PAINT THIS:
Restore Moroccan Cabinet
Alright, DIY enthusiasts, get ready to unleash your inner artist and transform a tired old cupboard into a vibrant, wanderlust-inducing piece of Moroccan magic! Forget boring beige and say hello to a splash of exotic color with this super fun and surprisingly easy tutorial. We're diving headfirst into the captivating world of Moroccan design, and trust me, your furniture is about to go on a serious style adventure!
This wonderful cupboard was discovered at the McMinnville Habitat for Humanity Restore! These amazing places are gold mines for unique, budget-friendly pieces, just waiting for a creative refresh. We highly encourage you to check out your local Habitat for Humanity ReStore or any thrift store in your area. You never know what hidden gems you might find that are just begging for a DIY transformation!
Supplies:
- An old cupboard just begging for a makeover (think forgotten attic finds or that thrift store gem you just unearthed!)
- Rodda-Miller Paint Premium colors in a Semigloss sheen:
- Capri Isle 0605: Our dreamy base!
- Dancing Sea 0641: The captivating undercurrent.
- Mango Madness 0968: A burst of sunny energy!
- Purple Hollyhock 1158: A touch of regal charm.
- Island Moment 0695: For those gorgeous defining lines.
- Sandpaper (120 grit): For a bit of surface prep TLC.
- A rag and some paper towels: For paint wrangling!
- Brushes:
- 3 ½” angle paintbrush: For covering the big spaces.
- ½” angle watercolor paintbrush: For outlining like a pro.
- Size 5 round watercolor paintbrush: For those intricate details!
Mastering the Dry Brush Technique
Before we get our hands gloriously paint-covered, let's talk about the magic behind this look: the Dry Brush Technique. Don't let the fancy name intimidate you – it's super simple! The key is to use barely any paint on your brush. Think of it like a gentle whisper of color.
Here's the lowdown:
- Dip just the tips: Imagine your brush is making a tiny, little toe-dip into the paint.
- Wipe, wipe, wipe! This is crucial! Vigorously wipe off the excess paint onto a paper towel until it looks like your brush is almost dry.
- Gentle strokes: Lightly brush across the cupboard, allowing the original color to peek through. This creates amazing texture and depth!
- Blend it out: Don't be afraid to go back and forth with your brush to soften any harsh lines and create a beautiful, blended effect.
Step 1: Prep Your Canvas
If your cupboard is sporting a super shiny finish, give it a light sanding with your 120-grit sandpaper until it feels a little less slick. This helps the paint grip better. Don't forget to wipe away all that sanding dust with your rag – a clean surface is a happy surface!
Step 2: Lay the Dreamy Foundation
Grab your Capri Isle and that trusty 3 ½” brush. Using the dry brush technique, lovingly coat the entire cupboard with this beautiful base color. Let it dry completely – patience is a virtue, especially in the world of DIY!
Step 3: Add a Touch of the Sea
Now for some layered loveliness! Using Dancing Sea and the same 3 ½” brush, repeat the dry brush technique right over the Capri Isle. This peek-a-boo of blue will add incredible depth and that signature Moroccan richness. Let it dry once again.
Step 4: Define Those Gorgeous Lines
Time to get a little more detailed! With Island Moment and your ½” watercolor brush, carefully paint any edges, the sides that frame drawers, or create lines that outline the cupboard and its doors. Think about highlighting the architecture of your piece. Let this dry completely, and for an extra pop, apply a second coat!
Step 5: Inject Some Sunny Vibes!
Bring on the Mango Madness! Using the same ½” watercolor brush, repeat the outlining magic from Step 4. You can choose to create separate lines of vibrant mango or paint right next to your Island Moment lines for a stacked color effect. The goal here is to emphasize those angles and indentations, creating the illusion of depth on any flat surfaces. Let that sunshine dry!
Step 6: A Touch of Royal Purple
Now for a little bit of regal flair! Grab your Purple Hollyhock and that delicate size 5 watercolor paintbrush. Apply thin lines that playfully overlap both the Island Moment and Mango Madness. Don't worry about perfection – the slight variations will add to the charm. Let it dry, and a second coat will deepen that gorgeous purple.
Step 7: Embrace the Beauty of Age
This is where the magic really happens! Take your sandpaper and lightly sand over all the areas you highlighted with Island Moment, Mango Madness, and Purple Hollyhock. You just want to gently reveal some of that beautiful Dancing Sea (blue) underneath. This creates that coveted aged, slightly worn Moroccan look that's full of character.
Step 8: Dust Off Your Masterpiece
Wipe away any sanding dust with your rag. Almost there!
Step 9: The Grand Finale: Intricate Details!
For those final flourishes that truly scream "Moroccan masterpiece," grab your size 5 watercolor brush and all your gorgeous paint colors. Carefully paint small dots and lines on the knobs and corners of the cupboard doors and drawers. The trick here is to mirror the same pattern from one corner to the next. This creates a sense of visual balance, even if your dots and lines aren't exactly the same size. Let your creativity flow!
And there you have it! Your once-ordinary cupboard, perhaps even a treasure found at your local ReStore or thrift shop, has been transformed into a stunning piece of Moroccan-inspired art. Stand back and admire your handiwork – you've just added a touch of exotic beauty to your home! Don't forget to share your amazing creations! Happy treasure hunting for your next DIY project!
But the Moroccan-inspired fun doesn't stop here! The vibrant energy of Moroccan design has inspired us and have also been experimenting with a gorgeous Moroccan color palette. Think sun-drenched terracotta, the deep blues of the Mediterranean Sea, rich jewel-toned colors, and the warm, inviting hues of spices like saffron and cumin. Keep an eye out for more projects that explore these captivating colors and patterns – there's a whole world of Moroccan magic waiting to be brought into your home!
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