A new life for an old piece . . .

Several years ago I bought this chest of drawers at an auction. 
It had been in a fire, but only had smoke damage.  I’m in the mood to change things up a bit at home and get rid of things, but I needed more storage in our little TV room so I decided to tackle this chest.

Evidently the two bottom drawers had been somewhere else at the time of the fire and the chest had already been painted white.

Buttons and a plate had been on the furniture at the time of the fire.

So, I cleaned it well (but it was still dark gray) and painted it with Valspar “oops” paint that had a primer in it and was just a neutral color.  Happily, it only took one coat to cover.

A la Miss Mustard Seed, I had hoped to distress it and use a brown finishing wax.  I am definitely not in her league so I couldn’t bring myself to pay the price for the waxes I found (almost $20).  (Some day I will because I really like a waxed finish on furniture.)

Many years ago I did a similar treatment with brown shoe polish so I decided to go the frugal route and use that again.  I used a neutral wax on top for more protection.  I didn’t get the great look that she does and I wasn’t able to distress it because the black was showing through when I sanded, but I am satisfied with the result.   I might add a little more of the brown after I paint and decorate this room.  Right now, the wall and chest are very similar in color.  I’ll update this after I check a few other projects off my list!!

A close up . . .