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Hand Painted Rust Red Empire Buffet

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Red Rust Empire Buffet

Believe it or not, I went out in the pouring rain to buy this empire buffet.  I actually made the arrangements to purchase it and then the skies opened up.  I didn’t want to lose the opportunity to pick her up and risk not getting it. So I donned my rain jacket and away I went.  I absolutely love the curves on an empire piece, and a little bit of rain never hurt anyone.

painted empire buffet, red painted buffet, vintage empire
Materials Needed:
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Staging Items/Decor

Vintage Empire Style Buffet

This piece wasn’t in perfect shape or even great shape. But it’s clear that it’s been around a long time and has ‘good bones’ as they say.  Once the sky cleared and the rain dried I brought the empire buffet into my shop for a makeover.
Empire Buffet, vintage furniture

So I decided to sand the entire piece completely, paying special attention to the top.  That in itself made a world of difference. You can see my entire process for How to Prep Painted Furniture. The solid wood construction is something you rarely see anymore in modern-made pieces.
Sanding an Empire Buffet Before Paint

Adding a New Stain top to a Painted Empire Buffet

Once the sanding was complete I stained the top in a dark, almost black stain.Empire Buffet with Stain Top, chalk paint, wood stain, painted buffet

Custom Red Rust

I could envision this piece in only one color – rust.  So I got to mixing to make the color that I was going for..  a little red, a hint of yellow, a touch of brown and a smidge of cranberry….  finished off with an antiquing glaze and voila – my rust!! This empire buffet was meant to be this color. Now, if I had only written down the exact recipe. Hindsight. You can find great paint options online HERE

Rust Red Empire Buffet, painted empire buffet

I also removed the shiny gold knobs that were thrown on by a previous owner and replaced them with oil rubbed bronze knobs. They have just enough curves and texture to perfect the piece.Painted Empire Dresser

When it comes to painted furniture you never have to be limited by the color that you purchase, there’s a certain beauty in playing around and mixing your own custom color creations. Maybe next time I will remember to write down my recipe.

New to painting furniture and not sure where to start? Start at the beginning with How to Paint Furniture – a Beginners Guide.

how to paint furniture

Are you looking for that perfect statement piece but prefer something new? Click here for a variety of gorgeous buffets and sideboards available online: HERE 

If you love red painted furniture then you may also enjoy this Custom Painted Cranberry Credenza.

painted furniture, how to paint furniture, painted furniture tutorials, painted furniture blog, painting furniture, painted furniture before and after, painted furniture makeovers

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empire buffet, vintage buffet, painted buffet

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Vintage empire style buffet makeover in custom mixed red rust. Bold red painted furniture with dark stained top
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Comments

  1. You did an awesome job on this piece. I also love the empire lines. So often these pieces are left alone, because of their size. But when treated like this, they are absolutely gorgeous. You made me a fan, Thanks, Sandi

    Reply

  2. Hi Kandice

    This is beautiful – love the colour you mixed and the dark stain you used and the knobs – perfect. What make of paint and stain did you use if you don’t mind me asking? And… is it the glaze that is giving it it’s ‘sheen’ or did you use some kind of acrylic varnish?

    Reply

  5. Hi, I love empire furniture too, I restored a chest a few years ago and love it, it sits in my kitchen and I use it for storage. I recently bought the same piece you have but it was in really poor shape, the veneer was broken in one spot on the top, so I’m not staining it. ll paint it because I cant repair veneer. I love your paint color and normally I don’t like rusty redish colors, but you got the perfect combination. I was planning an off white tone, buuuut????
    I

    Reply

    • I agree, Empire pieces have such great curves!! This one actually doesn’t have any veneer, luckily I was able to sand down the stains and damage. šŸ™‚

      Reply

  7. You acquired a beautiful piece despite the rainstorm. Sturdy, beautiful lines, lovely. I loved reading how you created your rust color by mixing your colors. It’s just a stunning piece and you did a great job. I saw your link at The Painted Drawer Link Party.

    Reply

  14. I have a piece like this. It is not finished, but the style is the same. Can you tell me the value of an unrestored piece.

    Reply

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