Grunt Labor has a man cave.
Did you know that?
But really, its only been his man cave for the past three months or so.
Prior to that, it was the dumping ground for yard sale items, the kid’s toys, an outdated computer, and just crap in general.
Said crap was moved elsewhere (a.k.a. shoved in the attic) and he is finally getting the room that he deserves.
That he deserved a long time ago.
His words to me were, “Just do your thing.” when asked what he wanted done to the space.
So I’m doing my thang.
Because I like to do my thang, rather than my thing.
And I started with this vintage radio turned bar cabinet.
Disclosure: This post was a collaboration with Velvet Finishes. All opinions and love of rat’s nests infested pieces are 100% mine. This post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.
This won’t be shocking to you I’m sure, but this piece was my great grandfather’s.
I know, well as we all know, the motto in my family seems to be, “Just give the stuff no one wants to Jenna. She’s a hoarder.”
It’s true.
I actually got this piece eight or so years ago in my former life. When Grunt Labor and I moved in together, there wasn’t enough room for all my furniture so I left it with my dad.
So I guess technically, I’m an indian giver since I wanted it back?
Dad wasn’t using it though, it was in a storage shed.
Where rats also live.
I know this because there were multiple rat’s nests in this piece.
I can hear you through my computer.
“First she kills snakes, now she’s taking home rat’s nests, God help the poor girl, all the cheap beer has finally gotten to her.”
I gave it a thorough cleaning, so don’t worry.
Here’s what I started with:
The top two photos are of the front of the piece. The bottom left door didn’t open – it was glued shut and was made like this.
And I’m sure you can see the break in the right door.
And that’s the back. There wasn’t a back for the bottom left cabinet either.
And one of the drawers…
Well, it wasn’t such a drawer anymore. My dad said it used to hold a record player. It had a piece of cardboard for the bottom that was rotted out.
Fun times, y’all. Fun times.
I started with the doors. First, I took off the one that was broken. I removed both of their backings and just left them out – they were gross. On the broken door, I glued it together and clamped it where needed.
After it dried, there was still a little chunk of wood missing in the design. I filled it with two coats of wood filler and then sanded it smooth.
I pried off the door that was glued shut, which wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be.
I also pulled out the actual radio and cut out a thin square piece of plywood to be the backing on the radio where there wasn’t one before.
And then we were finally ready for paint.
I will say that there was a small part of me that didn’t want to paint this piece – once upon a time, it had a beautiful glossy stain. It still looked ok far away, but closer up, it was covered in scratches.
Since it did have a glossy finish, I primed it first with Ready and then painted it with Velvet Finishes Modern.
To apply the Ready, you just spray it on your piece, let it sit for a minute, then wipe it down with a paper towel. Repeat until the shine is gone from your piece.
Yea, I’m not even kidding. Most of the time you don’t even need a primer with this paint, but for glossy surfaces its recommended.
After the Ready was dry, I spray painted the trim on the drawers and doors gold and let it dry.
Next, I painted Modern over the piece.
Normally, I would use my paint sprayer on this type of makeover, but it was unusually cold here last week. I just didn’t want to freeze my tail off with my garage door opened for ventilation. I was worried about seeing a lot of the brush strokes, but you can’t see that many at all.
It took three coats of Modern to do this piece. I had a full quart to begin with and used about half of it. The paint had pretty good coverage.
Since this piece is going to be used as a bar of sorts, I wanted to make sure it could stand up to drinks and spills. So, I gave it a coat of Protect after the paint dried.
Protect is a polyurethane that is non-yellowing. All you do is brush on a thin coat.
And it is sitting pretty in the man cave now.
I love the gold with the Modern blue. Imagine that.
I kept the piece’s original hardware and restored it with Bar Keeper’s Friend.
What do you think of the new bar cabinet and its bold hue?
Love a good furniture makeover? See these then…
11 Colorful Furniture Makeovers – glorious, glorious color.
Here’s my complete guide to painting furniture – any question you’ve ever had, answered.
And see all my furniture makeovers right here.
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Kellie Smith says
Jenna – this piece turned out A.MAZ.ING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Omg I LOVE it!!!!!!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thank you, Kellie! We think its pretty amazing too, of course we are partial!
Jenna @ Wife in Progress says
I agree!! I need to find something to use Modern on. I thought “Handsome” was amazing but I think I’m even more in love with this shade! Nicely done, Jenna!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thanks! I do love Handsome though too. Really, I just love blues in general!
