Happy Monday friends! I hope you all had a great weekend. I’m so excited to share this Blue Buffet Makeover with you today AND a generous giveaway sponsored by Dixie Belle Paint Company!
I picked this piece up from a young German family in Toronto. The buffet was listed on Craigslist because they’re clearing out their apartment and heading back to Europe next month. Moving this heavy 5′ buffet into the elevator, down twenty-some floors and through a busy lobby was interesting, but it ended up being an interesting joint-effort. Even their little ones dressed in jammies were “helping” out… so cute.

THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY DIXIE BELLE PAINTS & CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS TO PRODUCTS I USE. YOU CAN SEE MY FULL DISCLOSURE HERE.
Before I get into the products I used to get this updated old-world-look, ISN’T THIS BLUE AMAZING? It’s Bunker Hill Blue. I’d describe it as a deep sapphire jewel tone. What do you think?




The 411 on this buffet:
I started by cleaning this buffet with TSP and then sanding the entire top. There was no need to sand the body. This Chalk Mineral Paint adheres nicely and no sanding is required.
It was painted with three light coats with Bunker Hill Blue leaving some of the original wood grain showing through for a distressed look. After the third coat was dry, I sanded with a 400 grit sandpaper for a perfectly smooth finish.

For the highlighted details, I used Dixie Belle’s Bronze Paint. It compliments the blue perfectly!

I love how this metallic paint plays off the jewel toned blue so I added some additional bronze pin-striping on the top and bottom drawers. To keep the pin-striping perfectly straight, I used a small artist’s brush and green painters tape. I have a pretty steady hand so the one piece of green tape did the trick. But, if partial free hand painting is not your style, another piece of green tape on the other side (or any straight edge) will do the trick.

Once I was happy with the metallic detailing, I applied a coat of clear wax. The wax is odourless, soft as butter, and it’s super easy to use. While applying, it looks and feels exactly like lotion – including a white-ish hue, but once it’s all rubbed in, it’s perfectly clear and leaves a gorgeous finish.
I used the black wax over the clear to age slightly around the edges. Very subtle, but I love the effect. It definitely adds depth.


I was going to change out the hardware but then decided to go old-world-original. They were updated and painted ‘new’ with the same Bronze Metallic Paint. I love updating these pieces with color while keeping the historic feel and antiqued charm intact.

To finish this buffet off, as I mentioned, the top was stripped, sanded, and then I stained it with a this warm Chestnut Gel Stain. Gator Hide Poly was used as the topcoat. Spiffy. It’s not only water-resistant, it’s also water-repellent!

This Gator Hide Poly is easy to apply with exceptional results! There are no visible brush strokes, giving a beautiful, hard matte finish. The stained wood looks spectacular.
And of course I HAD to test the water-repellent promise. Take a look for yourself…very impressive!





So, now I have something exciting for you!
I’m excited to giveaway THREE Prize Packages of Dixie Belle Products so you can give their Chalk Mineral Paint and new products a try too!

