mmm…My favorite part is the outcome of the top. Here’s an upclose peek of that applique with the painted details and gilded waxes highlighted. With wood glue and my nailer, I just pop it on and I’m done! Hooray! Now the base of the waterfall hope chest is ready for my last step to add my wooden applique. I daresay that this is easier to use than glazing and gives such a fun effect. I chose to use Clear Wax, but you can use any of the other waxes (white, black, gray, or brown).įor the center panel that I painted in a different color, I also use waxes to make an oval where that wooden applique I showed you earlier is going to go. I’ll show you what it looks like in a bit, but first I added some touches of wax and gilding.įirst, I apply a coat of wax using a brush or lint-free cloth. Woot! I wanted to create a point of interest on the front of this piece, so I purchased this wooden medallion applique. Again, using my Palm Pro, I give the cabinet two coats letting cure 2 hours in between. I let the stain cure for about 30 minutes, and then applied two coats poly topcoa, making sure to let the coats cure for 2 hours in between.įor the base of the waterfall hope chest, I chose these two complimentary colors: beigh and soft white. I applied the stain, let rest for 5 minutes and then wiped off with a lint-free cloth. It give the wood such richness and I like it better than the orangey feel the wood had prior. Once prepped, the top got a deep new color that I’ve loved to use in the past with an Espresso Stain. I love that thing! No compressor needed, easy to use, and so fast. I simply cut them to length, and attach with wood glue and few brads using my brad nailer. Then, I used my orbital sander and my Corner Cat to knock down the worn finish on the top and on the sides to prepare it for the next steps.īefore starting any finish work, I decided to add a few decorative strips to the front to add dimension. I cut it to length, used wood filler to fill in any gaps. Next up, I removed the lock set and filled it with a piece of dowel using wood glue. After many attempts, I finally got an exact piece to fit and it looks good as new. While doing that, I chiseled out the damaged section on the chest top to make it square to receive a repair patch. My stash scrap was adhered to other layers of veneer, so I soaked it in water and separated the layers. It’s hard to find good veneer nowadays so I keep all I can.

To get this makeover started, I first grabbed some veneer remnants from my stash that I salvaged off of past projects. The lock was missing part of its components, but that’s fine with me because I have to remove it for resell anyway due to recalls, etc. Stop and try it sometime – bliss, I tell ya. Do you ever pick up raw wood just to smell it. I just love the smell of cedar, and wood in general. The interior was immaculate and has a beautiful cedar lining. It had wear to the top with missing veneer, water rings, dents, scratches, etc. Today, I’m focusing on this waterfall hope chest. I came home with many treasures from this place and will show them all to you in time. Count me first in line to see it in the after.

I wanted to do a happy dance! It makes my heart happy when others see past the obvious to the beauty beyond. We’re talking uncovering the pressed tin ceiling hiding behind a drop ceiling, old wood floorboards revealed under carpet, and so much more. However, they are renovating it back to the original glory it once was.

They purchased a downtown building in my city that has seen many days and ugly updates. To say I’m excited for the young couple I got the chest from is an understatement. Of course, this vintage Art Deco waterfall hope chest caught my eye and I had to bring it home. I couldn’t resist taking a peek at all they had to offer. You know it’s a good day when you head out to an old building that has been bought and renovated and they just, “want the stuff outta here”.

Refurbished waterfall dresser