Sideboard Cabinet Makeover: Painted Red & Glazed

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Today I would like to share my sideboard makeover before and after with you.

It just amazes me sometimes how paint can give an old, outdated piece a new life! Like this orange armoire, I gave a makeover. This cabinet was my client’s mother-in-law’s piece.  She wanted to use it but did not like the old-fashioned look. 

Here is the cabinet before.

Out Dated Side Board Yellow in Color Before and after Makeover
Sideboard Before Makeover

I know.  Beautiful curves and hardware.  But that yellow, eeek! I know what your thinking. Oh, but the yellow is beautiful. What you can’t see in the picture is that it’s some type of MDF board that is yellow in color. It is not PAINTED yellow. In-person, it almost looks like particleboard. This is not a beautiful paint job.

The client wanted a pop of color for her entryway.  Her walls are a light gray, and she has a beautiful antique mirror that had deep, red tones in the frame. To coordinate with the mirror, we decided to use Barn Red by Dixie Belle Paint Company.

Dixie Belle Paint Company Chalk Finish Furniture Paint (Barn Red) (16oz)

I love the barn red, but sometimes it can be a little too bright.  Using an antique glaze would tone the red down a bit and at the same time, give it an antique look, which is what the client requested.

The top of the sideboard was in perfect condition. No work needed to be done.

Top of sideboard in original condition.
Top of Sideboard after Makeover

The hardware definitely needed to be changed. However, it is very hard to find the beautiful pulls this sideboard had. Therefore, it would be easier just to paint the hardware. The client chose black.

Beautiful Pull on Sideboard Cabinet
Beautiful Pull

Supply List for this Makeover:

This post contains affiliate links at no extra cost to you. I included products that I use or similar products.

Prepping Sideboard

The first step was to remove the sideboard’s doors.  I also removed the hardware and set it to the side.  (I was so eager to get started, I totally forgot to snap a shot of this.  But I think you get the picture.)

I wiped down the cabinet, doors, and hardware with my Lysol wipe to remove any dust or fingerprints.  This piece did not take much cleaning, it was in mint condition!

Painting Hardware and Cabinet

I set up a small piece of wood outside to paint the hardware. I wanted to do this first so that the paint would have time to dry and set while I painted the sideboard. The two pulls as well as the two knobs took two applications of the paint. After the paint was applied, they were brought inside to dry. I allowed 3-4 hours of drying time between coats. After it had dried completely, a layer of poly was used to seal the hardware.

Pulls painted in black.
Black Pulls Painted with Black Paint

The cabinet only took two coats of paint.  After the second coat dried overnight, I applied one coat of Polycrylic.   I applied the Poly by slightly dampening my sponge and wiping the poly onto the piece.

Adding Polycrylic Before Glaze

It’s essential to add the Polycrylic before you apply the glaze.  This gives you more control over the glaze.  Without a clear coat, your paint would soak up the glaze, and you would not have control over how much was applied. 

You can see how the glaze toned down the red. The door on the left has glaze added, and the door on the right has no glaze.

One Door Glazed on the Left, One Door No Glaze on the Right

Once your clear coat is dry, it’s time to glaze.  It’s easier to work in sections, don’t try to glaze the entire piece.  Apply the glaze with a chip brush, and then wipe off any access.  You can lightly dampen your cloth with a spray bottle if you get too much in one spot. It will wipe right off. I applied the glaze heavier on the decor parts of the doors and sideboard to make them stand out.

I did not place a clear coat over the glaze.  It’s really not necessary, but you can certainly do so.  Here is the final result.  I have to say it is a lot better than what it was before I painted.

Sideboard cabinet after makeover
Sideboard Makeover Before and After
Sideboard cabinet after makeover

Always remember to see potential in an out-dated piece. Paint can make all the difference!

“It’s not about what it is, it’s about what it will be.”

Save this project for later!

18 thoughts on “Sideboard Cabinet Makeover: Painted Red & Glazed”

  1. You said she didn’t like the old fashioned look, but the look is still old fashioned just another color, so I’m wondering what she’s thinking. I liked it before. I love it after. It’s beautiful and you did a great job on an old fashioned beauty.

  2. OMG, you went from a very serene color to a very bold color. The what looks like a red/orange color with the dark stain wash is spectacular. A job well done and one to be very proud of.

    1. Thank you Linda! I wish I knew what this type of finish was called. I think people would understand it better. It’s not really yellow paint but some type of yellow MDF board.

  3. What a gorgeous piece of furniture, Christina, and you really knew how to pull out all of its beauty with that stunning red…wow!

    1. Thank you Karen! I was a bit skeptical when she asked for red, but I was happy with the way it turned out 🙂 I am not a red fan!

  4. Barn Red is one of my favorite DB colors and it looks fabulous on this French Provincial piece! I bet your client was thrilled with the transformation.

  5. This really turned out beautiful! Does the glaze act as a sealer and give it a bit of a sheen? I’ve never used glaze. I’m afraid I won’t be able to wipe off enough and will just look dirty.

    1. Thank you Susan! If you apply your Polycrylic before you glaze, you will have more control and you can wipe off any excess with a damp cloth. My plan is to do a video soon! 😉

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