Our Aunt Katie and Uncle Jim have helped Cathy and I out countless times throughout our lives. This time, we want to give back to them by painting a beautiful antique bed they have. The money we make off the sale of this piece will go back to them as a small token of our appreciation for all their love and support.
We started painting this bed as a paint demonstration at the West Michigan’s Women’s Expo at DeVos Place in Grand Rapids, MI earlier this spring. The bed is solid walnut and mahogany and I loved the dark stained finish on it. We started with American Paint Company’s Rushmore. I wanted this color to peek through after I applied the 2nd color of Navajo White.
Paint Demonstration on the bed at West Michigan’s Women’s Expo
Then the bed sat for months while we took care of the daily tasks that kept creeping into our days and weeks and months. Finally, I was able to get to it. I was SO excited that day to bust out a paint brush; you have no idea!!
Navajo White being applied over Rushmore
This bed has the most amazing hand carved wood appliques!
I had so much fun watching the colors come through as I continued to wet distress all the beautiful hand carved features!
Hand Carved Details on the Headboard
I think it’s cool that so much intricate work went into the design of this so many years ago. I can even imagine how they carved all this without all the tools we have now.
I dropped it off to Not So Shabby where it’s awaiting its new owner
What’cha Think?
If you want to create this finish, you’ll need:
Surface Prep / Brush Cleaner
Navajo White (quart)
Rushmore (quart)
Clear Wax or Topcoat
Want to learn more?
Join us for an upcoming Shizzle Style Workshop HERE.
A hui hou ~ Shelly
What is “surface prep”? Lovely and very timely. I have an old sleigh bed that has a dark finish and want to paint it. As for surface prep, when doing other pieces I have had pink bleed through so I have not started this project yet. I have tried poly, Kilz and struggled to stop the bleed. Can you suggest a product. Perhaps the Rushmore is a good idea before the white.
Vicky, Surface Prep is American Paint Company’s all natural cleaner that works wonders for cleaning pieces prior to painting as well as for cleaning brushes and other paint tools. I prefer to use Topcoat or clear shellac as a barrier against bleed through. For pieces that are notorious for bleeding, I recommend two coats and I brush them on in different directions, the first horizontally and the second, vertically to make sure all surface is covered. I did that on this piece for the very same reason, it’s Mahogany and Mahogany bleeds. bad. There’s nothing worse than missing a spot only to have the pink or orange bleed through show up when you’re almost finished.
I just purchased shellac today and am anxious to start my bed. However, I bought the white shellac from Sherwin Williams which will be fine I think since I am painting with light colors. Thanks for your reply which I just found since I have had some trouble with my lap top. I will go in two directions using two coats. Thanks for your help. By the way, I love your new post with the fancy roundish table. Wish I lived closer so I could go check out the beautiful work you always do. That table could be a taker for me.
Hi Vicky, Thank you!! In my experience, Zinsser Clear Shellac has provided the best barrier against bleed through. I try to shy away from white primers as I typically don’t want to distress back to the white. I’ve also experienced more bleed through using them. Hope yours works out for you; send me a picture when your finished!!
Vicky, Surface Prep is American Paint Company’s all natural cleaner that works wonders for cleaning pieces prior to painting as well as for cleaning brushes and other paint tools. I prefer to use Topcoat or clear shellac as a barrier against bleed through. For pieces that are notorious for bleeding, I recommend two coats and I brush them on in different directions, the first horizontally and the second, vertically to make sure all surface is covered. I did that on this piece for the very same reason, it’s Mahogany and Mahogany bleeds. bad. There’s nothing worse than missing a spot only to have the pink or orange bleed through show up when you’re almost finished.
Found you on MMS Link up and had to come for a visit, love the bed!
Thanks Rhonda! I’m just headed back to the party to check out all the link ups too!!
You did such a gorgeous job of making that old bed pretty again, giving it another life, being appreciated. If I had room for it I’d love to have it. Too far to go to get a bed tho.
I’ve yet to get some of the American Paint but someday will remember to go downtown Grand Junction to find the store that has it. Really love how you did the bed. Hope it sells for good price to give back to your aunt/uncle. Good for you.
Thank you!! Me too!!
You did a fantastic job. It is beautiful.
Thanks Armelda!!
Thank you Armelda!!
Hi, Shelly…..this is the Gooseberry Falls pal writing. LOVE the bed/headboard/footboard~ I have done a similar one with the intricate design detail…I share your thoughts concerning HOW the tooling of wood occurred ‘back then’….I’ll send you a photo of what I did. Admiringly yours, Saundra
Thanks Saundra!!
Hi Saundra! Tooling of wood? Now you’re talking over my head ~ lol
Shelly, this is stunning! Wow, paint magic just made the details pop! You chose the perfect color combination! I didn’t realize this company had a cleaner too. They have thought of everything! This is an awesome makeover!
Thanks Betsy! I really enjoyed painting this bed for my aunt and uncle.