Before we moved I imagined the windows open on sunny days. Filmy curtains wafting in the breeze, music from an old record player drifting out of the windows. Maybe retro French jazz or vintage Bob Dylan. Well I haven't quite got the record player yet, or the records...and half of the windows don't open, but I did get a bargain vintage record cabinet in a charity shop. A cute cartoonish, boxie one, with spindly legs that look as though they are about to run away...I love it, but wasn't sure if the teak wood, would go with other furniture. So I decided to paint it.
First a quick wash with soapy water. Then a gentle rub with fine sandpaper to help the paint adhere. Next a couple of coats of undercoat. I just used plain white matt emulsion for this, and then a final top coat of F & B eggshell in Shaded White that was left over from another project.
When I was half way through, Ahmad came in and asked if I was sure that I wanted to paint it. I hate when that happens, don't you? If you're going to ask the 'are you sure question,' please ask it a little bit sooner, before the undercoat has dried and you're half way through the first top coat.
I assured him that I was sure and continued painting. That's when the first seeds of doubt crept in. But it was too late, I had to go on. The paint dried beautifully, but I wasn't sure if I'd done the right thing. Then I put it carefully into it's new position and filled the empty record slots with folders...It makes a great filing cabinet until I get some records. I put up a few pictures on the wall behind, bought a £3 sale lampshade for an old lamp, a 20p vintage vase and with my lovely 50's Inger Waage Norwegian dishes (another really, really bargain car boot sale find) and William Morris coasters, it makes a useful side table that had three unsolicited compliments in the first week.
I think the moral of this tale is that when it comes to home decor, probably your first instinct is the right one. Maybe the timing was ok with the question after all, any sooner and I just may not have my renewed cabinet. I'm very please with my little bargain find. All's well that ends well...
Have you done any fun renovations recently?
debx
