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My Vintage Porch

Interior Design, DIY, and Refurbishing

Bleaching Furniture

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: antique, bleach, bleaching, bleaching furniture, cottage style, diy, diy home, farmhouse, farmhouse style, home decor, how to bleach, how to bleach wood, how to bleach wood furniture, how to strip furniture, stripping furniture, vintage

I found this armoire at a local estate sale. I love these old cabinets and I thought it would be fun to try to lighten it up! I went back-and-forth in between trying to decide whether I wanted to paint it, or bleach it. I mostly thought I wanted to paint it because that was the easier route. As you can see in the “before“ photo, it was already pretty the way it was. I just love the bleached/raw wood look!

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I actually started off by trying to use spray oven cleaner to strip off some of the stain. It worked a little bit, but there was not much of a difference. it was just too big of a piece to keep spraying it with more oven cleaner. If you haven’t tried that before, oven cleaner can strip things but make sure to wear a mask and other safety gear when using it! I would probably try it again on something really small. I spray it on, leave it for an hour, and then wipe off with a damp paper towel when I use it. Even the fume free one gives off a lot of fumes though.

I decided to sand it. The reason why I didn’t want to sand it initially is because it is too heavy to take outside. Where there is a will there is away, I brought my hand sander inside and got the job done! I had to be careful on the sides because they were covered with wood veneer and if you sand too deep into wood veneer, it can leave a big mark that is not easy to fix and sometimes not fixable at all. I sanded it with 100 grit sandpaper with my hand sander.

I then used my Dremel on the decorative parts. That was the first time that I had used this dremel and I loved it! It worked so good! I took the photo below after the piece was finished, for reference.

After I was done sanding it, I bleached it. I used my paintbrush to wipe undiluted outdoor Clorox bleach onto the wood. I wiped one coat on, let it dry, applied another coat, let it dry, and applied the last coat. How many coats that are applied is really preference of how the piece is lightning up, more or less coats could be applied. When I finish bleaching furniture, I wipe it down with water. I have seen some others use a vinegar/water mixture after bleaching to neutralize the bleach. I have never tried that so I can’t testify to how it works and it always works just fine for me to wipe it down with water after bleaching.

I’m so happy that I didn’t paint it! I figured I would like it better bleached than painted. I’m glad that I took the time to sand it and bleach it! Sometimes bleaching with this outdoor Clorox bleach does not work on certain kinds of furniture. I’ve noticed that it works better on pieces that are a little darker in color. I’ve used it on some pieces that are already lighter in color after I sanded them down, and I couldn’t tell much of a difference. The last two pieces that I’ve done, this one, and the hutch that I refinished, the bleach worked great! Also, to note, the furniture piece needs to be stripped down, or sanded so that the sealer is removed. This photo below is taken with indoor daylight lighting, with no lights turned on, for reference. I can never get my hands on any of the Zinsser wood bleach, but that works great too!

I opened the front door in the photos below, to give reference of what it looks like with brighter daylight lighting.

When I shared the process on Instagram in stories, a lot of you were saying to keep some of the dark parts inside the carved area. Great idea! It looks so good and makes the carved design pop even more!

The inside of the cabinet process took almost as long as the outside! Someone had stapled fabric on all of the shelves. The fabric was cute but it was stinky! I knew I needed to remove it, so I just removed the staples and exposed the plywood shelves. I thought they would look so much better painted, than just plywood. I love them so much now that they’re painted! I used the color “Writer’s Parchment” Behr paint.

Chester is glad that I’m done too, so that he can get treats for modeling.

I think the inside is just as gorgeous as the outside! I love all of the exposed wood on the sides!

I left the hardware, as is and I love the old tarnished look of it! There is not a skeleton key that came with it, but it still opens ok without it.

I think this will be a great cabinet to use for linens! I am hoping to use it in our bedroom when we build our house.

The carved detailing is just amazing! I love the character it gives! I’m so pleased with how this turned out! Just make sure to safety up when bleaching, I use mask, gloves, and safety goggles.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Aubrey says

    August 2, 2021 at 3:50 pm

    It is beautiful! What a great entry way project! ???????? ig: aubsajober

    • My Vintage Porch says

      August 3, 2021 at 10:26 am

      It was tough to get a photo of it in this scrunched space ???? thank you!!

  2. Susan Martin says

    August 2, 2021 at 3:50 pm

    This cabinet is so beautiful! I love it!

    • My Vintage Porch says

      August 3, 2021 at 10:25 am

      Thank you, Susan! I love how it turned out!

  3. Dawn Bean says

    August 2, 2021 at 3:52 pm

    I love it and all the pieces you have done!

    • Julie says

      August 2, 2021 at 4:11 pm

      You are so fun to watch! Another great project! Beautiful! ???? pencilportraitsshop

      • My Vintage Porch says

        August 3, 2021 at 10:25 am

        Thank you sweet, Julie ♥️

    • My Vintage Porch says

      August 3, 2021 at 10:25 am

      Thank you, Dawn!!

