DIY Home Decor: Lane Cedar Chest With Raised Bondo Stencil

This cedar chest had seen better days when I got it. Veneer was missing & bubbling, broken leg but the top was gorgeous. So I knew I could give it new life & for enjoyment for many more generations.

lane cedar chest with raised bondo stencil, painted furniture, woodworking projects

I removed loose veneer & filled them with my favorite go-to furniture repair product, Bondo! Yes folks..auto Bondo on furniture!! Oh and yes I did remove the lock & filled with Bondo as its against the law to resell a Lane Cedar chest without putting a new lock (which Lane will send you) or removing it. It looks better without that ugly plastic lock.

I used a wreath stencil (made by my very good friend at J Burns Designs) & a thin layer of Bondo to make the design. Pulling it off at just the right time. It takes some practice to know when to remove at the right time as the Bondo sets up.

This is the reason I use Bondo over other products. It looks original to the piece. Not a add on applique that are way to big (don't care for them) or other materials that can be chipped with the slightest bump. I want to rehab pieces that will stand the test of time.

I painted this piece in my favorite chalk paint, Heirloom Traditions Paint. Used their waxes & aging dust too. Entire piece was sealed with their water based top coat which is formulated to go over their waxes.