DIY: Create this fab tallboy with help from The Designory

Part of this year’s Feast Watson Re-Love Project, this fabulous tallboy was liberated recently when Melissa Bonney and Margo Reed of The Designory got their creative paws on it. “Being collectors at heart, Margo and I jumped at the chance to be able to contribute to a charity like the Salvos and it was an added bonus that we got to do what we love and create something beautiful from something old and unloved!” says Melissa.

DIY

Materials

•   Feast Watson Liming White
•   Feast Watson Black Japan
•   Feast Watson Clear Varnish
•   Electric sander and/or sandpaper and a sanding block
•   Cloth
•   Brushes
•   Marble insert, brass handles and cowhide

Step-by-step guide:

Planning

1. Choose a sturdy chest of drawers that is simple in its construction, this will allow you to let your favourite materials and finishes shine. If the bones of the piece are good it will give you the perfect platform to create from.
2. During the planning phase it can also be helpful to create a concept board of potential materials and finishes, as well as inspiration images, to help you refine your design concept.

Preparation

1. Prepare your timber surface using an electric sander, sandpaper and a sanding block to remove existing paint. Ensure you cover all surfaces, including those that are hard to reach.
2. After sanding, wipe the entire piece clean with a cloth to remove dust and debris.

Achieving the look

1. Apply Feast Watson Black Japan to the draw fronts using a paint brush. Only use one coat to allow the timber grain underneath to be seen.
2. Let it dry for at least eight hours.
3. Once dry, lightly sand the draw fronts and clean off any dust with a cloth, this will ensure a smooth and even finish.
4. Apply one coat of Feast Watson Liming White to the inside of the drawers using a paint brush. Also apply one coat of Feast Watson Liming White to the exterior of the main drawers.
5. Let it dry for at least eight hours.
6. Once dry, lightly sand the inside of the drawers and exterior of main drawers and clean off any dust with a cloth, to ensure a smooth and even finish.
7. If a deeper colour is desired, apply an additional coat of Feast Watson Liming White to the inside of the drawers using a paint brush.
8. Finish the entire piece with two coats of Feast Watson Clear Varnish, which will give your piece a silky smooth finish and protect against wear and scratches. Again, note dry times between applications and sand lightly between coats.
9. To finish your look, cut the cowhide to fit inside the draws and fix each piece in place. Then lay the marble insert on top of the chest of drawers and fix with adhesive. Finally, screw on the brass handles.

Tip: Always test the colour on an off-cut or inconspicuous area of your piece before coating the whole piece of furniture to ensure you’re happy with the result.