Dining Room Hutch Makeover: Painting Furniture with No Sanding, No Priming, No Sealer
This post has been created in partnership with Beyond Paint. All opinions are my own.
When we moved into our home my very favorite thing, and the reason I fell in love with this home were all the built-ins. Who doesn’t love a good built in?
This built-in hutch in the dining room particularly sealed the deal.
The saddest day was when we realized, it would have to go… The built-in in the dining room made the space too small for an actual dining table, and we ended up removing three walls of built-ins to capture a little bit of extra space. It was a sad day for Remodelaholic-kind.
The best news was that we were able to remove the built in in one piece.
Heavenly hosts were singing above!
So, we transferred it to the opposite wall in the kitchen… While it isn’t technically “built-in” anymore, it is very much still alive and kicking in our house.
A few years ago I saw a built-in hutch that had been painted orange, and for about 4 years, I’ve been planning on painting our built in orange. (Design by Lucy Interior Design)
I know some of you are cringing.
I realize some of you might hate that I am painting wood, but truly, it’s my house and it brings me joy, and the haters don’t have anything to do with it…
Stepping off the soap box…. backing away slowly.
Wondering about paint options for painting wood furniture? See pros and cons for different types of paint here.
Painted Dining Room Hutch Makeover
No Sanding, No Priming, No Sealer
So, recently I was contacted by Beyond Paint to see if I wanted to try out their product. They happen to have an all in one product that has primer, finisher and sealer in one! No sanding required!
Also according to the packaging, it should bond to almost any surface, (wood, granite, tile, Plastic, metal, glass laminate varnish, Polyurethane and linoleum…- I’ve only tried sealed wood personally)
The paint has more pigment for better coverage and it is GREEN- well, it comes in several colors, but green as in Non-Toxic, or Hazardous air pollutants free!!
They also had a pretty red-orange color called Poppy, and I thought, well, maybe it is the hutch’s day at last?!
I tested the red. (on a little piece of cardboard and hung it on the hutch- forgot to take a picture and I looked at it for a few days to see how it would look…)
It matched really well with our vintage 60 year old tribal rug and the curtains in our front rooms, and works with our bright orange chairs in the dining room… (did I mention I like color?)
And so I decided to try it out.
The product kit came with very detailed instructions and a kit of tools.
The first and one of the most important steps is cleaning and prepping the wood. The surface must be oil, wax, grease and dirt free! So I disassembled it all and cleaned each door drawer and faceframe individually really well. I also had to remove the glass shelves and ALL my dishes on said glass shelves… my kitchen went from clean to way messed up in about 3 minutes flat!
For cleaning, I used Simple Green and scrubbed really thoroughly. The hutch itself was actually pretty clean – because when I first moved into the house I cleaned this hutch within an inch of it’s life! But I wanted to make sure the paint adhered really well, so I scrubbed again! For your info, other cleaner options are mineral spirits, or a vinegar water solution. By cleaning this will give the surface “tooth” for the paint to bond to. (SIDE NOTE: TSP will leave a phosphate residue unless it is rinsed very well, so you have been warned!)
Next I taped the mirror for easier clean up.
I stacked the drawers up on my counter to paint them with boards in between… I didn’t even empty the drawers. #slackerorgenius you decide!
I started painting by testing the paint on the back of one door. I fooled around with how to get the paint on the door and what worked best.
I started using the provided and brand recommenced 1/2 or 1/4 inch woven fabric nap roller. But for my personal taste, I like my furniture finishes to be as smooth as possible. So I tried out my foam roller. Which I liked better. Because I didn’t follow the exact rules of the brand and did thinner coats, I did have to add a third coat – BUT if I had followed the rules I really wouldn’t have needed to, so that is all on me!
Drying time for each coat is about 2-4 hours on average, (unless your area is humid and you might need a bit more time) So, I let it dry and did a second coat to be sure I would really like what I was doing before really committing… Remember this hutch is my baby.
I got into all the cracks with the paintbrush the kit provides, then I used my own foam roller to smooth out any lines and get as clean of a finish as possible.
I chose to go with 3 very thin paint layers rather than 2 thicker layers- which you can do by all means, but I like the smooth feel (and can I admit I sort of like the look of the wood grain showing through the paint…anyone else with me on that?)
While going through the process we did decide that we would leave the top 4 doors off… somehow it updated the look of the hutch to me SO much! I’ll show you the afters and you can decide for yourself. And yes, I didn’t even take the lower dishes out to paint the frame, I’m a rebel at heart!
When you are done painting, just remember that while the beyond paint will be dry in about 2-4 hours, it is sometimes still sensitive to chipping until is has undergone an initial sure period of 2-3 days. Additionally, allow it to fully cure for 30 days before scrubbing it down for any reason! If you have any remaining paint, store it in a cool dry place. I used 1 full bottle/container on my hutch.
