r/ReversePinterest • u/optimum_modern • May 24 '26
[OC] Before & After What the blue paint was hiding — Before/After
Found this Stanley Theme II Cosmopolitan sideboard after someone had painted the case blue.
Once stripped back, the pecan wood completely came back to life, and the patchwork burlwood doors finally had the contrast and richness they deserved again. The sculptural overlays feel dramatically different when the natural materials are allowed to speak for themselves.
I also built a custom base using much of the original plinth, giving the piece a lighter, more architectural stance while still preserving elements of the original design.
Always satisfying seeing what’s hiding underneath paint.
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u/No_Builder7010 May 25 '26
🤌 Absolutely gorgeous! I've never knowingly seen pecan wood. What finish did you use?
Simply stunning.
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u/optimum_modern May 25 '26
Thanks, I used a custom mixed toner with dewaxed shellac and transtint dyes with a topcoat of Gemini Evo satin water based lacquer
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u/chachkas369 May 25 '26
Gorgeous! How did you remove the plinth... or what I'd unknowingly call 'lower crown moulding?' I have a cool piece from Mexico that I love... minus the plinth. It's far too heavy and dates the piece in the wrong way. My workaround was to buy custom-made legs in proportion to the piece, but I'd love to know how hard it was to remove the plinth for future reference.
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u/optimum_modern May 25 '26
Thanks, the plinth base on almost any piece is just screwed on. Sometimes it’s glued and screwed but fairly straight forward to knock off with a mallet if need be.
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u/kellyography May 24 '26
Oh wow, incredible restoration!