Dresser Makeover

Below are pictures of the dresser when we purchased it from a junk store. We saw the potential!

Here is another picture of the inside. I do not have any pictures of chalk painting the outside. When we painted the exterior of the dresser, I did not have a blog. We originally used this as a dresser. Now, I use this in my craft room (in our loft).

A few painting tips . . .

When you paint, be sure to paint in the direction of the grain of the wood. Try to paint with long, even strokes. When you paint the edges, make sure your last paint stroke ends at the edge of the surface – – sort of letting your paintbrush finish this stroke going off (or away) from the surface.

Also, check for drips. If you have a drip, go over this again with your paintbrush.

Because chalk paint dries so fast, I try to chalk paint inside (shop, basement, garage, etc.), especially on a warm, breezy day. I usually paint small items on my kitchen island. I put wax paper down and if I get any paint on the countertop, it is easy to wipe off. I have learned this the hard way in that my paint was actually drying before I finished painting a section and this led to brush marks.

Even though it was chalk painted, I wanted to finish painting the inside drawers. It always bugged me that it was not “finished”.

I put painter’s taped on the edge of each drawer in preparation for painting each of the drawer facings. I also put tape on the underside of each drawer. I used the same chalk paint (and technique) on the drawers as I used on the exterior of the cabinet. I spray painted the front of each drawer with flat black.

Here are all three drawers with just the facings painted with flat black.

I then chalk paint the face of each drawer. This is my favorite color of chalk paint. I get it a Home Depot. Click here for the paint. You can also purchase this paint on Amazon. I use this brand and color frequently. The color looks great over brown or black and goes with anything, which is why I like it.

I painted two coats on each drawer facing.

I wanted the drawers to match the existing cabinet, where it had been sanded and the dark is exposed. I sanded the drawer edges and front flat surface to remove some of the chalk paint.

Below are some closeup pictures of one of the drawers’ edges.

Now it is time for polyurethane. I do not usually use wax. Here is a link on Amazon for the polyurethane that I use. I used a clean cotton rag and wipe it on. I apply it evenly and follow the grain of the wood. I wear rubber gloves so I don’t need to use paint thinner to clean my hands. The poly gives it look an antique look. It also protects it.

Tip: Be sure to apply the poly in the same direction of the grain of the wood. In a large area such as the top of a table which is very visible, use long even strokes in a very uniform way so that it has a smooth and consistent finish. If you are not consistent, you might see smudges. If that happens, don’t sweat it, just learn from it. Over time, you will not even notice this.

I always apply at least two coats of poly and let it dry overnight between coats. (If I am doing a tabletop, I apply three coats for extra protection.)I carefully put the drawers back in the dresser and done!

Check out some of my other chalk painting blog posts:

• • How to Chalk Paint a Lamp
  • Vintage Bench Makeover
  • From Butcher Block to Farm House Table
  • How to Chalk Paint a Bench
  • How to Chalk Paint a Table
  • Green Chalk Paint Nightstand
  • Farmhouse Table (chalk painted legs)
  • How to Chalk Paint an Entertainment Center
  • How to Chalk Paint Picture Frames

 

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