Here is the “after” photo of a bed that had “the secret magic wand” treatment!
Have you heard talk about how younger generations no longer want “brown furniture?” Yet, on the other hand, they want sustainable, good-for-the-environment furniture. Well, guess what? Using “brown furniture” is a way to go green! If you don’t like the brown color, then transform “brown” into something you’ll love and use.
I’m not speaking about superlative antiques, but let’s say you have inherited a piece of furniture that has sentimental meaning to you but is… humdrum? Or you have a piece of furniture that remains quietly sequestered in the garage or basement? These are “Cinderella” pieces awaiting a magic wand to transform their beauty into showstopper caliber.
Want a wand? Here it is: lacquer paint! Lacquer paint can immediately revamp any piece of wood furniture, even kitchen cabinets, because it instantly enhances their outer beauty.
Can you see the outer beauty in this ugly stepsister, homely-looking bed? It is the same, “fit for a princess” bed shown above in lacquer with a semi-gloss finish! It is in “Dove White,” which is my go-to white.
Lacquer is thin in consistency, but stronger than paint. It can be tricky to apply because it dries very quickly, much faster than paint (hence it needs to be sprayed on). If not applied correctly, it can bubble and crack.
Lacquer has a very durable finish and cures within 24 hours, whereas oil enamel paint can take weeks to cure. There are many versions of lacquer paint, and each artist uses their own formula. Experts in lacquer application know what combination works best for each specific application.
To find an expert source that specializes in spraying lacquer paint, ask your local paint store such as Benjamin Moore or Sherwin Williams, or ask a designer for their recommendations. In Palm Beach, I worked with Javier Tovar who studied at Faux Effects International School.
I discovered this Asian-inspired curio cabinet at a W. Palm Beach consignment shop. It is now black, high gloss lacquer with gold accents and is repurposed as a bar cabinet for our wine glasses.
The two lacquer finishes that I specify are semi-gloss and high gloss, depending on the piece. Start your lacquer trial with a small piece of furniture to see how you like it, and then work up to larger, more significant pieces.
A tired, old piece of furniture that is professionally lacquered can instantly metamorphose into a newer, younger-looking piece- consider it a “facelift” for brown furniture! Watch out… you may get hooked with this radiant transformation process. Lacquering pieces in white is perfect for tropical locales, such as Palm Beach!
Xx
Holly
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