How could you paint an old oak filing cabinet?

I know, I know!

When this piece was in the shop I had several people give me the stink eye when they heard I was painting this oak filing cabinet. Let me start by saying it was in need of a little paint. There were holes on the side from where something large had been placed and it had some damage on the side from what looked like burn marks. Please don’t fill my inbox with hate mail, it really did need a paint job – AND I did have an antique dealer come look at it for me and give me permission. OK? :)

Other than the holes and few burn marks, it was in original condition, which is rare – and awesome! I love pieces that I know have a story. I wonder where this piece has been? If only it could talk.

All the original brass hardware, all the drawer sliders were original and in good condition, which sparked a lot of interest in the shop.

It was spoken for right away by a client and friend from out of town. So it sat for some time in the shop until she could get down, and all my regulars got to know it pretty good. I wish I had a $1 for every time someone said “if your client changes her mind…” but she didn’t.

Once the colour was chosen we got to painting her. A beautiful wood piece like this was calling out for Miss Mustard Seed’s Milk Paint, but what colour?

I decided to honour her history and chose an antique-y colour (I know, it’s not a word, but you know what I mean right?)

I love mixing Miss Mustard Seed’s Milk Paint, I mix blends and colours all the time, it’s a wonderful thing about Milk Paint. I mixed Trophy and Kitchen Scale and bam – loved it! A rich colour, with historic bones and lots of depth. Wow, ok, I sound all cheesy there, but really, there was a lot of depth of colour and I was really pleased with the mix.

I removed the drawers and hardware, filled the holes, gave it a very quick and light sanding and a good scrub (man that thing was dirty!) and it was ready to paint!

I painted 2 coats (with a bond agent) distressed it and finished with hemp oil then antique wax. I love the durability of hemp oil once it is cured. Love it. I love how rich and colourful it makes a piece and I love adding antique wax over hemp on older pieces as well.

Before hemp oiling, I lightly distressed it to age it a bit and bring out the character. I feel a piece like this needs to look like it’s  “been around” a while. The hemp oil makes it rich and protects it, and then the antique wax aged and accented all the nooks and crannies and imperfections. My favourite combo to dirty up and bring out the character in pieces.

We didn’t replace all the original brass hardware, we cleaned it up, but did not polish it or replace as again, this piece needed to honour its history and I loved the way it turned out. It almost came home again with me. (Sometimes I have a hard time parting with painted pieces…is that weird or just dorky?) :)

My client seemed thrilled with the end results and it is safely home with her in a new home.

What do you think of the transformation? Love hearing your feedback and comments. But don’t hate me for painting the oak filing cabinet, k?

Here is an updated picture of the filing cabinet in my clients home! Love it! Thanks!

Do you want to paint a piece but don’t know where to start? Come see me at Front Porch Mercantile or send me an email (we have online shipping available too) would love to help you out.

As always, thanks so much for popping by!

Wendy

xx

ps…this piece was featured on Finding Silver Pennies and Miss Mustard Seed’s Blog – thank you, ladies!

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*This blog post was updated in September 2021. Front Porch Mercantile is no longer a physical retail store and has grown into Front Porch Lifestyle. Now Wendy offers her services as a business coach to other creatives while continuing a blog more focused on living a creative life.