$150 Dixie Belle Package
$100 Dixie Belle Package
$75 Dixie Belle Package
It’s EASY to enter. Just click on the ENTRY WIDGET below and then come back daily to complete more chances to win.
Open to U.S. & Canada residents 18 years and older. Contest is open for the next 7 days and three (3) lucky winners will be announced here on the SI Blog on July 18/2017.
Good luck everybody & happy painting!!!
Denise x
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I love DBP. I have used it on several things including my kitchen cabinets! Looking forward to trying the patina! Love that look! Thank you!
Oh, kitchen cabinet makeover – big job – but I bet they look amazing! Good luck Cora!
Very stunning piece of furniture. The color is rich, the ageing is perfect and makes the piece look cherished. Terrific job.
Hi Gail! yes a very rich blue and I love that you described the look as ‘cherished’… exactly what I was going for. 🙂 Good luck to you. x
Wonderful job Denise! Love the blue. It’s like prussian blue (I believe it’s called) which I’ve always loved.
Thank you Cookie – and good luck! x
I literally just told a friend yesterday that I want to learn to paint furniture, as I have several pieces that I want to do. She told me how she does hers but it is a much more complicated process that what you showed with your blue buffet. I would be thrilled to win one of the packages and get started on my new venture! It looks so easy, and the results are beautiful!
When painting furniture, the process can vary depending on what type of paint you’re using and what type of finish you’re after. Trying out different paints, products and techniques is half the fun. 😉 Good luck in the giveaway Laura. 🙂
I’ve been afraid to try patina, but that looks so cool! Thanks for the inspiration!!!
I started adding patinas, highlights, dark/white wax and metallics in small areas on my pieces. Taking on a huge piece CAN be intimidating but if you start small, your confidence grows along with your skills. I hope you take the leap and give it a try. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by and good luck Kristin! 🙂
Love this!! The color is stunning. I haven’t tried Dixie belle paints but I am intrigued!!
Thanks and good luck to you Patricia! x
WOW!!!! Absolutely STUNNING!!! I absolutely ADORE your work!!!!
Thank you Suzanne! It’s easy when you have wonderful product like yours to work with!!! xo
This blue is one of my favorite Dixie Belle colors! Love what you did with this piece… hoping I’ll find one like it someday soon to paint for myself. 🙂
Ya, I do a happy dance when I find great pieces like this. Hope you come across one too Karen. 🙂
What a stunning transformation! That Gator Hide Poly looks like a great product too. Love your work Denise!
Thanks JoAnne and good luck to you! x
Absolutely beautiful Buffet! What a great color you used and the gold accent really makes it! Amazing work you do!
Thank you Jamie!
What a gorgeous piece! Your color choice is beautiful for it, Denise! I didn’t know Dixie Bell had the metallic paint. It looks a lot easier to use than the rub-on kind. 🙂
I used the rub on kind (Rub’nBuff) on my last project which worked out really well, but yes, this is just like painting as you would any type of paint – super easy! 🙂
It’s stunning and the color of blue you selected is bold and classic at the same time. Now I really notice the fine details on the piece. Makes me want to try this brand of paint!
“…bold and classic”… I love that. Thanks Terri and good luck. x
this is such a wonderful product!!!!
It sure is! 🙂
Your work is absolutely impressive! I don’t think there has been one thing I haven’t really liked! Thank you for this opportunity!
That’s super sweet of you to say! <3 Good luck! xo
Thank you Denise for the great tutorial. The piece is just lovely and I would love to use Dixie Belle paint for my next project!
Glad you enjoyed the tutorial and good luck Lisa! x
This piece it’s gorgeous!!! I need to try these products ❤❤
Thanks Jenny! x
Love everything about it!!
I’m glad you like the makeover Rosanne! best of luck to you. x
WOWsers! May be my favorite yet.
Thanks Diane! xo
Wow, love this piece, and I love the color and your finishing touches! I would love to win this generous giveaway!
thanks and good luck to you Kaycee! (love how you spell your name btw!)
Beautiful color and I love the dry brushing
Thanks Kristin!
BE autiful!
Thaaaaanks DiB! xo Good luck to you!
I really like that color blue! I’ll be looking into the Gator Hide as the hubs and I make items and I’ve been using a polycrilic, but the Gator Hide looks better.
Teri at Dixie Belle Paints [shared with me] that she used this Gator Hide on her daughter’s dorm room furniture and it’s holding up beautifully – that’s a sell for me! 😉 Good luck to you Brandy and thanks for participating in the giveaway! x
The buffet is beautiful! Would love to try Dixie Bell products
Thanks Janie – good luck!
I would love to try Dixie Belle paints! 😉 I also hope I did the entries correctly, the part where you have to fill in the box after the link for Instagram and Pinterest (that was new to me).
Hi Nicole! It will register 5 entries per task completed so you should be able to tell by the number it’s registering for you up top. eg 15/20 or 20/20 for example. If you have any problems feel free to email me. 🙂
