I have a new grandaughter that I can hand it down to later in life. Please help!! Craineta@yahoo.com is my email if that is easier. Thank you, your chest is beautiful.
    Tricia

    Reply
    • Carrie says

      February 8, 2017 at 8:41 AM

      Hi Tricia, hanging on to that hope chest for your precious grand daughter is a great idea! When painting my hope chest, I simply “roughed it up” with sand paper. I didn’t sand it completely, I just made the surface ready to paint by running sandpaper over the varnished surface to scratch it up a bit. For this project, I used an enamel paint. This is a very durable paint and has stuck well to my hope chest. It’s been almost five years since I did this project and it looks like I did it yesterday. I would highly recommend an enamel paint when you do yours. As far as the trim boards, that is obviously a preference issue and if you know how or know someone who knows how to do trim work and can help you, would be beneficial. The paint in itself will probably do wonders for this piece. Here is a link to the post where I recovered my hope chest. I give full instructions on how to do it here: https://saving4six.com/2012/04/recovering-the-hope-chest.html Best wishes, I’d love to see the finished product!!

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. To Paint or Not To Paint? » Saving 4 Six says:
    October 4, 2013 at 10:44 PM

    […] know we have had the painting debate in the past (when I painted my hope chest) but I have to bring it up again because this time I’m really not sure if I should paint this […]

    Reply
  2. Recovering the Hope Chest | Saving 4 Six says:
    July 13, 2015 at 9:08 PM

    […] PS… I did end up painting my hope chest… You can see that post HERE. […]

    Reply
  3. $1 Lap Desk Makeover says:
    September 11, 2017 at 2:45 PM

    […] Then I made some rosettes with left over material from Recovering My Hope Chest. […]

    Reply

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