Transforming a Goodwill Antique: From Worn Out to Wow with BB Frösch Paint Transformer
When it comes to furniture makeovers, there’s nothing quite like breathing new life into a piece with history and charm! That’s exactly what we did when we rescued an antique waterfall china cabinet from Goodwill. This beauty had stunning herringbone panels, intricate details, and a fair share of wear and tear. But with a little elbow grease and BB Frösch Paint Transformer, it now steals the show as a sophisticated mocktail bar! Let’s break down the simple 3-step process to achieve this transformation: Prep, Paint, and Wax.
Step 1: The Prep Work
Before diving into the fun part (hello, painting!), proper prep is key to ensuring a smooth, flawless finish. Here’s how we got this piece ready:
Clean It Up:We started by giving the cabinet a good scrub with soap and water, followed by Simple Green for the extra-grimy spots. This step is non-negotiable when working with secondhand finds.
Sand with Intention:
While sanding isn’t always necessary with BB Frösch, this piece called for a little extra love. First, we sanded the herringbone panels to restore their natural beauty, knowing we’d highlight them with wax later. Then, we tackled the rest of the cabinet with a light sanding to smooth out pesky polyurethane drips and globs. Why? Because oil-based polyurethane can make it tricky for water-based paint to adhere. A quick sanding solved the problem and set us up for success!
Step 2: Painting Perfection
Here’s where the magic happens! For this project, we chose “Even Angels Cry” from Tonester. This rich, moody green brought sophistication and depth to the cabinet.
Step 3: Wax On, Shine On
For this piece, we opted for BB Frösch Premium Finishing Wax to seal the painted areas and highlight the natural herringbone panels. Waxing is the perfect way to add durability while enhancing the rich color of “Even Angels Cry.” Plus, it’s oh-so-satisfying to buff to a buttery finish!
We used clear wax on the exterior of the cabinet to keep the sophisticated look smooth and subtle. On the interior, we went with BB Frösch dark wax to create a deep, rich finish that enhanced the natural beauty of the wood. Not only did the dark wax bring out the cabinet’s character, but it also nourished the dry wood, restoring its vibrancy.
Tricks for Waxing:
- Butter your brush lightly with wax.
- Work in small sections and wax with the grain of the wood.
- Buff as you go to achieve a smooth finish.
- Pro Tip: If wax builds up in detailed areas and dries before you can buff it, use a heat gun or blowdryer to reheat the wax until it liquefies. Then, quickly buff it out.
- Avoid overloading your brush or working in large sections—this keeps the process manageable and ensures an even finish.
The Big Reveal: A Mocktail Bar Makeover
Once the transformation was complete, styling the cabinet was the cherry on top! We turned it into a chic mocktail bar stocked with a mix of vintage and modern barware, as well as our favorite healthy beverage alternatives:
- Hiyo sparkling tonics
- Apothekary herbal blends
- Craft Mix drink mixers
- Classic Pellegrino water
This setup is perfect for entertaining and offers a sophisticated twist on hosting without the alcohol. Cheers to that! It could of course be used for a cocktail bar or even a tea or coffee station. The options are endless!
Why BB Frösch?
From thrifty finds to heirloom-quality transformations, BB Frösch Paint Transformer makes it easy to create a custom look on any piece. The best part? It’s budget-friendly, eco-conscious, and endlessly versatile.
Ready to transform your own Goodwill gem or tired furniture?
We used the Furniture Transformer kit for this project.
Grab your BB Frösch Paint Transformer kit and let’s get painting! Don’t forget to pin this post for inspiration, and subscribe to our email list for more DIY tips and ideas.
