How can I update the outdated wood exterior of my new house cabinet to better showcase my elephant collection?
Asked by Ryszard Pick 
2 months ago
Last Updated: October 22, 2024
We recently purchased a house that has a built-in cabinet. I’m planning to showcase my elephant collection in it. After peeling off the wallpaper inside, I found that it’s green. I want to paint the inside cream or white. But I’m not a fan of the wood color on the outside, it looks so old-fashioned. Any ideas on what I can do to update it?
Try using chalk paint to give it a new look.
Do you prefer stripping it or painting it to match your style?
Have you checked out Heirloom paint? They have a Facebook page. I recently used it on my kitchen cabinets.
It all comes down to your personal style. What kind of atmosphere are you aiming for? I’m a fan of the color, but I also enjoy mixing in antiques 😊 the design options are limitless!
Our style is quite contemporary
Give it 10 years and it’ll be trendy again.
Check out this paint – it’s perfect for the job! Explore other colors and transformations to find the right one for you. The finish is beautiful and you don’t even need to prime it. London is a stunning color. Try the All-In-One Paint by Heirloom Traditions Group.
Distressed cream with black interior or switch it up.
Personally, I really enjoy the mix of wood and green. Maybe updating the hardware and refinishing the wood would give it a more modern feel? It’s truly gorgeous! Regardless of what you decide, I really hope you keep the glass doors. They are stunning!
You mentioned you’re not a fan of the wood, but wow, it looks absolutely stunning! 😍
I’m not a fan of having elephants in the cupboard. They make me feel uneasy 😳
Do you think it’s better to have them in the room?
I think it’s best to keep them out in the open 😳 But if you prefer, they could also be stored in closets, as long as they’re not hiding any secrets…
I have a hunch that you’re going to mess up that piece of art.
The varnish looks dirty. Try cleaning it with a vinegar solution first, followed by a mild dish detergent solution. It’s not mine, but I don’t think I could paint over it.
Get rid of the green before choosing the wood. I believe white would really brighten it up!
Wood is timeless. Its beauty never goes out of style!
Start by painting the interior. Have you thought about giving the exterior a fresh coat? This piece is truly stunning. Before you paint over it, try cleaning it. Many regret covering up beautiful pieces.
I recommend starting by thoroughly cleaning the wood and updating the hardware. You might find it surprisingly refreshing
That green paint must have been quite budget-friendly back in the day; our 1925 house had it all over! I suggest painting over the green, but live with the current finish for a while. It’s easier to maintain stained wood compared to painted wood. How about trying a black color for the cabinet instead of green to make your collection pop and let the paint color blend into the background?
In a lot of places, it’s referred to as “mill green”. Steel mills (and likely other industries like them) would use it for painting because they had issues with workers taking supplies. They believed that green was so unattractive that no one would want it in their own home. However, they underestimated how thrifty people can be, as they still managed to steal it to paint everything at home.
I’ve never come across that before, but it totally makes sense!
I quite enjoy the green.
Make sure to clean it thoroughly using vinegar and a little dish soap, then rinse it. Remove years of finger grime. Clean the hardware as well. Give the painted green part a good scrub with TSP. Avoid sanding it, as it may contain lead. Use cabinet grade paint for priming and painting the already painted section. ‘t forget to prime it. Buy quality paint from a reputable hardware store that can provide genuine advice. Tape the stained area before painting. Opt for yellow frog tape. Another option is to use a citrus stripper to remove most of the lead paint, but avoid sanding it. If vinegar doesn’t work on the old varnish, try denatured alcohol. Research refinishing methods and gradually increase the strength of solvents. Consider using feed and wax and wood conditioners. Look at the beautiful results of properly refinished old wood. It’s classic, unlike chalk paint which is best for irreparable pieces. If you insist on painting a valuable antique, seal and poly it first, then use the proper primer and paint. Protect it so it can be enjoyed by someone else or in case you change your mind. Having a well-prepared surface will make the job easier. Live with the clean wood for a while before deciding on painting it.
Leave that wood be, don’t touch it
For a darker look, you might want to consider using gel stains. Personally, I wouldn’t suggest painting valuable antiques.
Consider replacing the glass in the doors and giving the green a fresh coat of white paint. You could also switch up the hardware.
Give your elephant collection a chance to shine by painting everything white. White cabinets will really make them stand out 🙂
Give it a good cleaning, ditch the green, swap out the hardware, and replace the leaded glass. Live with it for a bit. If you’re still not feeling it, go ahead and stain it.
Can you take the whole thing out and give it to me? I really like it as it is 😅 I’ll trade you for any of my painted wood.
There are some great suggestions here. I once painted the inside of a large cabinet white and regretted it – the white was too bright, especially with the accent light on. Consider painting a piece of plywood or cardboard first to see how it looks in different lighting. Another idea is to use a “jungle print” fabric to cover panels on the back of the cabinet. This is a simple way to add a decorative touch without committing to permanent changes. If the rest of your home’s woodwork matches the cabinet, you may want to reconsider painting it. Perhaps just changing the glass and hardware on the door would be enough. Keep us updated with some “after” photos, please! Good luck! 😊
That is incredibly beautiful.
