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AnnetteBab's avatar

Dark wood old English cottage suite - how to update?

Asked by AnnetteBab (5points) August 14th, 2011

I have a 3 piece dark wood old English cottage suite which I’d like to update so it looks a bit more modern. The dark wood frame for a 3-seater sofa and the two single chairs is like a mahogany stained colour and most of the other wood in the house is a beech shade.

I do like the French antique furniture style and wonder if I could strip the wood right down then perhaps cover the seat pads and backs in a lighter fabric than the red velour (yuck!) that is currently on it. I’m also wondering if the wood would look ok painted white.

I’d like to have a go at doing this myself if possible. It was my grandma’s furniture so is of real sentimental value.

All advice welcomed!

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6 Answers

lucillelucillelucille's avatar

I have refinished many pieces of furniture in my house.This is the stripper I use.Make sure you wear gloves and do a good job sanding.It makes a difference.

lucillelucillelucille (34325points)“Great Answer” (1points) Flag as…
gailcalled's avatar

Is the wood solid or a thin veneer?

gailcalled (54647points)“Great Answer” (0points) Flag as…
AnnetteBab's avatar

Thanks! Its solid, stained mahogany colour.

AnnetteBab (5points)“Great Answer” (0points) Flag as…
gailcalled's avatar

You’re in luck. There are dozens of online sites that give instructions for stripping and refinishing (or painting) anything made of solid wood.

Use a small spot that won’t show for a practice site. Then Bob’s your uncle. I have refinished, painted, stenciled, and done decoupage on furniture.

I used to do that all the time, but made sure I used a screened-in porch to avoid breathing in the nasty fumes of the stuff that strips paint off.

gailcalled (54647points)“Great Answer” (1points) Flag as…
AnnetteBab's avatar

Thanks for your encouragement. I’m raring to go now! x

AnnetteBab (5points)“Great Answer” (0points) Flag as…
AnnetteBab's avatar

Does anyone know where I can find the Dad’s Easy Spray paint remover in the UK??

AnnetteBab (5points)“Great Answer” (0points) Flag as…

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