Once you’ve allowed for curing time, you can put everything back on there!
The one kind of controversial decision I made in this makeover … was to keep the original hardware.
I wasn’t ready to commit to anything else. It did take me 4 years to commit to even painting the hutch, so I’m just trying to take baby steps. And I KNOW when I do end up picking new hardware it will be expensive, because I want really cool brushed gold hardware…
BUT I LOVE how it turned out. And as much as I have been gunned for bright orange, I am glad I went a little safer with this gorgeous red.
What do you think with the doors off on top? Better or worse?
Thanks to Beyond Paint for partnering with me on this project. All opinions are my own. To purchase Beyond Paint, you can shop at a participating Ace Hardware store or visit AceHardware.com. To learn more about Beyond Paint products, visit BeyondPaint.com.
More tips for painting wood furniture:
- Painting Furniture: What Type of Paint? Comparison of 5 Paint Types
- Must-Know Tips for Prepping Refinished Furniture
- Color Files: Helping You Pick The Right Paint Color
Cassity Kmetzsch started Remodelaholic after graduating from Utah State University with a degree in Interior Design. Remodelaholic is the place to share her love for knocking out walls, and building everything back up again to not only add function but beauty to her home. Together with her husband Justin, they have remodeled 6 homes and are working on a seventh. She is a mother of four amazing girls. Making a house a home is her favorite hobby.
Love it! One suggestion…I know the hardware is suppose to give it an “antiqued” look but have you considered brightening them up with a good brass cleaner…to see if they are solid brass take a magnet and stick it to them…if it sticks they are not solid and you might want to gently clean them or even change them out. I get my hardware at myknobs.com…cheapest place I have found. If it does not stick they are solid and you can scrub away with steel wool and a brass cleaner. I did that recently on a little campaign style side table I painted high gloss white and I LOVE the high contrast…https://beckwithstreasures.com/journal/2017/5/20/drexel-accolade-nightstand-makeover…just a suggestion…but I agree with you. DO WHAT YOU LOVE!!!
I will definitely have to check if they are brass that would be awesome!! Honestly I just use them because I had them- they were already there! But I love the idea of brass hardware or brushed gold!!
BTW…my vote…no doors. Updates the piece A LOT!
I’m glad! I really like it too!!
I actually love the doors off…it gives your beautiful dishware the opportunity to shine! Have you considered replacing the mirror background. I think mirrors serve a great purpose in bouncing light and making a room look bigger but in this case, I think the reflection is a distraction. Maybe a small scale printed fabric/wallpaper/stencil would be a nice touch to fill the space…a red background with a pattern in the orange you were originally thinking? Either way, I’m glad you took the jump and painted the wood, in this case, its not worth keeping something that you don’t love just for the sake of preserving the wood!
You know, it wouldn’t be a bad idea! Maybe I will grab some foam core board and wrap it with fabric or wallpaper and stick it in behind the shelves, just to change with the seasons- I’ve done that before on an older hutch, but that’s a good idea for quick changes now and then! Without being permanent!
I love the wood grain showing through. Doors or not, lovely either way but your dishes would stay cleaner with doors. That might not be an issue if you use yours more than I seem to get areound to. I think it turned out beautifully.
One small thing, just a wee typo or maybe auto-correct where you mentioned cure time it says sure time. For clarity I just thought you would want to change it.
Love your projects! Keep them coming.
Oh thank you for letting me know! It’s so hard to read through a post and know what you’re talking about and still see the errors if that makes any sense!! I will try to get on the post and edit that (i’m on my phone right this second and for some reason the app doesnt work!!)
Yes you’re right though that not having the doors is an issue for dust and such! Right now I just rinsed everything every time we use it but that is a pain!!
We’ll see I’ve kept the doors just in case it becomes a problem!!
I am totally obsessed with this project! I am definitely going to buy a hutch as soon as I get into a home. And your dishes are gorgeous!! 🙂
Oh dishes …. I have such a dish fetish!! I just can’t get enough of them , but I’ve decided if they don’t fit in the hutch I don’t get to keep them so I guess there’s a limit to all good things !!
Love the bright colour, it looks fantastic! And it looks great with the doors off!
I’m really glad you like it! We’re still loving it without the doors too!
Looks amazing!!!! I love painted wood and this one is such a cheery focal point for the room!!!!!
Yes, I agree!! thank you for letting us know what you think !!
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Liberty-Artesia-8-13-16-in-224mm-Sedona-Bronze-Cabinet-Pull-P16694C-SBZ-C/202023385
Hi
Found you today via Lazy Boy.
