This wardrobe makeover that I thought was going to be straight forward, started off with a little challenge. I’ve had this piece for some time and knew that I wanted to paint it in Miss Mustard Seed’s Milk Paint, so chose the colour Mora, but first it needed a little work.
The whole base was water damaged and had rotted, so we lay this big guy down and assessed the damage. We removed the front panel of the base skirting and decided to trim off the damaged portion.
After marking it and measuring to make sure it was all even, my father-in-law helped cut the base off with a circular saw.
Now we could add that front trim back on, which we also cut the base off to match and line it up exactly where we pulled it off from originally. Here’s dad nailing it back in place.
I like the look of having some bare wood on some pieces, whether it be the top of a dresser or the drawers of a piece. So I sanded back the big bottom drawer to reveal some lovely timber underneath. I’ll show you the lovely wood further down this post.
Not sure what kind of sander to use for which DIY projects? I have a great post here: How to Choose the Best Sander for your Furniture Project
I had to screen shot some of my Instagram stories (above and below) because I forgot to take progress pics during the painting process. But you can always use the search bar at the top of my website to see so many other projects using Miss Mustard Seed’s Milk Paint where I show you mixing, painting, etc. Here’s one of my Youtube videos for example.
Above is the first coat of milk paint going on. Below, two coats of Mora in Miss Mustard Seed’s Milk Paint. (USA readers can find Milk Paint here)
Here’s the big drawer which I applied white wax to, to give it a lighter wash look. Then added the cup pull handles on. I love the little dings and crevices that hold the white wax.
I’ve opened the drawer below so you can see the slight difference between the white waxed front, and the inside/sides of the drawer which are the original wood colour.
I added white wax to the entire piece, too. I love the white-wash look and feel it gives to the Mora coloured milk paint.
I left the inside of the wardrobe unpainted. I love the old wood look inside.
I would even be nice with a bit of Hemp Oil added to the wood surface, so I might still do that yet.
And here’s the finished wardrobe makeover. I used Canva to crop the background out of this image so you don’t see my messy workshop floor. LOL.
You’ll find me on social media with more tips and DIY tutorials on Facebook and Instagram.
You can also find me when you’re looking for things on Youtube and Pinterest!
But please, leave a comment if you enjoyed this or have any questions about the project or using Milk Paint. (North American readers, you’ll find Milk Paint here)
wow, you did a great job,,I have never used white wax. I would love to try that,the color looks great with the natural wood tones . When using white wax is there any other products or prep work , other than stripping the furniture that needs to be done???
Hi Julie, thanks so much. Yes, when using white wax on raw wood, just make sure the area is clean and free of dirt/dust. If there is any varnish on the wood, yes, it needs to be stripped or sanded back first.
Would you be interested in a very old wardrobe that would love a make-over? It has hanging one side and shelves/small drawers other side. It is is 1750cm H, 1180 W, 565 D and presently white painted. I don’t know how old it is but it has been in the Manly Croquet Club (Sydney) since 1967 and was probably donated. I could send photos. We don’t want payment – FREE – but you would have to collect.
If you are interested please contact me.
Dianne
Hi Dianne, Thanks for asking but I am currently out of storage space for any more furniture pieces.