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Tuesday, August 21, 2018

Two Tone Vintage Bassett Server Makeover

A vintage Bassett server gets a fresh modern makeover with Iron Ore and Black Gel stain. 


You know when one project leads to another, which leads to another and another and another?  Well, that's kind of what's happening with this little vintage Bassett server.  I actually had no plans of keeping it when I first spotted it at Goodwill, but after bringing it home and giving it a makeover with Iron Ore and Black Java Gel stain I kind of fell in love.

So, what's the problem?

Well, the MCM vibe of this gorgeous vintage server doesn't really jive with the modern farmhouse feel of our current dining room decor.  Moving the Bassett server to the dining room means the farmhouse clock, wood and metal chairs, rug and light fixture will have to go.   I'm still deciding if this little MCM server is worth doing a mini makeover,  but don't be surprised if this gorgeous piece ends up in my dining room. 

Iron Ore and wood vintage Bassett server makeover


SUPPLIES USED TO UPDATE VINTAGE BASSETT SERVER

Affiliate links have been used.

- Sherwin-Williams Iron Ore paint (Emerald)
- General Finishes Black Gel Stain
- Purdy paint brush
- Dewalt Orbital sander
- 100 grit sanding pads
- Simple Green
- Paper Towels
- Lint-free rag or foam brush (For applying stain)
- Screwdriver
- Rust-Oleum ORB spray paint

HOW TO PAINT A MIDCENTURY SERVER
Here's how the server looked when I first saw it at Goodwill.  It definitely needed some love, but being that it's made by Bassett I knew it was a solid piece worth updating.

Vintage Bassett server before
There were minor marks on the legs and drawers, but the top was where most of the damage was.  I could have resanded and stained the entire piece, but after just refinishing the card catalog I decided to go the easy route.

I sanded the top and sides (areas I planned on painting) with 100 grit sandpaper and my Dewalt Orbital sander.  I then cleaned the server with Simple Green and applied two coats of Sherwin-Williams Iron Ore.

As far as the areas that I wasn't painting, I wiped on a light coat of General Finishes Black Gel Stain.   I did have to sand out some damage on a few of the legs, but the gel stain cleaned and covered them beautifully.
Iron Ore and stained vintaged Bassett server

Vintage server painted with Iron Ore and Black Gel stain


Dovetail drawers on vintage Bassett server
The hinges on the door were a little grimy and rusty, so I sanded them with fine grit sandpaper and sprayed on a few coats of Rust-Oleum ORB spray paint.
Inside cabinet of vintage Bassett server

Two-tone vintage Bassett server makeover

This little vintage Bassett server is petite, but I think it will fit perfectly in my dining room.  I'm already dreaming up new plans (if I decide to keep this beauty), which I hope to share with you soon.  

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Would you like to comment?

  1. you know my opinion. and that's really the only one that matters. ;)
    but seriously, change is good for the soul!!!

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  2. It looks amazing!!!
    Did you sand a bit before applying the gel stain?? Just adding the gel stain over the original piece seems like it would have ended in a different color...
    Im wanting to do something to my builder oak kitchen cabinets to tone down the golden color. Im not learning towards painting white, as many have..any suggestions welcome!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Dawn! I did not sand the cabinet door or drawer fronts before applying the gel stain. I only sanded the legs because there were some damage that needed to be repaired. The stain did enhance the original wood and make it a little richer.

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  3. Thanks Katie...would you mind sharing how you applied the stain? I like how it isn't the solid color as so many things I see when searching General Finishes gel stain...
    Thanks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I just used a paper towel because I didn't have any foam brushes handy, but I would recommend a cheap inexpensive foam brush. Just wipe on the stain then wipe off the access with a paper towel. You can add more coats if you want a deeper, darker stain. I used very little stain because I wanted the grain to show and was just looking to cover up some of the prior damage.

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  4. You worked some magic on that server! I love the finished look and how well you cleaned and preserved the wood. These old Bassett pieces deserve a rebirth. Way to go!

    ReplyDelete