  4. Summer says

    August 2, 2021 at 4:04 pm

    Love it so much! ????????@thehotseason

    • My Vintage Porch says

      August 3, 2021 at 10:25 am

      Thank you, Summer ♥️

  5. Janie Fox says

    August 2, 2021 at 4:23 pm

    It’s so good. I love it! So glad you didn’t paint it!

    • My Vintage Porch says

      August 3, 2021 at 10:24 am

      Thank you, Janie! Yay, me too! ????????

  6. Rebecca says

    August 2, 2021 at 4:32 pm

    That looks sooo good!!! Wow

    • My Vintage Porch says

      August 3, 2021 at 10:24 am

      Thank you Rebecca! ♥️

  7. Heather R McCarthy says

    August 2, 2021 at 4:32 pm

    I love it ???? you never cease to amaze me!!

    • My Vintage Porch says

      August 3, 2021 at 10:24 am

      Thank you, Heather! You are sweet

  8. Debra Mitchell says

    August 2, 2021 at 4:50 pm

    This is GORGEOUS! Absolutely gorgeous!

    • My Vintage Porch says

      August 3, 2021 at 10:23 am

      Thank you, Debra!!

  9. Denise Altland says

    August 2, 2021 at 4:54 pm

    What a great cabinet you created. Love it. Have a cabinet from 1800 and I just moved to Kentucky. The movers did a horrible and it got damaged. Years ago and antique repair shop told me never strip it would ruin the value but it’s damaged now. Should I strip it all the paint is. Craze and crakle. Should I strip it than sand it.I love your look that give your furniture.

    • My Vintage Porch says

      August 3, 2021 at 10:23 am

      That sounds like an awesome cabinet! I’m so sorry it got damaged! The crackle paint sounds cool too! It’s really a preference of what you think would look best in your room, but sounds so cool!

  10. Elaine Ianniello says

    August 2, 2021 at 5:38 pm

    Wow it’s gorgeous!! You do amazing work!

    • My Vintage Porch says

      August 3, 2021 at 10:22 am

      Thank you, Elaine! That is so kind of you

  11. Robin Drewes says

    August 2, 2021 at 5:44 pm

    I love it ! Turned out great !!!!

    • My Vintage Porch says

      August 3, 2021 at 10:22 am

      Thank you so much, Robin!

  12. Amy says

    August 2, 2021 at 5:52 pm

    You are amazing!!!
    One beautiful project after another.
    Entertaining and humor added along the way.
    Thank you ????

    • My Vintage Porch says

      August 3, 2021 at 10:22 am

      Thank you, Amy! I’m glad you’re here!♥️

  13. Cynthia Phillips says

    August 2, 2021 at 5:57 pm

    This cabinet is absolutely gorgeous. Your projects always remind me of the verse in the Bible, PSALM 103:13-14 ‘You make beautiful things out of the dust’. You are making beautiful things out of something others would discard. There’s a sermon in there that will PREACH! Thanks for sharing.

    • My Vintage Porch says

      August 3, 2021 at 10:21 am

      I loooooove that!!! Makes me smile ♥️ reminds me of how God molds us into something beautiful

  14. Lynda Duncan says

    August 2, 2021 at 7:31 pm

    A-maze-zing!!! Great job!!!

    • My Vintage Porch says

      August 3, 2021 at 10:20 am

      Thank you, Lynda!

  15. Cheryl Atkinson says

    August 3, 2021 at 3:28 am

    Absolutely gorgeous!! I dont think I would ever try oven cleaner to strip but its good to know that its possible. Thank you for sharing with us.

    • My Vintage Porch says

      August 3, 2021 at 10:20 am

      It wouldn’t be my go to stripping agent, but maybe on a small little stool or something

  16. Traci says

    August 3, 2021 at 5:20 am

    I so want to bleach some furniture because of you! @whatrtheeodds ????????

    • My Vintage Porch says

      August 3, 2021 at 10:20 am

      Do it do it ????????????????????????

  17. Brittney says

    August 3, 2021 at 5:48 am

    WOW ???? It’s so beautiful!! I also love the door next to it and the gallery wall Thoth the bench! So pretty!!!

    • My Vintage Porch says

      August 3, 2021 at 10:19 am

      Thank you, Brittney! It’s like everything is starting to match????????

  18. Jill Dials says

    August 3, 2021 at 6:29 am

    So in love with all the beached wood! Definitely makes me want to give it a try!!! Keep up the awesome work!

    • My Vintage Porch says

      August 3, 2021 at 10:19 am

      Thank you, Jill! It’s fun to see the after’s of these projects

  19. Dana says

    August 3, 2021 at 7:41 am

    Your tips are so helpful, and I appreciate your talent so much!

    • My Vintage Porch says

      August 3, 2021 at 10:19 am

      Thank you, Dana! That is sweet of you!

  20. Susan Keating says

    August 3, 2021 at 8:25 am

    I love all your work any advice on how to get a look like that in painted metal door ? ????