A few months ago I bookmarked these pulls, thought you might like them. In real life they are very gold & priced well.
Love orange cant get enough of it. I would’ve gone with Lucy’s cos I’m cray cray like that. Love what you picked out , too!
Welcome!!! I’m so glad you found us! I’m gonna check out the link to thank you for sharing that with me !!
I think you did a great update on this piece! I like the color, the hardware and the door removal. The only issue I have is that is a very large item without a visual base. Its floating there on the wall. I think she’s begging for some chunky legs, either square or rounded that makes her look supported. Other than that, she’s lovely.
I totally agree!! i’ve been trying to figure out what style that I want to do and I’m slow I’m committing to these choices obviously since it’s taken me two years to paint the thing ! But yes she needs to be grounded permanently! I’ll have to get a post up when we do it!
No judgement for us…we repurpose furnishings all the time. The best character comes thru in so many! We’ve got a post called The New Heirlooms taking about this very thing.-Laurel
I love the title of that post that’s exactly the point, right!!! Creating the new things that are important to you !!
I love this! But I have to be honest and say that I like the doors on better than off. Just my opinion of course, but you did ask. 😉 Anyway, this is beautiful, and I’m going to try this paint.
It’s always good to hear your opinions!! I think the biggest barrier to putting them back is that the glass was actually built in place and you be able to see the wood edges through the glass but I couldn’t paint it… i’ve definitely kept the doors I’m not gonna throw them away I’m gonna hide them away until I’m positive! ( or if I change my mind later !!)
Oh my gosh! I LOVE this! I’m a fellow “orange” lover but this color is just perfect. It’s beautiful! And Two Thumbs Up on removing the upper doors!
High five across the internet for orange!! Thank you for your comment !!
This is so wonderful! You did a fantastic job and I love the decisions you made – the color and leaving off the doors. It definitely looks very updated now. I have a question about the the piece itself – is it attached to the wall and ‘floating’ above the floor? I’m sure it must be very heavy, how did you attach it to the wall? It is BEAUTIFUL!
Beautiful job! And I agree, the doors off definitely updates the look. I love colors as well and this is a great one!!!
I’m so glad you agree I really like the change too!!
Positively love the color, yes to the wood grain also!
What do you think about adding faux legs, to ‘ground’ it?
It sort of looks like its hanging on the wall 🙂
Thanks for the info and tips for Beyond Paint product, can hardly wait to go shopping!
Yes!! Amen about grounding it! I just haven’t been able to commit on a style !! We’ve been toying with the idea of doing a mid century modern foot look to it since that’s kind of the style of the rest of our house … but we haven’t had time yet, so it’s on the list of to do’s for sure!! But I absolutely agree !
You did a great job….love it.
Thank you so much!! We are so happy with the pop of color!! It just makes me happy!!
Beautiful hutch. I also agree, letting the wood grain show a little is awesome. You mentioned how expensive brushed gold hardware would be but I know of some that is not too expensive but gorgeous…it is from Kraftmaid and it is called Watertown. I would show you a picture of it on my kitchen cabinets, but there isn’t a place for me to post it here.
Awesome news!! I will Google search that! Thank you!!
I actually have two projects. I would like to see how it does on linoleum floors and/or kitchen counters. I would have to likely add a non toxic sealer for counters, and maybe a clear hardener, poly or similar to the floors to prevent wear and tear. But I’m game! Any suggestions and would this be a product that would hold up?
I really don’t have any personal experience using the product for such a heavy wear area so you might need to contact the manufacturer. It’s supposed to be able to paint over everything but again like I said I haven’t tried it- I would definitely seals the heck out of it if you do that! Maybe you could test it on a surface and see how it holds up before you commit my only concern would be the amount of time it would need to harden because I think it’s like 30 days until full hardness?? BUT I am not looking at the packaging at this second-so you’d have to read it in the packaging first!!
Beautiful! I love it. Fantastic color!! The old hardware looks great, too. Thank you. ????
I’m so glad I’m not getting hate comments for using the old hardware!! I was a little worried about opinions… but I don’t mind them at all!
I love the pulls style. If it were me I would paint them in a brushed gold.
Oh that would be lovely! Thanks for the comment.
I loved the orange and I loved the red. I really loved how you stacked the drawers to paint. I get the whole not painting wood but you have to feel good in your space so we must do what is best for ourselves. I painted an old rocking chair orange that was used by my children’s birth Mom with each of them. It had been ignored left sitting in the garage with no love. No it is used in our home and someday when one of our girls want it, they can redesign for their home. At least it is still loved.
I love that story but the best part about finding and reusing something that is no longer loved! Breathing new life into something!