Having settled into our new home we inevitably have the odd bit of furniture to replace – to be honest, our relatively new wardrobes did not survive being taken apart for the house move. Since we bought the former wardrobes my tastes and priorities have changed, much as I loved the cavernous storage this time around I could see no further reason for buying new as opposed to the more environmentally friendly option of buying second-hand high quality built to last wardrobes.

Mid-century furniture was built to last, made with wood, with mitred joints – as opposed to modern MDF. It seems a bit of a no-brainer to me. When we spotted this suite of furniture for a mere £275 it seemed the ideal solution.

I researched the differences between chalk paint, milk paint and fusion mineral paint. My two priorities were a flat brush mark free finish plus ease of application. Fusion mineral paint seemed a natural choice, although the wood will need sanding the paint will not need a wax to finish.

How to update your mid-century furniture with fusion

mineral paint

RECOMMENDED SUPPLIES:

Fusion Mineral Paint – Colours shown Sterling and Little Lamb
Cling On Brush F50
120 Grit scuff sandpaper

Start by removing the doors and drawers, if you are able to remove the hardware (such as door knobs) do. Sand down the surface to provide a key, take your time to prep and don’t rush the job.

Sanding the surface to provide a key is vital for good adhesion.

Wash with sugar soap and rinse thoroughly – you have no idea what polish has been used on such an old piece of furniture. Balance on door front on tin cans so you can paint around the edges easily. But make sure that you don’t paint anywhere that is going to get friction and rub away, such as the inside edges of the drawers.

Allow at least 12 hours between coats of paint, preferably 24 hours.

The paint is best left alone to cure for 21 days afterwards, so you need to be really careful when opening and closing drawers etc…

We left 24 hours prior to rehanging the doors and fitting the drawers back in. I have to admit I am truly delighted with the flat smooth finish achieved with fusion mineral paint, thanks so much to Myra for the hints and tips for the successful project. Visit the fusion mineral paint website for further tutorials.

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Allyson

Monday 10th of October 2022

I can't believe you painted over that gorgeous wood grain. You have no taste.

Vicky

Wednesday 12th of October 2022

Everyone having different tastes makes it an interesting world.

Leonie

Monday 28th of May 2018

They look great. You did a wonderful job.

Richard (in Charlotte, NC)

OMG! I can't believe you painted over that beautiful wood furniture!

Oh well, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

I'll just walk off while biting my tongue.

chihuahuabulldog

Thursday 12th of July 2018

Richard (in Charlotte, NC) I agree with you completely! It ought to be illegal.

Karen

They are absolutely beautiful. Look modern but are obviously much sturdier. If you had to purchase similar but modern to these I think you could end up easily spending £2,500 for wood. You've opened my eyes and when we next need to move if our old wardrobes which were taken apart when we moved here don't cope with a second dismantling I'll be heading to an auction or similar to do the same. Love, love, love these! Clever and beautiful upcylcying x