    • My Vintage Porch says

      August 3, 2021 at 10:18 am

      Thank you, Susan! I do have this post about how I painted a bleach to look onto a cabinet one time. https://www.myvintageporch.com/diy-wood-bleached-look-with-paint/

  21. Corine Mapes says

    August 3, 2021 at 9:15 am

    Natilie, it turned out gorgeous, you have inspired me to try it! Thank you!

    • My Vintage Porch says

      August 3, 2021 at 10:17 am

      Awesome! Excited to see what you do!

      • Amy says

        August 3, 2021 at 6:18 pm

        I stripped my coffee table and want to bleach it, but I feel like I need to seal it to protect it from water rings from cups and stuff. What would you seal it with? Wax?

  22. Julie says

    August 3, 2021 at 9:50 am

    Amazing! Beautiful! Great work! All the things! How do you continually come across such gorgeous pieces of furniture? That is as impressive as your work and results!

    • My Vintage Porch says

      August 3, 2021 at 10:16 am

      Thank you so much, Julie! I’m surprised that I found these old things out here in the desert. It seems like we are limited with old furniture here

  23. Alexis Dupont says

    August 3, 2021 at 1:07 pm

    Wooow! I never anticipated it would look this lovely, and was very curious how the detail would come out and if it was even possible.

  24. Shanna says

    August 3, 2021 at 1:37 pm

    Gosh you are my kind of people. I would sand inside to if I had to. I love this gorgeous piece and it sure will make a statement in your forever home someday.

  25. Kaz Musa says

    August 3, 2021 at 7:01 pm

    Stunning..all that hard work paid off ????

  26. Tammy says

    August 5, 2021 at 7:41 pm

    You’re furniture is gorgeous! What do you use to seal furniture after you bleach or sand down especially like a table that get lots of use.

  27. Danielle says

    August 11, 2021 at 2:49 pm

    Congratulations! I admire your persistence to achieve these amazing pieces. You are a great inspiration. I love seeing all your project. Thanks so much for sharing!!! ????

  28. Terry MARLOWE says

    August 11, 2021 at 11:19 pm

    Do you put any clear coat after? If so, what and how?
    Beautiful piece!

  29. Terry MARLOWE says

    August 11, 2021 at 11:20 pm

    Do you put any clear coat after? If so, what and how?
    Beautiful piece!

  30. Jenni says

    August 12, 2021 at 4:13 am

    I’m sanding a chair and the chair legs have some intense curved turning. How do you sand it with a dremel/get in the grooves? What grit did you use? Thanks!

  31. Dawnya says

    August 19, 2021 at 8:40 pm

    Absolutely beautiful. You have some many wonderful ideas! Could this process be used on kitchen cabinetry?

  32. Esperanza Padilla says

    August 22, 2021 at 8:48 pm

    Its beautiful. I have a question at the end of the whole process of bleaching did u seal the furniture piece.

    • My Vintage Porch says

      August 23, 2021 at 9:01 pm

      Hi! I did not seal it, I rarely seal things anymore unless it’s a table top or some thing that will get wet

Trackbacks

  1. How to Remove Wood Veneer says:
    August 11, 2021 at 3:48 pm

    […] work to make all of the various wood types close enough in color to look good. I have more on the bleaching technique that I used, in this previous post. I thought for sure that the feet would not lighten up. Boy, was I […]

  2. Deconstructing and Soda Blasting a Chair says:
    August 21, 2021 at 8:35 am

    […] the green areas, but it was bothering me so I added some outdoor bleach to the chair. I used the same bleaching technique as I did in this post. I added three coats of the bleach and it lightened it up a […]

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The mantle is up! Trav made this mantle out of a b The mantle is up! Trav made this mantle out of a bed side rail 🤩 Trav once said we have too much stuff in the garage…but I found our mantle in the stuff 🤔…if we didn’t have stuff, we wouldn’t have this mantle😁 #mantle #mantledecor #brickfireplace #woodceiling #antiquepainting
Just some photos I’ve taken recently, that’s a Just some photos I’ve taken recently, that’s all, oh, and I wiped off the oven tops today (I’m saving the insides for Trav…we all know how he would appreciate some extra savings from me) 😁 I hope you all had an great day!!!! 😘 #brick #brickhouse #home #homecooking
I thought I would paint the swan …but, nope, not I thought I would paint the swan …but, nope, not after seeing it in here 🤩Oh, and the lights are back in stock and listed in my profile. 🏃‍♀️ (they are pendants but we pulled the cord through to make them flush, I love them!!) #swan #laundry #laundryroom #vanity #farmhousesink
Thanks for reminding me that I have stuff in the g Thanks for reminding me that I have stuff in the garage 😁 We covered our TV with art stuff from the garage and metal pipes and, it worked 🙌🏼😁 (see stories) I can still see the tv from the side but when we get the new wall bracket for it, that should help bc we can push it back more. It’s a good temp fix to have some cool art instead of a black box! Oh, and who remembers when I stripped this dresser? #tvart #brickfloor #oldpainting
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