Creating drama, layer by layer but don’t get distressed. This old hutch is now an entertainment center singing the blues!
While shopping at a great antiques sale, I found this piece that had been the upper part of a larger piece of furniture. I fell in love with the beveled glass and the beaded molding. I thought, “I can make this into an entertainment center for our TV.”
First, I cut away the wood that extended up above the cornice so that I could create a flat top surface.
I made a door for the lower center space using the corresponding piece off the back. I drilled three 1.75” from the upper and side cabinets into this area, as it will house all the wiring for the TV and components.
I stripped the damaged veneer at the bottom and sides and repaired the veneer inside the lower cabinets.
I built a base for the cabinet using new lumber and attached the base to the piece with counter sunk screws.
After sanding and cleaning, I primed all the surfaces.
I painted the interior and shelves with three coats of Lamp Black and finished with three coats of Top Coat, lightly sanding between coats.
I used a multi layered technique to paint the exterior. I started with two coats of a mix Lamp Black and Seagull Gray, 1:1. I followed with a wash of Persian Blue mixed with water, 1:3. I applied one coat of Flat Top Coat then I glazed with Clear Glaze mixed with Lamp Black, 3:1, wiping back to achieve the look I wanted. I finished with three coats of Top Coat, lightly sanding between coats.
I prepared to tile the top surface by securing a piece of cement board to the top. I tiled over it with a marble basket weave mosaic and grouted.
I added a trim board to the back edge of the top, finished as previously described. I added new cabinet knobs to the doors and black desk grommets to the wiring holes.
This project was placed on hold for almost two years as we renovated our house after a flood. My original finishing idea evolved over that time and I’m really pleased with the outcome. Creating this piece was my idea of entertainment!
*Painting shown on the TV by George Rodrigue.