I love the fabulous colors you chose ! What a beautiful piece of furniture, so glad you kept the original hardware .
Thank You for the tutorial, just the inspiration I need to start my own project, an old Ethan Allan dresser that I have had over 47 years that my parents bought when they first married.
Oh exciting… an old Ethan Allan piece that has sentimental value is such a wonderful project to take on. And thanks for your comment on the original hardware for this piece. I debated new or old but I think {for this piece} I made the right choice. 🙂 Good luck to you Jackie!
Hi Denise: yet another amazing transformation. I have no idea how you continue to recreate the “wheel” so to speak on every project you tackle. I would love to know where your find your inspiration.
I would love to take home one of the Dixie Belle Paint package to try out on one of my projects.
That’s all for now, Nancy
Hi Nancy! Thanks so much and best of luck to you on the giveaway! xo
Beautiful!
I love the minimum prep. I’m remodeling our Master Bedroom furniture so I’m in the lookout for exceptional products, such as these.
Thanks for the inspiration!
Minimum prep is always a bonus. Good luck Irma! x
What a beautiful finished product this is. Love the color’s used. After mixing my own chalky paint for a while now, I am so ready to try Dixie Belle Paint. Research tells me that this is a superior product with even more innovative products available. Thanks for sharing and for your tutorial.
Thanks Cathy and good luck to you! x
Gorgeous work on this beautiful old cabinet! I love the blue and bronze combo!! I might just give it a try on my antique buffet! Thanks so much for the inspiration!!
So glad it’s sparked a few ideas for you antique buffet Sandy! The two play off each other nicely for sure. Good luck! x
Love to try the gator hide
Good luck Heather!
Hi Denise, I’m always keen to try new paint products! The blue is spectacular! Well done!
Hi Olivia! I’m with you… I LOVE trying new products too! Good luck. x
Oh my goodness..! This buffet is beautiful..! Details, color — everything..!
Hi Patricia! So glad you like the makeover. Good luck to you! x
This dresser came out beautiful, I really love the blue you chose.
Thanks Melissa! Good luck!
So pretty!
thanks Amy!
I am so happy to have found your blog. I learned so much and had many of my questions answered. Can’t wait to get started.
I’m so happy you found the SI Blog too Renee… WELCOME! Best of luck to you! x
Gosh this is gorgeous! You just keep wowing! I’d love to try that Gator coating. Where can I get it in the states? Is it expensive?
Hey Kellee! The Gator Hide Poly sells for around $25 for a pint and can be bought online or at one of 800 retailers throughout the US. If you get the opportunity to give it a try, I’d love to hear what you think! 🙂
Wow! I’m teally impressed, and super inspired now to refinish an heirlomm dining table and hutch that’s been in my family for over 50 years. I think I can do it!
I meant to say “heirloom”
I think you can do it too Trisha! 🙂 The no-prep paints they have these days make restyles easier than ever. If you were to win some Dixie Belle Paints, it’s a sign you should give it a go. 😉 best of luck to you! x
Augusts plan
Stunning piece, love this blue & bronze combo – incredibly elegant!
Thank you Debi. 🙂 I like the 2 together too.
wow! Great tutorial! Would love to win this and try out Dixie Belle!
Thanks Marisa! Good luck. x
Wow! You make it look so easy. That has to one of the prettiest pieces of furniture i have seen in a lo,g, long time. I am anxious to try my hand at some things i have. Thank you so much for all if your inspiration!!😊
You just put a smile on my face. Thank you Sally. x
That blue is just amazing! I would love to refurbish a coffee table in this color. It would be out of my comfort zone but it would be so worth it 🙂
It would look great on a coffee table makeover. Good luck Jennifer. 🙂
Another beautiful piece – I just love the way you put colors together and the way you bring out the detail on each piece like they “talk” to you. Just lovely!
Your comment is lovely…thanks Laurie. x
Loving the whole look & feel.
Thanks Sarah…good luck. x
Great color! Great tutorial! Great product information!
Thanks Mary! best of luck. x
What a beautiful shade of blue and wonderful piece of furniture.
Absolutely Gorgeous
Thanks Colleen! Best of luck to you! x 🙂
Absolutely love it Denise ! Love the colour you chose and the metallic enhancements !
Thanks Cynthia. Good luck to you! xo
Wow!! That piece is gorgeous! You did a great job. The gator hide sounds like I need to get some.
Thanks, and yes, I’m impressed with it. Worth giving it a try if you get the opportunity! 🙂
Stunning! Your pieces are always so beautiful and your staging is so thought out!
Thanks for this Alaina! I’ve struggled with staging for some time and it’s just starting to come more easily to me.
Wow, Denise, the buffet is gorgeous! I’d love to win and paint something blue…what great inspiration. gotta send it to my Pinterest page ! thank you for the opportunity to win.
Good luck Patty… and thanks for the Pinterest share! 🙂