Refurbishing a Vintage Vanity | DIY Furniture Restoration

I popped over to my local Habitat from Humanity ReStore to find a piece of furniture that needed a refresh. What I found was an Art Deco Waterfall style vanity that had been painted and coloured on! This video covers the process of uncovering what was hiding underneath and getting it ready for a new chance at life.
Products Used in this Video:
+Lead Testing Swabs geni.us/LeadTest
+HOTO Cordless Screwdriver geni.us/HOTOScrewdriver
+Nitrile Gloves geni.us/BlackNitrileGloves
+GreenEZ Strip & Clean Furniture Stripping Kit geni.us/GreenEZKit
+Vinegar and Bar Keeper’s Friend
+Microfibre Rags geni.us/GrabARag
+RZ Mask geni.us/RZMask
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+Surf Prep 3x4 Electric Ray Sander
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+Mineral Spirits geni.us/MineralSpirits1
+Blue Shop Towels geni.us/BlueShopTowels
+Dental Picks geni.us/DentalPickKit
+Fusion Mineral Paint in “Chateau” mixed with water geni.us/FMPChateau
+General Finishes Stain in “Antique Walnut” geni.us/GFAntiqueWalnut
+Fusion Mineral Paint in “Damask” geni.us/FusionDamask
+Varathane Diamond Wood Finish in “Satin” geni.us/VarathaneSatin
+Gravity Fed HVLP Pneumatic Spray Gun geni.us/GravityFedHVLPSprayGun
+Paper Paint Filters geni.us/PaperPaintFilters
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+CLR Cleaner & Wire Brush geni.us/CalciumLimeRustRemover
+WD-40 geni.us/WD40Spray
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IMPORTANT: This video is not sponsored. By watching these videos, you're supporting this small home business. Affiliate links may be included in the description, and purchases made through these links may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Always follow individual product or tool usage and safety recommendations. Attempt projects at your own risk.

[@michaelwandling]

This turned out beautiful! I'm thinking your local ReStore should set up a contract with you: They give you the pieces for free, and you return them back refinished. That way everyone wins. You don’t need to spend more money to make these videos and they make even more money by selling the refinished piece for more.

[@constanceduval-on7fu]

I may be a furniture philistine, but I don't understand why people get upset about painted furniture. This is great!

[@sugarkane4830]

Because some people like to moan about anything tbh. 🤷‍♀️

[@ericalane7220]

I completely agree. If it isn’t in your house, WHO CARES!?!?? The piece ALWAYS looks a million times better after she’s done. GET OVER YOURSELVES PEOPLE!!!

[@liliadeanda5859]

Painting furniture is one thing, what was done to that vanity was gross.

[@Hey-Robin]

I don’t love it, but when done well, I like it. My favorite is when you open a drawer or cabinet and there’s a surprise print like a stencil, or or drawing inside. She did a black cabinet like that a couple of years ago and it was STUNNING!

[@miriamepsteinstiles9623]

Good call with the paint!

[@mariabeneteau5241]

It’s like waiting to watch your Saturday cartoons but for adults! ☕️ 📺

[@gracieferguson1653]

😂totally agree

[@BeReal128]

LOL😂 YES 🙌

[@vibe2248]

So true lol

[@annettabaker2862]

When people get upset with me for painting furniture, I just look at them and say have a nice day. or if they message me and ask me why I painted it I simply say it’s my furniture and that’s what I wanted to do with it. I love how this turned out and I don’t think there’s anything wrong with painting furniture.

[@user-dt2iq4oe7w]

Agreed! You do you. Don’t let anyone tell you what your art should look like. If it’s painted, who cares. You’ve brought new life into something that could have been trashed. ❤

[@patriciamaierson6500]

This was so enthralling to watch. It’s like a master class in furniture restoration. It’s so exciting to see new life infused in a piece of furniture like the ugly duckling becoming the beautiful swan. Your teaching technique is so helpful. I believe that you are truly sharing a craft that needs to grow. I really love how this little piece turned out!

