Reviving a Vintage Cocktail Cabinet: A Detailed Guide with a Bold Wallpaper Twist

Hey everyone! I’m Brenda from Phoenix Furniture Studio, and today, I’m thrilled to share the step-by-step process of how I transformed a vintage cocktail cabinet with a bold and unexpected design element. My client desired a unique look that combined the beauty of natural wood with a stunning golden yellow crane wallpaper. Let’s dive in!

Screwdriver (for removing hardware)

Drop cloths (to protect your work area)

Stripper (to remove old finish)

Sanding pads (various grits: 80, 120, 180, 240, 320)

Water-based primer

Wallpaper of your choice

Wallpaper paste or adhesive

Sharp utility knife and cutting mat

Smoothing tool or squeegee

Frenchic Frensheen

Monstera leaf stencil

Gilboys hard wax oil

Mineral spirits

Clean cloths

Paintbrushes or roller (for applying primer and wax)

Toner spray (optional, for color matching)

You can find links to all the products I recommend RIGHT HERE.

Disassemble: Carefully remove all hardware (handles, hinges, etc.) and doors. This will make the rest of the process much easier. I recommend using small sandwich bags (which you can label) to divide your hardware up into specific areas, so you know where they go when it’s time to reassemble.

Clean: Make sure to thoroughly clean the piece of furniture. Use dish soap and water to remove any dirt, grime, or grease. Dry thoroughly before moving on to the next step. For a list of my recommended cleaning products CLICK HERE. I also have a blog post breaking down the cleaning process, step by step which you can READ HERE.

Strip the Old Finish: Apply the stripping agent following the manufacturer’s instructions. Let it sit for the recommended time to soften the old varnish or paint. Then, use a plastic/metal scraper to carefully remove the loosened finish. Repeat this process if necessary. Go over all the stripped surfaces with mineral spirits and 0000 steel wool to neutralise the stripper and remove any stripper residue and varnish. For a list of my recommended stripping products CLICK HERE. ALWAYS REMEMBER YOUR PPE!!

Repair (If Needed): If there are any scratches or gouges, use a wood filler to fill in the affected areas.

Scuff Sand: Starting with 120 first sandpaper, sand away any remaining varnish and gradually work your way up to finer grits (180, 240) to achieve a smooth surface for oiling. Always sand in the direction of the wood grain to avoid scratches.

Measure the interior surfaces of the cabinet and cut the wallpaper accordingly. Leave a slight overhang for trimming later. Apply wallpaper paste or adhesive (I recommend Mod Podge) evenly to the back of the wallpaper. Carefully position the wallpaper onto the cabinet’s interior, smoothing it out with a smoothing tool (like this one) or squeegee to remove air bubbles and wrinkles. Trim any excess wallpaper with a sharp utility knife for a clean edge.

Protect the wallpaper with a couple of coats of varnish. My preferred varnish is Polyvine Decorators Varnish in Satin. I apply this using a microfibre roller.

Enhance the cabinet’s elegance with Frenchic Frensheen gold finishing powder. To achieve the cooler-toned gold, I mix the Frensheen Gold and Frensheen Silver until I achieve the desired tone. Apply it to edges, corners, and other decorative details using a small brush. For a touch of personalization, use a stencil and paint to create a subtle design on the cabinet doors. I used this tropical leaf stencil for this project.

Using a brush, foam sponge or applicator, apply a thin coat of Gilboys Hard Wax Oil to the entire exterior of the cabinet. Work in the direction of the wood grain, ensuring even coverage. Use a paper towel to wipe away any excess oil. Allow the wax to dry for the recommended time.

Once the first coat of wax is dry, lightly scuff sand with 400 grit sandpaper to smooth out any minor imperfections. Apply a second coat of wax for a smooth, polished finish that highlights the wood’s natural beauty.

Carefully reattach the hardware and doors, ensuring they align properly. If you notice any color inconsistencies in the wood, consider using a toner spray to blend and even out the tones.

With these detailed instructions and a little patience, you can give new life to a vintage cocktail cabinet, creating a unique and stylish piece for your home. Enjoy the process and the beautiful results!