One server, two looks
The three lives of an old server (thus far).
Colourful retro
Because water damage to this sideboard was too extensive for it to be sanded and varnished, the entire piece was painted. In its second incarnation, it got a retro look in dramatic colours; the frame, doors and legs were painted and the drawers decorated with fabric and paper.
1 Lightly sand the cupboard and wipe it with a damp cloth. 2 Apply an undercoat such as Dulux Supergrip and allow it to dry overnight. 3 Using the sponge roller, apply two coats of paint in the colour of your choice, allowing each layer to dry completely. Bear in mind that oil-based paint takes longer to dry than water-based paint. 4 Decorate the drawers as you wish. Cut the paper or fabric into the desired shapes and apply them with Mod Podge. Paint two coats of Mod Podge on top to seal and finish the look. For the final touch, fit new handles.
Contemporary chic
By exposing parts of the wood in places and contrasting this with white paint, the server has now been given a third lease on life with a contemporary yet classic look that will complement any space.
1 Remove the handles and lift the existing paint and Mod Podge with paint stripper. 2 Clean the entire sideboard with sugar soap. 3 Sand any uneven areas or flecks of paint; also sand off old varnish on the frame and legs, which won’t be painted. Note If your cupboard is not made of solid wood but is a veneer, take care to sand lightly. 4 Wipe off any dust with a damp cloth and allow the wood to dry completely. Using the sponge roller, apply two to three coats of paint to the drawers, doors and top. Allow to dry completely before re-fitting the handles.