[@davidprazynski6045]

Debbi here. I learned early on that “You can’t make a silk purse out of a sows ear.” But you don’t know what is hidden under all that paint until you look. Then you decide whether you got lucky and got a silk purse or just paint the sows ear. As far as what to do with your beautiful vanity, I would check if there are any organizations that help homeless people set up homes like the ‘Home First’ project. Nice work.~ Debbi

[@edithrohrer7329]

When I started watching your videos I was so inspired to refinish/paint some of my own furniture. After doing a desk and file cabinet I realized I just don’t have the patience to do a great job. Now I just watch in awe of your skills, patience and style.

[@ericadepalma8139]

You are truly a kind person with a generous heart. Not many people would give their time and profits to those in need. Love watching your videos.

[@user-ix8bx6ek3t]

Katie, you have a good eye and good instincts....this piece of furniture looks beautiful. Especially the natural drawers. Well done.

[@4everyoung24]

“If you are gonna hate me for painting a piece of furniture, we don’t need to be in each other’s lives anymore.” 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 Beautiful job as always! You got those brass pulls gleaming! Also: Live Laugh Love Family First Always Sexy! Foxy! 😂😂😂😂😂

[@my_flippin_journey]

@1:40 Plus .. *Jessy loves her Momma!!!* Who possibly gained her *Angel Wings* ♥️

[@juliewitt8461]

😍I did squirm a little after you went to all that effort and then said you were going to paint but I love, love, love the color, it was definitely the right call! Also love that you donate the profits, you could donate this one to a women’s domestic violence recovery charity (not sure what they are called in Canada.) I could see a teen or a mother loving this piece! Beautiful as always and thank you for sharing your journey!

[@maryannfoegen1709]

When I strip and then paint I always feel I failed somehow

[@juliavera9866]

There's nothing like instinct. You're absolutely right to Paint It. Stunning!!!!!! ❤

[@starfish3704]

People who have a problem with furniture being painted , should only view restoration channels. In addition, they are welcome to go and rescue every piece and start restoration on the pieces themselves, when they have so much to say about it. Everyone’s taste regarding furniture is different. Some folk like modern or retro painted pieces, as is their right. It is not always possible to save every piece. You gave new life to a piece that will bring someone great joy, and that’s fabulous. This is your channel, so you do you! 😊

[@marywhittle3759]

The contrast between the stained drawers & the painted body is lovely. Another great-looking piece. Thanks for letting us enjoy the process with you.

[@user-vf9ix9sl7v]

I appreciate how you meticulously sanded down the old paintings, giving them a deep clean and infusing them with positive energy. Your attention to detail, like filling in the gaps and removing the stain mess, was impressive. The resulting color transformation was truly striking. The only suggestion I have is to consider matching the color of the metal casters to the handles and the mirror frame for a more cohesive look. Overall, great job!

[@Eileen_Marie]

I have followed you because I really like your sense of style and creativity. You’re right about those chastise your decisions, you don’t need their advice or negativity.

[@loisbolton1800]

Glad to see you are protecting your back by working from the rolling stool. 👍🏼

[@kellihull7600]

WOW! Beautiful color combo and HUGE reminder of reality…. It’s not a 1 day project and sometimes switching gears is better for your sanity vs fighting something ❤

[@salvagedbykscott]

So true!

[@kaycox19]

Despite all the bumps, it turned out LOVELY!

[@revdani49]

What a gorgeous feminine feeling piece! So lovely❤.

[@marynapier2007]

Long time fan here--not mad at all that you decided to paint the body. As always, you do a great job, and she is beautiful. I'm surewill be loved in her next "forever" home.

[@calikvistad9965]

This one is definitely in my top 5 favorite pieces you’ve done. The color combo with this style is just stunning.

[@emmavik-fredriksson640]

Wow, that pink is gorgeous, love the outcome. I'm usually not a fan of paintwash, but this time I really liked it as it was with no stain. Sell it and donate to your local food bank!

