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Category: Zuzu's Homefront Blog | Posted: Sat Dec 09, 2006 8:43 pm

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OOh , the evilest of all renovation evil deeds in some folks' eyes . . .

There is something that, for some people,
goes very badly against the grain (please excuse the pun)
where painting over wood is concerned.
"How could you possibly consider applying paint over real wood?!?"
The words "real wood" usually spoken in hushed and reverent tones.

In my opinion, the answer was simple. The room in question looked dated
and, despite having 3 large windows, it felt dark and dingy.



The (now "vintage") knotty pine, with it's obligatory coats of
shiny orange shellac, was apparently a popular construction
choice in this part of the world in the 60's,
which is when this addition to my home was built.

At least, it was certainly popular with the builder who built the addition.
He used it to cover all four walls and the ceiling
of the small (9'x13') bedroom which we are now in the process
of converting into a home office.

It took more than a few "trust me's",
and a handful of magazine photographs to sell the paint idea to hubby,
even though he conceded that he did not love the pine.

I think the moment that may have tipped the scale, was when I pointed out
that even if we didn't paint, we weren't off the hook work-wise,
we were still going to have to refresh the existing finish with something . . .
. . . Good grief!! Not more shellac???

So, after applying a single coat of oil-based primer, we painted the walls
with a latex paint called "Patina", a soothing mossy-grey color,
and then did the trim and ceiling in a very soft (nearly white)
chiffon yellow named "Pale Sunshine".



The thing is, I think the space still has the "craftsman-ly" quality
of a paneled room, but it really does look and feel so much fresher.
As you can see, the room is still a work-in-progress,
but we both love the paint, trust me.

Now . . . if we can just come to terms on furniture . . .

Oh, by the way,
the same paneling also swaths a small adjoining hall and bath,
as well as my little kitchen . . .
here's a brush, I hope you wore your painting clothes.


Last edited: Sat Dec 09, 2006 9:37 pm

This blog entry has been viewed 21291 times

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pondlady wrote on Sat Dec 09, 2006 8:53 pm:

When are you available to come to my house? Donna cooks good and I got lots of paintbrushes. Your room looks great. I am encouraged.

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eileen wrote on Sat Dec 09, 2006 9:40 pm:

What a difference!! From dark and dingy to fresh, clean and bright. Fantastic job!!!

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Gardenstew wrote on Sat Dec 09, 2006 11:15 pm:

Quite a transformation Zuzu, I see you are a lady who gets her way. "All wood" decors can look bad.

One thing did disappoint me however... where was the offer of a cup of tea and a gingersnap? :(

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zuzu's petals wrote on Sat Dec 09, 2006 11:30 pm:

Many thanks, we have much to do yet,
baby-step by baby-step.

Be fearless, Jan ........ After all, what could happen? =O

Oh my, Frank, you're so right!
Where are my manners??
I'll be driven out of the south by wooden spoon wielding Belles!
It's a chilly evening here,
how about some hot blueberry cobbler
and a nip of brandy?

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Gardenstew wrote on Sat Dec 09, 2006 11:58 pm:

>>> how about some hot blueberry cobbler
and a nip of brandy?

Will you adopt me? Pleeease!

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cajunbelle wrote on Sun Dec 10, 2006 2:59 am:

Looks so much better, although I must admit it would have been a hard decision for me too.

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reggaefan wrote on Sun Dec 10, 2006 3:26 am:

Very nice but some people would com\nsider this a felony offence I however am not one of them. It looks much better painted

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englishrose wrote on Sun Dec 10, 2006 4:42 am:

I too have a basement full of 60's pine I love your new look. It looks like heavy beadboard now. I feel brave now. Thank's ZZ

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bethie wrote on Mon Dec 18, 2006 2:36 pm:

Light and bright over ORANGE any day.

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