Sunday, June 7, 2009

Potting Bench Finished!



Finished! Just a reminder of what it looked like before ...



And, the inspiration picture ...

I'm SO happy with it! Here's what I did ...

- Purchased china cabinet at thrift store.
- Mixed paint I already had. I mixed a green gloss with white semi-gloss and honestly, the finish is great. Just a warning if you mix two sheens - Make sure you mix enough to finish the project because you cannot color match paint that was mixed like this.
- Disassembled entire unit and removed all hardware which was spray painted dark brown.
- Primed entire unit and applied 2 coats of paint.

That's it! Oh, and as you can see, the color is a PERFECT match to the inspiration! As usual, I panicked way too early because the paint dried darker than how it went on.

A couple of problems I had ...
On day 2, it started to rain ... and rain, and rain. The paint stopped drying so I literally had to just stop until the rain was gone a couple of days later. After that, it was fine.

Problem #2 ... That lattice was a MAJOR PAIN to paint. I used spray paint to prime, but didn't have that option with the top coats. I eventually realized that using a artists brush that was the width of the lattice was perfect and nearly eliminated the dripping problems I was having.

I haven't filled it with pots yet because I still need to have Mr. T make me some shelves because it came with glass shelves.


Speaking of glass ... I had to break out the glass from the 2 outer doors because it was impossible to remove it. I just covered the door with newspaper to keep the glass contained. The center glass came out without a problem.

I have put a few things in the drawers that we had in a trunk like gloves and gardening tools.





Part of the bottom will be for toy storage.



The basket we were using to store toys before we now will use to hold newspapers for recycling.


Mr. T was being a hater and saying I do a bad job painting. He made me feel kinda bad as I was working on this, but he had to admit that it looked great after I was done. He said that it looks so great that he wished we could use it inside. Vindication! ;-)

So, that's it ... or is it? I was so happy with how pretty this was that I decided to "beautify" a little more. I'm going to see what else I can do to spruce up the patio.

34 comments:

  1. Oh I've been waiting to see this! So you are putting it on the patio? I love it! So pretty!!...Debbie

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  2. That's really neat, a job well done!!

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  3. What a fabulous job. I am with your husband, I would want to use it in the house. It just turned out gorgeous. I can't wait to see what else you do. Love it. Hugs, Marty

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  4. It looks terrific!! You did a superb refinishing job!

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  5. That is lovely! I think you did a marvelous job of replicating the inspiration piece

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  6. Fabulous potting bench, almost to pretty to use. That was a big project, you did a terrific job! Have a fun week. Sande

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  7. You did a fabulous job and I bet hubby is proud now! i love the colors you used and the soft sheen of the finished look. Enjoy!! Cindy

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  8. Wow, gorgeous!! Looks like something you'd buy from the shop, great job!

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  9. Thank you all!

    Debbie, yes, we have to keep it on the patio. That's the space I bought it for because we desperately needed the storage. We also don't have the space inside.

    Suzy, I was surprised by how well it turned out. Not long ago I was in a shop that had painted china cabinets like this and they were several thousand dollars so I'm very happy with my $130 creation!

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  10. That is way too pretty to be a potting bench! Great metamorphosis! Hugs, ~cindy s~

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  11. How nice! It looks much better painted, nice job

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  12. Your blog is new to me -- so glad I found you.

    What a wonderful job you did with your redo. I, too, have found that artist brushes are just the ticket for painting certain difficult areas on furniture. Also, I like artist's gesso instead of regular primer on most furniture -- I think it is a better "grabber" for the paint, as well as a better leveler.

    Your piece looks great.

    Scribbler

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  13. Great job on the reinvention into a potting bench! What a lovely color - it's perfect! I hope you and your family enjoy it for a long time!

    Have a great week!

    Hugs & Blessings,
    Becky S. at Just Bee 'n Me

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  14. This is a work of art!!! I want one!!! I am so impressed that you turned those two pieces of furniture into this lovely piece for your garden...AMAZING!!!

    I hope you are having a wonderful day!!!
    XOXO
    Cathy

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  15. So well done! I like yours better than the inspiration piece! Luanne

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  16. I have potting shed envy!!! I have always wanted one--it seems like such a luxury!! This is such a great makeover and use for that piece of furniture! GREAT JOB!

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  17. This looks awesome! Potting shed! Heck, I'd put in my house! :)
    Be a sweetie,
    shelia :)

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  18. Absolutely beautiful transformation! Great storage too!!

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  19. Now this is a transformation! That piece looks a million times better with paint on it! And you did such a great job. YAY! I always love to see A+ 5-star transformations like this one!

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  20. That looks amazing! What a great idea!

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  21. Fabulous job!

    Blessings,
    Marie
    http://emmacallsmemama.com

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  22. Hello! Stopping over from Kimba's. OH MY WORD - that is awesome!!!

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  23. that is amazing! what a great transformation

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  24. Hi there! I just wanted to pop in and tell you how much I love this project! What a beautiful transformation!

    I featured it in my Linky Love post today.

    Kimba

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  25. Found you through Kimba. Oh, my gosh, LOVE it. GORGEOUS! That is the most fab makeover.

    I absolutely love when people aren't afraid to paint wood and keep it outdoors. Just did an outdoor etagere earlier this week myself.

    Come on over and take a look:

    http://www.centsationalgirl.com/2009/06/outdoor-etagere-my-way.html

    Have a great weekend,

    Kate

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  26. This is an absolutley incredible transformation!!!!

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  27. Very nice transfromation.

    I was inspired by your inspiration piece too! :)

    I just need a SPACE for something wonderful like that.

    TTFN~~Claudia

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  28. Man is that awesome! I love having beautiful pieces of furniture outside, makes things look homey outside. I've been working on my patio and making it look more homey as well.

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  29. beautiful -- how will you protect it from the elements? that would be my only concern.

    Very talented.

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  30. SO beautiful! And I agree with your husband! It would look great inside!!!

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