[@LavenderDaisies]

Beautiful! I think you should sell it! The Mirror is perfect with it! If you can sell them easily, you should do that. Especially with your husband working with you now. You deserve to be rewarded every now and again! This is a beauty. Painting it the beautiful light pink color was a WIN!

[@shawndelaney9311]

You can’t make everyone happy! I think it came out beautiful and you gave it new life.❤️

[@emsmomma4606]

Oooh I love how this turned out! Sometimes a piece of furniture “sings” to ya right away, sometimes it’s during the cleanup process, that’s the beauty of restoring or recreating whatever you are working on. I’m the same way, I may have a plan in mind, but then halfway through sanding or stripping the paint, my mind changes. Lol. Great job! 😊

[@christinechin1909]

Turned out beautiful. Those handles scrubbed up wonderfully 😄

[@Jly1370]

Taking the extra time to remove all the dirt n grime out of this beautiful vintage vanity; also old paint then sanding was definitly worth it. It looks amazing!

[@aletasonner3989]

Definitely sell it and donate the profits if your resale stores or anything like the ones in the US. They are selling things for way too much and it doesn't go to a good cause. This turned out so beautiful and I absolutely love the colors and combination of natural wood and paint. Love your videos!

[@drdouglas36541]

I normally would be screaming at the screen because you painted this piece. But the after is beautiful. I would love this piece in my bedroom. You did amazing work on this.

[@Impala_Lily]

I’m not a ‘pink’ person but absolutely LOVE how this piece turned out! Well done 🌸

[@MeganBecnel]

Not that you needed to 'earn it,' but after all that work, still deciding to paint was clearly an appropriately thought out choice. I enjoy your work

[@bethperkins6698]

Probably one of my favorite happy accidents.. love the color combo!

[@car4775]

I was a little concerned about that paint color on the body, but when you put those drawers back in. OH WOW!!! I absolutely LOVE it!!!

[@sheelahrayjohnson3324]

The color combo ended up looking very elegant and sophisticated. Wish I had your vision!

[@barbgalligan4885]

Beautiful! One lady I saw donates to young adults that age out of the foster system.

[@catherinethorington3452]

Katie ❤❤❤ the vanity is beautiful! You honored the style with this updated look!

[@ginaclements2679]

I'd say sell it... I'm sure someone would LOVE to have this gem in there home... As always, you outdid yourself..

[@carolynvagher5296]

Sell it! Supplies aren't cheap.

[@trinidad2450]

When you lifted your furniture find into your van, you finally let go to show us your glee!❤

[@scarletscorpiana8985]

Stunning with the stained doors. Sell and donate the funds this should go to a really appreciative home. I thjinks because it was scraped it looks really good.

[@julierittenhouse5460]

I love how this piece turns out…I COMPLETELY agreed with her decision to paint the body, and you can’t deny the results are lovely!

[@alliekingsley7919]

While I do wish the piece had been kept a more bare wood after all that hard work, I absolutely love the finished result! You've stripped it back and given it a few more decades, and hopefully decades from now when someone else restores it again 🤞they'll appreciate the hard work you put into stripping it back and giving them a cleaner surface to work with!

[@nicholalenehan]

This is my absolute fav of all your pieces. It's really classy and understated. The colours and authentic style go really well and the fine lines make it pop (the lines appear more delicate having removed all the old paint, so I think it was really worth it).

[@michelleodom8637]

GOOD CALL on deciding to paint, AND your choice of paint color. This looks Gorgeous now; the paint & stained drawer fronts go together perfectly !

[@hiccupsngiggles505]

Turned out so Great!!! When you first said stain it I was all😢 sad face when you said you decided to paint I literally yelled at my phone "Yesssss"!!! 😂😂😂 I just absolutely love your work Mrs Scott!!! ❤

[@zakkaryzoah1386]

If you don’t have a use for this vanity, I think selling it to cover the materials cost is a fine idea. It would be a lovely piece for a girl’s room. It’s sophisticated enough to grow with her into adulthood.