Kari says
Great color, it looks amazing!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thank you, Kari!
[email protected] says
The blue and gold together is fabulous! Love it
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thanks, Julia! I am a sucker for blue and gold – love that combo!
Rachel Paxton says
Gorgeous makeover, Jenna. So much work, but so worth it!! xoxo
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Yes, definitely worth it, Rachel! Thanks!
Heather @ Southern State of Mind says
You never cease to amaze girlfriend! This is fab!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thank you, Heather!
Heather says
You had me at gold! 😉 Love that pop of blue!! Great makeover Jenna!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thanks!!
Krista @ the happy housie says
Gorgeous!! Wow – I love the gold against that bold blue. Such a beautiful piece, looks amazing against the cowhide rug too.
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
I love me some blue and gold together, Krista! Thanks!
gail says
amazing transformation of the vintage radio turned bar Jenna! You’re a brave woman my friend!
pinning, sharing on g+
love this bar cabinet.
gail
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thank you, Gail! Anytime I get a compliment from the queen of repurposing furniture herself, I am flattered!
kathy says
nice transformation! did you put glass behind the gold trim or leave it open?
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
No, I just opted to leave it open, Kathy. I think glass would be gorgeous, but with a two year old and the glass being closer to her reach, it probably wouldn’t be a good idea – maybe one day!
Liz says
I sooooo wanna try that paint!
chris aka monkey says
this is a fitting piece of furniture for all grunt does for you ‘eh it is utterly awesome xx
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thanks, Chris!
Dad says
Folks on the blog: I saw this yesterday in person & it is truly amazing. Jenna did an awesome job with this considering the shape (& again pictures cannot fully tell the story) it was in when she got it. Originally it was a Trutone Stereo my Granddaddy purchased from Western Auto (their store brand) back in the 1950s. As a young lad, I loved to play “my” records on the record player which accompanied the radio when I wasn’t playing the radio itself. It was a beautiful piece of furniture made or real Walnut wood, not anything fabricated like they do nowadays. While I would have liked to have seen it restored to its former glory & working condition I knew it would be cost (& probably parts) prohibitive in all likelihood. Jenna did the next best thing converting, fixing, & painting as she did. Now, in its own way it will remain in the family now repurposed where it will have it’s own identity for years to come. Great job Jenna Ann! Love you. Roll Tide! Dad.
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thanks, Dad!
Kathy says
Hi, ‘Dad’,
I agree that it would have been super to restore the original finish (I’m a sucker for real wood) and to working condition. The radio and Phonograph (they are now called ‘Turntables’) could have been replaced with a current model. The original radio would have had vacuum tubes (I’m showing my age!) and been a nightmare to recondition. The original finish and wood cabinet would have been a test of wills for even a professional re-finisher.
I really like what Jenna has done with this and I’m going to try the Bartenders’s Friend trick on my kitchen cabinet knobs. I MIGHT try a paint job too, but getting lazy in my old age.
Jenna says
Thank you, Kathy! 🙂
Shanna Gilbert says
This turned out beautifully Jenna! I love the colors you chose! What a difference paint can make!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thanks, Shanna!
Lindsay Eidahl says
Jenna-
I am loving the products on this project! I want to try them out! B-A-D-L-Y! That ready spray has my name all over it! Oh my goodness! Your piece turned out so great!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thanks, Lindsay! I know – that Ready spray is pretty cool since all you have to do is spray it on!!
Sarah says
This is stunning Jenna! That blue is perfection!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thank you, Sarah!
April Hoff says
Another AMAZING furniture transformation, Jenna! I love that you brought such a cool piece back to life!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thanks so much, April!
Hope Williams says
Guess who got her phone fixed? MEEEEEEEEEE!!!!;-)
I’m so glad Grunt got “his” space! I know how important it is to have your own creative space that is just yours.
As for the piece, STUNNING! I love the color and lines. I can not wait to try this new paint!
To you and a your stalkers, HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
haha!! Great to have you back, Hope!!
I’m really glad he finally has his own space too – now if I could actually get it decorated for him……
Thank you! I’m so glad you like the piece – it is quickly becoming one of my favorites!
Happy Happy Thanksgiving to you – I hope you and all yours eat waaaay too much!
Jamie says
WHAT? No way, girl. I can’t believe you rescued that. Wow…like WOW. Love that paint colour too 😉
Hugs, Jamie
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thanks, Jamie!
