Transforming a Tall Boy: A Furniture Refinishing Makeover

In this BLOG article, we are going to walk through the transformation of a well-maintained but kind of boring tall boy into a modern masterpiece.

Below is a list of the products I used for this flip:-

- River Bank Green Paint - Mint By Michelle - https://mintbymichelle.com/?ref=pblG0...
- Midnight Black Timber Stain - Pureco - https://lebellemaison.com/
- Tricleanium Degreaser - https://amzn.to/3ufNl47 (Amazon)
- Primer - Zinsser Bin Shellac Primer - https://amzn.to/42lC7rq (Amazon)
- Sonoma Art Tile Stencil - https://dixiebellepaint.com/sonoma-ar...
- Mud For Raised Effect In Stencil - https://dixiebellepaint.com/dixie-bel...
- Paint Brush - https://amzn.to/42bDpVP
- Mini Roller & Tray - https://amzn.to/48MhHu3
- Carbide Scraper - https://amzn.to/3Ucb1AY
- Ryobi Mitre Saw - https://amzn.to/4baPLl7
- Makita Professional Sander - https://amzn.to/3SG0c9r
- Makita Battery Sander Skin & Battery - https://amzn.to/3ObE5EP
- Makita Belt Sander - https://amzn.to/3Scu77F
- New Handles Black & Natural Rattan - https://refinishhaven.com.au/

*Some of the above links may be affiliate links. If you purchase a product through the affiliate links it will not cost you any extra but it will really help us out to continue to provide you with great content. I appreciate your support.

Now let's dive into the process and break down how we brought this piece back to life.

Cleaning Process:

The first step involves giving the tall boy a thorough cleaning. When refinishing it is best to clean twice. 

Once before sanding and once after sanding.

Using a degreaser and a drill attachment, the aim of cleaning before sanding is to remove grime and oil, preventing clogging of sanding discs and avoiding the embedding of dirt into the wood fibres during sanding.

Sanding and Stripping Techniques:

The sanding phase is crucial for refinishing furniture. You can use various sanding tools to get the job done. It’s really a matter of personal preference. I usually start with a belt sander for flat surfaces and then transition to an orbital sander to clean it up and smooth it out.

If you have any really detailed areas you may need use a paint stripper for those. Beginning with a coarse grit sandpaper, then progress to higher grits to ensure a smooth finish. Though time-consuming, the end result is well worth the effort.

I also did a scuff sand of the whole piece so it was ready to paint.

Painting Process:

For this makeover I choose a paint with a no-primer-needed label. I’m usually pretty sceptical when they say no primer is needed and usually always prime but decided to test it out and not prime on this piece. I decided to paint this tall boy by hand to help showcase that it is super easy for anyone to learn how to paint and refinish furniture.

If you interested in learning more and getting a in depth 10 minutes tutorial about every little step in the process, you need to check out my online course. You can learn more HERE.

The application by hand with my paintbrush was relaxing and smooth, providing a sleek finish.

You can definitely get a great finish painting by hand. The first coat had good coverage however I added a second coat because it is a dark colour and I wanted to ensure a solid coverage.

Adding a Staining Glaze:

To enhance the timber's appeal, I added a Driftwood staining glaze, imparting a subtle grey undertone to the timber it was the perfect choice.

The application involves painting the glaze onto the timber and wiping away the excess. You can add as many coats as you want to get to the desired colour and consistency.

Adding a stain to the timber provides a unique touch to the final look.

Top Coat Application:

To increase durability and protection, a clear polycrylic top coat was applied to the timber.

This was done using a sponge for a streak-free finish. You need to ensure each coat is allowed to dry before applying the next.

Hardware Selection:

The finishing touch involved selecting new hardware. It was quite a deliberation over which hardware to choose.

I had a look at various options before settling on some Elegant Herringbone Knobs, adding a stylish accent to the modernised piece.

And there you have it – the transformation of a once ordinary tall boy into a modern marvel. The hands-on approach, passion for refinishing, and creative choices have breathed new life into this piece of furniture.

Watch the full tutorial below:

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