[@petrinabiondo3705]

Katie, you are the best refiner and demonstrate your artistic talent with color and design. So perfect 😊

[@mousiebrown1747]

Hi, Katie. So glad you’re posting today. 😊. I need a bit of an emotional boost & I know I’ll get it from watching your restorative work. TYVM .

[@barbaraanderson6366]

I wasn’t at all sure about the paint colour you chose but the end result is stunning! ❤

[@lyndagreenwald3909]

Katie, love what you did to that dresser! You were right to paint it. But then you always do a beautiful job on anything! 👍

[@user-ej3uw7kc8t]

I 100% agree with donating it to a RETIREMENT HOME. The mauve paint is stunning. I’ve had to look for care facilities for a couple of relatives. And if I saw this piece at one, I’d be impressed. Maybe even set it up to take photos of all the ladies to send to their families. Sorry, now I’m just letting my imagination go wild… You’re the best Katie!

[@L.Spencer]

I was thinking the two-toned wouldn't look great, but it did! Your artistic vision is awesome!

[@dannakinnaman7115]

It's beautiful! I love painted furniture. Leaving the drawer fronts stained was brilliant.

[@jenniferlashley2081]

It turned out lovely. You put so much effort into this piece. I would sell it and donate the proceeds - seems like this would help more people in need. Anyway - you do you!

[@aok2727]

Excellent pivot from stain to paint. Wow, that hardware is spot on!

[@GlitterRekka]

I was redoing a waterfall tall boy with the intention of staining - but I had to pivot. Like yours, there was no veneer, just wood with a type of paper print on it. I did the exact same as you did - painted the body a darker blue/black paint that I mixed and then stained the drawers. Even the pulls were a lie - they were a type of plastic so I rubbed some bronze age finishing wax - it came out so GORGEOUS! I have received so many compliments on it. Sometimes plans change because the piece guides us to what it really wants. I loved this piece that you gave new life to!

[@dshey6802]

I would have stained the body and painted the drawers. The body had some lovely grain. The drawers didn't. It is a lovely save. I hope someone appreciates all your hard work.

[@juboo4451]

These Art Deco pieces really are my favourite ones to watch your videos with. Shame we don't have them over here in Europe.

[@moneymakingmikeg.9555]

Yup.... already knew you were gonna knock this out of da park!!! The paint & wood really works well together Katie!! Hoping all is well, Dirty Jersey out!!

[@patriciavavra7375]

Well, we can be friends because I love the look of painted and stained. Beautiful job! Love the handles.

[@salvagedbykscott]

Thank you! 😊

[@elainestokes7822]

You are so lucky to have such a choice of old furniture to pick from, where I live in Western Australia, we have hardly anything to pick from. Something like this would cost hundreds of dollar’s . Bedside chests cost between $50/100 each, and most are in ordinary conditions. So I’m so jealous of you all the the states.

[@kimharding2246]

Love the color choice, and glad you were able to save the drawer pulls. I think putting them back on was the pièce de résistance! 😍

[@sallieredman7349]

It turned out beautifully.

[@oberonlicorish6829]

No i don't like when creators paint their restorations, but I must say you did great on this one ! You should sell it and keep the money you deserve it! Well done!👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽😘

[@cdaprice3416]

I love the contrast of paint and stain. Makes the piece more interesting and likely more marketable, imo. As long as a piece has solid structure, what I do with it is up to me (unless it’s a commissioned piece).

[@fiberotter]

Whew! Glad you decided to paint. I was not feeling the stain on the body. When you did the white wash, I was thinking that wasn't going to work out. Looks beautiful in it's final dress.

[@kimrobinette5966]

I love the paint/stain combo.

[@joelasanchez1609]

What a gorgeous labor of love!! 🤩

[@lorimrasek7611]

The best thing watching you work your magic is your creative mind, this piece is stunning. 😉

[@chanaheszter168]

Color is fab! Love that you give back, keep going!