Julie Shearer says
I love this cabinet! You defiantly brought it back to its Glory! Absolutely stunning!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thank you so much, Julie!
Angela says
This is a gorgeous re-do! beautiful job and i love the color!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thank you so much, Angela!
Denise says
Now, that is a wonderful example of my Mama’s saying “turn a sow’s ear into a silk purse” fo’ sho’. Fabulous dahling!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
hahahahaha!!! I love that saying and your Mama for saying it, Denise! Thanks!
Linda Johnston says
Well, I have been following you for a while now, but just found this page. Note to Dad: I remember every detail you outlined about the pieces’ first life. Wow. Isn’t it great that it is reincarnated into a whole new being?! That Jenna of yours does a great job!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thanks, Linda! He is pretty great with those details – haha!
Terri Hughes says
Great job and I love it when an old piece of furniture can be restored. Especially, when it has been part of your family for many years. I’m sure your family is pleased that you restored it and that it will be in your family for many more years to come. Beautiful.
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thank you, Terri! There was a little part of me that wanted to leave this alone, but it was just too badly scratched and banged up. I love this new color though!
Terri Hughes says
Jenna, I forgot to mention that I love the stories that you tell. You crack me up with them. You should write a book of short stories!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Aww, thanks Terri! My dad is on me to do the exact same thing! Maybe one day…
Jen Disney- Arneson says
Hi Jenna! I love how this piece turned out! That shade of blue is absolutely delicious! What did you use for the gold details?
Great job!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thanks, Jen! For the gold details, I just used gold spray paint. I spray painted those areas before painting the rest of it blue and just painted carefully around them.
Kim says
Hi Jenna,
I love this makeover. I have similar cabinet that is desperately in need of a makeover. My cabinet details are a little older but it is built the same way. I have finally given up the wish to restore the original colour and finish and I am going for paint. I like that you opened up the bottom of the doors. Your cabinet is an inspiration. Thank you.
Kim
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thanks, Kim! I wish I could have left the stain and restored the original finish on mine as well, but it was just beyond repair. I’m sure your’s will be beautiful!
Vineta says
Beautiful! I absolutely love the blue and gold color combination. I want one!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thank you, Vineta! I love that color combo as well! One of my faves!
Christine says
It turned out great and I adore that blue color! Thanks for sharing his at the DI & DI Link Party.
Jenna says
Thank you, Christine! that blue color is one of my favorites too!
Leanna says
This is a fantastic makeover. Pinning
Jenna says
Thank you so much, Leanna!
Marie|The Interior Frugalista says
Stunning makeover and repurpose – love the color paired with the gold! Pinning
Jenna says
Thank you, Marie!
Beverly says
Wow, what a transformation. Love it. Thanks for sharing at Over The Moon Party. Hope you come back next week so I can stop by again. I hope you will also share at Thursday Favorite Things this week.
Hugs,
Bev
Jenna says
Thanks so much, Beverly!
Vanessa says
Fabulous makeover! I love it.
Jenna says
Thanks so much, Vanessa!
Evija says
Absolutely stunning tranformation, thank you so much for sharing with us at #OMHGWW So happy to have you as my feature this week! http://fromevijawithlove.com/2017/03/29/easter-bunny-wonderful-wednesday/
Jenna says
Thanks, Evija!
Cookie says
Great job and I love the be!! May ask the type of hinge you used for the “doors”??
Jenna says
Thanks, Cookie! The hinges were just basic rectangle ones that you can get at Lowe’s or Home Depot – they are brass plated.
Parker Wilson says
I was just interested to know what kind of gold paint you used. It’s hard to find gold paint that actually looks “gold”. Great, great job!
Jenna says
It’s just spray paint – Rustoleum Metallic gold I believe. I spray painted those parts first, then covered the overspray with the blue paint.
Dianna Acevedo says
Jenna,
This turned out beautiful! I am also working on a vintage radio. I was going to restore it, but I really loved the bar idea instead. I’m thinking of using that paint because it looks so luxurious. I also would have put that in a woman cave instead
Janet Frets says
Once you removed the turntable and radio, what does the inside look like? Did you add a shelf or wine glass holders?
Janet
Elizabeth says
I know this post was made a while ago, but I have that radii and I too am making a bar cabinet. I’m opting for a green and brass since my door decoration is made of brass and in great shape. How did you get the glued door unstuck? I am carefully pulling everything apart but I am afraid of messing up the wood where it is glued.