I was immediately hooked by your elephant collection.
Make sure to paint the green, keep it clean, and maintain the wood. If you watch the show Windy City Rehab, you’ll discover great ideas on how to integrate this piece into your personal style. Your cabinet is truly dreamy! 😍😍😍
There’s no way I’d paint that. I would clean it up and get rid of the green.
At the very least, try living with it for a while and see if it grows on you before deciding to paint it. I’d be disappointed if you ended up regretting painting it. 😟
Give the cardboard box a light sanding before painting it. Check out Pinterest for inspiration. Paint different colors on the sides of the box, place it in front of your cabinet, and see what catches your eye. My mom painted hers dark navy with white detail to match her white and gray house with pops of color in the furniture. Your color choice depends on your taste and existing decor.
First things first, I’d start by cleaning the wood as many have recommended. Perhaps you’ve already done that.
I definitely agree that the varnish is not the best look, so next up, I’d sand off the varnish.
After that, I’d recommend using Restor-A-Finish followed by Feed-N-Wax. I can include a link for you.
https://www.howardproducts.com/products/wood-care/ Restor-A-Finish is available in various colors, or you can choose neutral if you’re happy with the current wood color. https://www.howardproducts.com/product/restor-a-finish/ Applying it is a breeze (just use a soft cloth or very fine steel wool) and the results are truly impressive.
I personally wouldn’t go for painting it
People act like it’s a crime to want to update the old wood tone by painting it black and adding gold accents. 😜 My style would be matte black with gold handles, black interior, and a black wallpaper with gold details like leaves or florals. But feel free to choose what you like best – Pinterest is a great source of inspiration! 🙂
Calling it tacky and outdated? Do we really say that about antiques? 🤣🤣
We don’t usually discuss this, I have my own thoughts and personal taste. 🙂
An Antique is described as an item that is considered valuable due to its age, beauty, or historical importance.
1. not all “old” items are considered valuable.
2. I don’t believe this piece has any historical importance
3. Aesthetic is a personal choice influenced by what an individual finds visually appealing.
So YOU may classify this as an antique if you appreciate the style, but I do not, I think it is unattractive in its current form and design.
Happy we could come to an agreement 🙂
Sand and repaint whatever matches your decor. If all your elephants are solid colors, consider adding a pretty wallpaper in the background for an elegant touch. Remember, it’s your space so make it your own! Please share photos afterward! 🐘
It might be worth considering new hardware and seeing how it looks, but you’ll likely still see traces of the old hardware. The wood looks nice, but it’s quite ordinary. If it’s not the look you’re going for, it’s your cabinet.
Preparing the surface properly is crucial. Cabinets are handled frequently and are likely to have embedded dirt. The current finish seems unevenly applied. You could test by cleaning a small area to assess the condition. If painting is still your plan, I suggest jumping to sanding with 80 grit for a smooth surface, then finishing with 120 grit.
Furniture paint may be a good option. Milk paint and modern formulations can achieve a velvety finish similar to what you want. It might be better than using wall or trim paint. I haven’t tried these myself, but I’ve seen the results. Look up some options and reviews online.
‘t rush. Spending an extra hour on preparation can make a significant difference in the outcome.
Would you mind stripping, sanding, and staining it in a color you prefer? Try restoring the glass and cleaning up the hardware too. But if you’d rather not keep the wood, just paint it in whatever color you like. It’s your home 🙂
Repaint it
It’s best to have it refinished by a professional instead of trying to do it yourself.
I suggest waiting until you paint the inside – the green might be giving it an orange hue that you don’t prefer. It looks beautiful! I would recommend cleaning it up and upgrading the hardware before painting it.
The wood is really beautiful. It may not be a trendy color, but it’s a timeless classic. It’s impressive how it has remained unpainted for so long. Leave it as is. Color trends are constantly evolving, what’s in today will be out next month.
Sand it down and apply a new stain
Put it up with a modern or contemporary wallpaper and you’re all set
Consider using a wipe-on poly with a dark walnut stain for a rich color. Clean the hardware thoroughly and use liquid sander before applying the new stain over the existing one. To protect the glass, try taping it off instead of removing it. Any stain on the glass can be removed with a razor blade.
For antique refurbishing, you could scrub with oil and steel wool, then restain or just apply poly if you prefer the faded look.
Preferences change. I used to admire the beautiful woodgrain so much that I wouldn’t even consider painting over it. However, I grew tired of the brown color everywhere, so now I paint everything! Stick with what you love. Adding color can liven up the house.
I used to appreciate the natural beauty of wood grain and believed it should be maintained, but I never considered the idea of painting over it all.
UPDATE: Appreciate everyone’s input!