When I see a super flat surface on a piece of furniture, I get giddy! It’s like being given a clean canvas to do with what you will. I’ve wanted to do an image transfer for some time now. I haven’t done one in ages. I’ve also had a break from custom work, making this the perfect opportunity to be creative. When I purchased this flat vintage buffet I knew the surface was perfect for adding an image. Adding an image transfer gives a whole new personality to a piece, and this project is no exception. Click here to see more image transfer projects: Image inspiration
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French Image Transfer on Vintage Buffet
Materials Needed
- IOD Transfers
- Electric sander
- Flexible sandpaper
- Antique Clear Glass Knobs
- Kristi Kuehl Pure Home Paint:
Staging / Home Decor
The Unfinished Vintage Buffet
The buffet itself was in pretty nice shape when I got it. With no major damage, clean, straight lines and clean drawers. But, inside the cabinet doors were shelves that had been lined with contact paper. Who ever thought that sticky stuff was a good idea? The shelves had not only one, but two layers!
On the positive side, once removed the wood underneath the contact paper is actually very pretty! The shelves were wiped down with rubbing alcohol to remove any leftover sticky residue.
The Makeover – Prep and Staining the Buffet Top
The buffet was prepped as every other piece of furniture is, you can see my full process for How to Prep Painted Furniture. The top of the buffet was sanded down to bare wood, leaving a gorgeous wood grain. The top was stained with Kristi Kuehl Pure Home Paint teak protective wood stain. Teak is a very rich dark espresso stain, so for a second coat, I use chestnut protective wood stain. Combining the two gave the rich dark stain that isn’t quite black and isn’t quite brown, but somewhere in between. 
In between coats of stain, the top was lightly sanded. The top was also lightly distressed along the edges creating a slightly worn look.
Even though the protective wood stain does not need an additional sealer I wanted a super soft finish. I decided to sand the top with my flexible sandpaper and seal again with our clear satin finish. Sanding the top leaves a finish that is soft like a baby’s bum. 
The Paint – Painting Layers for a Cloudy Finish
The body of the vintage buffet was painted in layers. The first coat was Alabaster, which is a pure white. The second layer is tahoe, a very light gray and then storm a cloudy light gray. Each layer is only a very subtle difference from the previous layer. Doing this allows a bit of depth once distressed.
The buffet was lightly sanded in between each coat and then distressed using flexible sandpaper. 
Distressing of the layers give a bit of a subtle depth to the piece, giving it a slightly cloudy appearance.
The Hardware
The original hardware was too dark, too bold and too wrong for the piece. The buffet needs a softer style pull to not distract from the image. Besides the fact that I don’t think they were the original pulls to the piece anyway. New clear vintage glass pulls from D. Lawless Hardware were a perfect choice. 
The clear knobs compliment the piece while not taking away from the image transfer. 
The Image Transfer
I chose a French image that would fit perfectly across the center of the buffet. The image was measured and taped in place with painters tape before being carefully transferred to the piece. This was my first time using this particular type of image transfer and I couldn’t be happier with the outcome. Though I did not make a video tutorial on how to apply the image transfer with this particular project, I did make one with another makeover. To see the video and watch how the transfer is accomplished, you can find that video in this post Transfer on Painted Toy Box. Or, if you’d rather not click through you can see it here:
The dark espresso chocolate of the top pairs beautifully with the cloudy gray painted finish and vintage style french image transfer print. To seal for protection, both the image, as well as the painted surface, were sealed with our matte clear sealer.
You can order image transfers here. Better yet, check out this
Collection of Easiest Image Transfers
If you liked this makeover then make sure to check out: Painted Media Console with French Image 
and Transfer on Painted Toy Box 
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How wonderful it was to find your blog post , I love the step by step instructions . Your pieces are incredibly stunning . I look forward to tagging alone and learning from you , Thank you
thank you so much for such a sweet compliment 🙂
You did a beautiful job on this piece. Very talented. I am attemping to repaint my first piece of furniture and let’s just say its been a struggle.Thanks for sharing on Family Joy Blog Link-up. Please come back and join us again! Remember to leave your host a comment to increase the chance of being featured.
thank you so much!
Hi Kandice
Wow – this is such a pretty makeover on this cabinet! Had no idea large transfers were available on amazon.com! Ooooh the possibilities!! Thank you thank you for sharing this!!
Catherine (newest follower of your blogging adventures!)
thanks so much! Amazon has everything! lol
This is beautiful! I am still a rookie so working on jewlery boxes instead of big pieces is my focus right now:). How did you transfer the image? I have tried a million methods, but still can’t find a “go to” process.
this image transfer is transferred on with a popsicle stick. Its the easiest Ive tried to date!
You did an amazing job. The buffet is so beautiful, every detail so thought out. And Amazon is wonderful. I will need to check out the transfers.
thank you xoxo
Love this transformation, Kandice. I wasn’t aware there were transfers in such a large size. Thanks for sharing!
thank you! Yes, Im already itching to do another! lol
It’s gorgeous! I just love it! You did a fabulous job. Thanks for sharing with us at Merry Monday. We’re pretty excited about fall and looking forward to seeing lots of fall ideas shared at the next party now that we have made it into September.
thank you so much Shirley. Im so glad Fall is here! bring on the apple cider donuts! 🙂
This is one of my favorite pieces. The color combo really makes the image transfer pop. Some lucky person will acquire a very special piece. Thanks so much for sharing with us at Friday’s Furniture Fix. We are so thrilled to have you share with us.
Susie from The Chelsea Project
thank you so much! someone is coming to see it tonight, I hope she loves it
This is just amazing! Like so many others said, I had no idea they made transfers this large. Love your work!
thank you so much! I cant wait to do another
What a wonderful makeover!! The knobs are perfect!! You are very talented, thank you for sharing at TaDa Thursday….we love see what you do each week 🙂
thank you so much xoxo
What a beauty! You do such amazing transformations, Kandice. Thanks for partying with us at Snickerdoodle and showing us your wonderful furniture makeovers. Pinned.
thank you so much xoxo
You are being featured this Sunday on Family Joy Blog link-up! Come over Sunday to grab the featured button and add your latest post. Remember to leave your host a comment with the # your post is in the linkup!
oohhh thank you so much!!!
Kandice, this piece takes my breath away. You did an amazing job on the makeover. Thank you so much for sharing at Vintage Charm.
awww thank you! it was fun to work on xoxo
WOW! This is truly the most amazing piece I have ever seen even inside a furniture store. I want it badly! As soon as my life slows to a slightly less hectic pace, I am going to try this for sure. Thank you so much for sharing and for sharing where to get the transfer.
aww thank you so much for such a nice compliment!! xoxo
Just beautiful!!!
thank you so much!
I Love This…So Glad I found Your Blog. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
thank you so much!! 🙂
That is an absolutely beautiful piece Kandice! I love everything about it. You have amazing skills!!!!
aww thank you Tuula 🙂
This piece is stunning! Simply Gorgeous! I love the “cloudy” look!
Jeannee
thankyou Jeannee. Id love to be able to do another 🙂
Thank you for sharing, I’ve been wanting to do something like this for awhile. Your video has given me the confidence now to give it a try. I’ve also started following your blog! Beautiful work!
thank you so much!
Just saw this just was wondering did you cut the transfer to fit each drawer how did you get the whole thing lined up so perfectly I’ve ordered the transfer and received it I love it just kind of scared about the drawer thing
I did not cut it. THe surface was completely flat and the drawers were flush so I didn’t have to worry about any bumps 🙂