Wood embellishments for furniture are one of the best ways to take a very plain and boring piece and make it not only something new, but something special. Paired with a few coats of paint it makes an old dresser into a custom piece. Many antique pieces have gorgeous carvings and that’s what makes them special. Adding wood embellishments mimics those antique pieces we all want to decorate with. While these are easy to use, there are a few tricks and tips to using them!
One of the best gifts my Gram ever gave me was a box of these vintage wood embellishments that she had had just sitting in the basement of her 1900’s era two flat in Chicago. When we moved her out she said I could throw them out or have them. I didn’t need them and this was before I did anything with furniture so I have to admit, I almost threw them out! Thank goodness instead I stuck them in a corner of my laundry room and forgot about them ! When I finally came across them again it was like finding a buried treasure.
I’d love to say they are fantastic memory of my Gram. You can really update furniture with wood embellishments! I have been working on how to duplicate them with mold maker because I don’t want to use them…but I do love using store bought ones. I think they can really make a piece feel even more upscale for next to nothing. There are a few things to know about using new and old furniture embellishments. I wanted to share a few tips with you for adding your own to furniture.
Tips When Using Old Wood Furniture Embellishments
-Old furniture embellishments may be brittle and crack when using, so use care when applying. New ones are going to be more pliable.
-New ones are going to be easier to find and get multiples of if using for multiple places or if one is damaged.
Older one are harder to come by so consider casting and duplicating the design and using that instead of the original.
You can find some at Home Depot, Menard’s and a great on-line site called Van Dykes Restorer’s
Tips for Adhering Wood Furniture Embellishments
-When using adhesive to apply wood embellishments, using regular wood glue may not be strong enough
-These adhere best when it’s raw wood to raw wood surfaces
-An adhesive like Power Grab or another may be needed if adhering a raw wood back to a finished furniture surface that is sealed or painted
-If using on a painted furniture piece, make sure to prime the embellishment before painting so the color match is closer
-After applying adhesive, use painter’s tape to hold the embellishment in place until the glue is cured.
-If staining, apply the wood piece and then stain the entire piece together for a color match
When Adding a Wood Embellishment to Old Furniture A Recap:
Apply wood glue ( love Gorilla Glue) on the applique and a bit where you are going to glue it to and let it sit a few minutes to stiffen.The moisture will evaporate and the glue will be a little tackier this way. I also use a teeny bit of hot glue on the edges to act like a helping hand.
Quickly press very firmly and use high tack painter’s tape to tape it on if you can’t clamp it ( clamping is the best- be careful not to shift the piece.). Wipe off any excess.
Some people like to use finishing nails. I’ve never had any luck with this on furniture and I’ve cracked many embellishments this way. All of my embellishments have stayed on using the right kind of glue.
This really can makeover a thrift store piece of furniture and give it a brand new life in your home!
If you liked this post you might also like. this post with tips on how to ceruse furniture
*This was posted Via Jennifer Rizzo. com