[@lynnhunter6852]

Beautiful! We trust your process! You are an artist!

[@terrymelyoder9651]

Gorgeous! I know it was a lot of work stripping but it made that paint finish so perfect!!

[@KarenDegenhart]

I used to have the same thing, with the round mirror, and the art deco inlaid wood. But had to give it up when I moved from Illinois to Colorado years ago.

[@gregdrivesdriver5104]

Yep, people move and furniture gets left behind or "upgraded." Wouldn't this be great for an older lady to have as a memory of days ago?

[@shellyannray3601]

WOW!!! Absolutely Stunning!!!!!!! I love this piece of furniture!! ❤❤❤

[@rachelm4325]

So glad you used Damask! I've had my eye on it for the last year but wanted to see it in action first. Looks beautiful! And thank you for showing us that we can combine a water-based paint wash with an oil-based gel stain.

[@rhondawillhite9418]

Love the finished look. Nice contrast between the painted body and stained drawers. I couldn't envision it when you said that was what you decided, but like how it turned out.

[@melissadavis8814]

So pretty!! I think painted furniture is more modern. A lot of people enjoy it and there is nothing wrong with that! I like both painted and stained wood! It’s your art! Do what you want!!

[@kimberlyciani570]

I love watching your process. I kept thinking "OMG, so much sanding" but the outcome was beautiful. I'm not a fan of the color you chose, but that's just a personal preference. Overall great job.

[@karenharris2880]

You have such an amazing creative vision Katie. This turned out beautifully. I adore the damask pink combined with the wood. What a charming outcome. I can't advise on $$ amounts but surely this piece would find a place in some elegant person's home. Thanks for sharing your hard work and dedication lady!

[@DinaFiskerSandgreen]

Beautiful transformation 🍁

[@aliferefurbished]

So much work my friend, but you turned them around and the final look is 👌🏽

[@donnaschaner3216]

I questioned at first about painting it, but I love the color and the way you did it. Beautiful

[@deborahthatsme]

I think the piece is even more beautiful for removing all the layers of paint! Turned out stunning 🤩 I would sell it on FB marketplace starting at $395 (and maybe offer the mirror to go with it for an extra $50?) and you choose the charity of choice - might even be nice to do several pieces over the year and keep a running tally and then help out those in need at Christmas time - might be a nice channel series to do? ❤😊

[@user-sp4iu8ib5n]

Beautiful

[@user-ql8gw7fb3u]

Perfect. Love the combination finish and colour.

[@ptdesignsco]

Love you, Katie Scott! You are always amazing me!

[@sylhayes8152]

I like your no- nonsense approach

[@Befreealways87]

Simply Beautiful!!

[@Its_April-]

Loving the life you gave back to this piece. Absolutely beautiful! 😍

[@shellylemons]

Hey! You are doing the work and you are great at it.

[@leeniekat117]

I love when I catch your uploads this early! 🎉

[@lindamcgough3645]

Well, that is gosh darn fabulous! Great call on the colours! ❤

[@Judi-nz5hg]

Paint is not a dirty word. It’s encouraging for s learners seeing you problem solve your spray gun issues. Good job Katie. And I really like that you give back. Hope it sells. My few pieces aren’t selling atm 😞

[@cv5200]

Worth all the time & effort, Katie! Lovvve this!

[@shabbysuse7821]

Beautiful finish Katy!

[@mariavavercakova738]

Dievča 😀robíš tak nádherné veci, až mi je ľúto, že som tak ďaleko od teba. Pozdrav zo Slovenska🙋‍♀️🇸🇰

[@ColvinAvianBreadline]

Not a fan of pink... However, this color compliments the stain very well. Great work!

[@armelleaymonin8907]

You created a gorgeous piece. I would buy it if I wasn't in the suburbs of Paris, France. You managed to use colors which are usually either bland or vulgar and made an elegant, modern vanity. Bravo!

[@sarahrenfrow9795]

It is so pretty. Love the mirror with it! Thanks for sharing