Friday, August 31, 2012

TO PAINT OR NOT TO PAINT

Hey folks, I need your help.  This gorgeous old dresser has been sitting in my shop for waaaay too long.
And, yes, that's dust adorning the top.  Sorry.  Seems that the dust always shows up so much more in pictures.  Anyway, here's my quandary.  I'm wondering if I should paint this pretty old lady. 


 I'm not sure what type of wood she's made from, but it is very pretty.........chestnut maybe?  Or maple?


 Look at that detail.  Imagine how it would shine with a little glazing.  


Here she is, top to bottom.  So, really, what do you think?  I need to get back to my brushes soon, but I'll wait to hear your ideas before tackling this piece.


Oh, and please suggest a color.  
THANKS, ya'all.
8-)

28 comments:

  1. Paint it absolutely! I would do black with a lot of distressing to show the wood through. Can't wait to see what you actually choose.

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    1. Thanks so much, and black is running first place right now. 8-)

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  2. Oh I know it is so hard to decide. I get a piece plan on painting it and then can't bare to put paint on the wood. Old books, having trouble even destroying the book to decoupage or craft. So been in your position... to paint or not.. Oh I am no help on this one. But, enjoyed looking. Good luck!!! Cindy

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  3. Such a shame to paint because she is such a beauty as it. If you want to make changes-- I suggest a 2 tone stain and update the hardware. I would do maybe a cappucino stain on the flat part of the dresser and inside all the "lines" to mimic inlay. If you do paint I would still go with 2 tone (leave dresser top wood) and paint. Distressed, Parisian or Tiffany Blue

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    1. Thanks so much, Tonya. Still trying to decide, but I do think stained top with painted body. 8-)

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  4. No way! That wood is beautiful! Awww, if I lived nearby and my husband would let me, I'd be there in a second! I think the other ladies have valid points, but I do so love that tone of wood! Tough decision!

    Blessings,
    Heather

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  5. Hi Candy,
    I think the piece is beautiful as is, however, I like wood in small doses so I would probably paint this piece. Plus I think that painted the detail would pop more. Maybe paint some of it and stain, say for example the dresser top, in a darker tone? I know it's a difficult choice so best of luck my friend :-) Have a wonderful weekend.

    Hugs and Kisses,
    ❤Ana

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    1. THANKS Ana. I think you're right. Stained top and maybe black base with lots of distressing. GREAT TO SEE YOU HERE. 8-)

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  6. I say, it's you piece, so that means you can do what you want. I had a round Mersman table that everyone said don't paint, well, it didn't sell for 6 months, so it was either donate it or paint it white...Yep, painted it white and it sold right away!

    Carol

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    1. That's the thing, Carol. This has been sitting in the shop for ages. And, I've only been asking $225. I am NOT going any lower. So, seems paint is in her future. THANKS for the help.

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  7. Boy this a tough call....I always wonder why truly beautiful pieces that have been loved and are in good shape...don't sell...I have a round oak table...and is has sat for over a year....( I kind need it for smalls) but anything else I paint and it sells...I can see why this is tough...I think I would say, Annie Sloan in maybe Chateau gray,with the top stained darker and richer....or a shade of blue but again leave the top and maybe some of the detail wood....to highlight it...is this east lake..

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    1. Yes, East Lake. I like the idea of leaving some of the wood....in a darker stain. THANKS SO MUCH.

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  8. Paint it and I bet it sells right away. I would paint it white...white is always right:) It would go in so many homes if it was white. I'm not a good one to ask though--because I don't like the look of wood.

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    1. Thanks, Sandy. White is usually my first choice, but I just saw a similar piece painted black with the top surface stained.......soooo pretty. Decisions, decisions!!!!

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  9. I think this piece is pretty. My choice for painting or not painting, is the condition. This one seems in good condition, but the pale color isn't very popular right now. I would suggest a red mahogany, and maybe mix a little darker stain for the top and details. I know painted furniture is the thing now, but if you look in designer magazines there is a lot of natural wood too.

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    1. THANKS for the input. I still haven't decided. 8-)

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  10. I too struggle with that question sometimes: to paint or not to paint. If you are not sure - just wait! It is actually beautiful as it is. Maybe you want to give it a darker stain, or dark wax to update the look. If you are still not happy, you can always paint.

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  11. Candy--I say paint it, it will bring out more of the beauty and details of the craftsmanship!
    Want a "preview" of how it could look--?? Check mine out!
    http://freddyandpetunia.wordpress.com/2012/04/23/my-great-great-grandmothers-dresser/
    Catherine

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  12. Well, I'm not a proponent of painting a nice old piece, but you do whatever you need to to sell it. When this paint everything phase is over, I think people are going to regret ruining the patina on the good old pieces.

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    1. I agree with you, Amy. Just a few years back, everyone was stripping the paint away to reveal that gorgeous old wood. Now things have gone the other direction. Everything goes in cycles, doesn't it??

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  13. It would look gorgeous black! Could you maybe patch the old handware holes and replace with small old fashioned glass knobs???? A little glitz???Good luck!

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  14. So, have you decided yet? lol
    Yes, it's a very pretty piece, I understand you'd like to show some of the wood.
    Why not paint some parts and leaves some as is?
    I'd dry brush light yellow on the drawer front but not the part you have the hardware( it looks like it's in long 3 lines),I'd leave them wood as well as around the mirror...
    But if you ask me tomorrow, I might say something diffrent so you never know,haha:)
    Anyway, good luck with it and I'm looking forward to seeing your creation!!

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    1. Sayuri, I think it's BLACK. But, for some reason, I just can't get myself out to the garage to paint. And, I do have a couple projects that have to be done before this piece. But, soon. 8-)

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  15. It will sell if you paint it! Maybe start with just the mirror. If you hated it, you could always sell the pieces separatley. Great details!

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  16. I have a dresser just like this that I bought at a garage sale for $25... I was told it came to KS on a covered wagon. I did refinish it and I think it looks so beautiful against a neutral colored wall. Do you have a way to display it that way, maybe a soft gray, green, or lavender? I just love mine and don't think I would ever paint it, even though I am coming very close to that with some of my other pieces. :-) I think the fact that it is not golden oak is in its favor. Mine has a missing mirror, so I just hung an arrangment of cottage pictures inside the space. It really looks cool. Good luck with your decision. Enjoy seeing your projects. Linda

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  17. Hello! Just "met" you at Buckets of Burlap...I'm an hour north of Nashville!
    We have the Southern Ky. Flea Mkt. in Guthrie,Ky....open Wed-Sunday indoors!
    Come sometime!!

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