A Fresh Look for an Outdated TV Armoire

TV armoire painted with Coco and Old Ochre.

I finished painting my TV armoire, and it looks so much much better for just a little bit of money invested in paint. I know many people prefer to mount their TVs on a wall, but I prefer using the armoire so I can close the doors and hide the TV while it's not in use. This cabinet I am working on today was made in the 1990's and is constructed of pressboard with a faux wood finish.

BEFORE:

Outdated 1990s TV armoire

At one time we used it to store VHS tapes and later DVDs. Now I use it to store my paints and supplies.

Storage solution for paint supplies

PREP WORK:

Of course the first step is to clean and wipe down the entire piece. I used a mild detergent and water. I considered replacing the cardboard back of the armoire, but decided to work with what I had instead.

Cardboard back of armoire

I used clear packing tape to add a little support to the back cut out areas. The extra support was necessary so I wouldn't punch through it while painting.

Clear packing tape used to secure cut out areas

I wasn't planning to paint the hardware, so I removed all the pulls. Once the pulls were removed I would lose the ability to open the drawers, so I created temporary drawer pulls with painter's tape.

Create temporary drawer pulls with tape

EXTERIOR - CREATING PAINT LAYERS:

I chose a two toned neutral color scheme of Coco and Old Ochre. I layered the colors to add some visual dimension to the color. The faux wood finish was very smooth, so I applied a very thin base coat in Coco.

Base coat of Coco.

Next I used random brush strokes to apply a coat of Old Ochre over the Coco.

Layering paint colors.

I stepped back to look at it after applying the second coat. It looks blotchy while applying the layers, but after building multiple layers it will even out a bit. It's starting to take shape with the third layer of paint. I ended up with about 4 or 5 quick and light layers.

Second and third layers of paint.

INTERIOR:

The next portion of the project was painting the interior. Once again I used a very thin base coat over the faux wood. I used my Vintage Effects paintbrush which works especially well when painting faux wood or laminate.

Apply a thin coat of paint to create texture on faux wood.

The subtle brush strokes create a bit of texture which acts as a good base for my second coat of paint to adhere to.

A thin base coat helps the second coat adhere better.


AFTER:

And here's the finished armoire. There is still some color variation created by the layers of paint, but it's subtle without being too "flat". I sealed the paint with soft clear wax.

TV armoire painted in Coco and Old Ochre.

Side view of painted TV armoire.


I added touches of dark wax for a little extra color dimension.

Layered chalk paint in Coco and Old Ochre.

The dark wax is mainly settled into the recessed areas.

The dark wax is settled into the recessed areas on the cabinet.

Coco, Old Ochre, and dark wax.

Although my first coat on the interior was thin and a little rough, after applying the second coat it is smooth.

Interior of TV armoire.

One of my favorite things about this style of armoire is the bat-wing doors. When they're open they fold back flush to the cabinet.
Bat-wing style doors on TV cabinet.

Supply list:

(Affiliate links)
Chalk Paint - Coco and Old Ochre (you can save shipping costs by picking up from a local stockist).
Vintage Effects paint brush & large wax brush
Clear and dark wax
Lint free rags or blue shop towels (to wipe away excess wax; can also be used to apply wax instead of a brush)

Old Ochre and Coco with alternating dry brushing and dark wax.


Comments

  1. The miracle of paint in revamping an appearance!!!

    A hint for the interior of your T.V. space...Lowe’s carries a neutral textured
    wallpaper that is paintable & I love it! My situation was similar to yours & I needed to cover up the interior of sloppy & drippy enamel painted beadboard inside of built in shelves (btw, not my paint job). I cut & glued the wallpaper to wrap around the interior back & sides of my shelves (not the top or bottom) & then painted & glazed the wallpaper. Camoflouged it completely & saved me hours of sanding & stripping stubborn enamel paint in tight spaces!!

    Cindy Lou
    Rockwall, TX

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Cindy! I love your idea to use the paintable wallpaper. I will check it out at Lowe's and most likely use it on a future project. :-)

      Delete

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