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Factory Finish with a Paint Sprayer

There are so many little things that delight my heart, truly. It can be as simple as my kids bringing me a sweet wildflower bouquet, a slice of homemade strawberry pie, or spending time in God’s word. Another one of my delights is sharing projects with you so I can empower you to try projects yourself. Who knows, maybe I’ll even help you learn something new. Today, I thought I would share a furniture makeover that will help you achieve a factory finish in a day. Sounds easy enough, right?

Dixie Dresser Before Makeover by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

This Mid Century Modern dresser (or credenza) was made by Dixie back in the Brady Bunch days. The Dixie line of furniture has stood the test of time and and still a coveted piece of furniture. This isn’t my first makeover of a Dixie piece, you see my French provincial set in this post.

FURNITURE

I found this piece for today in almost mint condition, but somewhere along the line, the veneer on the cabinet had been damaged. It was missing chunks on the side and had deep gouges that went through the veneer on top.

Vintage Dixie Dresser Credenza Before Factory Finish Makeover by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com
This sat in my garage for quite some time as I worked on other projects, but I couldn’t wait to have a go at it. I simply wanted to show you how easy it can be to take a piece to a new level. While I normally prefer to save the original wood, I decided to paint. eep! That’s a girl’s prerogative, right?

DIY TIME

Now, in order to achieve the factory finish we’re after, the prep work is key. Since this dresser had the damaged I mentioned, I repaired the holes and scratches with wood filler. Once the filler was cured, I sanded it smooth with my sander and 150 grit sandpaper.

Repairing Damaged Dresser with Wood Filler and Sander for Factory Finish | Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

While this dresser could have easily been painted using a brush, it just wasn’t going to give me the factory finish I was after. You know I love my HomeRight Finish Max. It truly is your best friend when it comes to getting into crevices and details, and for painting chairs (my least favorite thing to paint – ugh). Who like to mess with drips and runs in ornate carvings?

First, I prep the dresser by wiping it down after sanding, and taping off the parts that I want to remain original wood.

Preparing Mid Century Dixie Dresser for Spray Paint for Factoray Finish | Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

In order to achieve that solid factory finish, I used a base coat of Kilz, thinned to directions, to prevent stains from coming through and to help give the paint tooth. Always start your sprayer off your project and then continue the spray flow off of the other side. Check your tip occasionally for build up and wipe clean with a damp cloth.

PAINTING

Once the base coat of Kilz had cured, I sprayed two coats of this gorgeous blue called Deep Arctic Night by Glidden, also slightly thinned. It is best to slightly overlap spray layers to get a solid coating.

Spray Painting Dixie Dresser for Factory Finish | Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

I would normally have used spray shelter to keep debris off my project piece, but this credenza is HUGE (over 72″ long) and wouldn’t fit. Once done painting, I let the paint cure. At this point, you could add a topcoat for added protection, like a satin or semi-gloss poly, if you desire. If you’re after an aged finish with distressing, you could also use a furniture wax.

Notice the lack of overspray. See how much of the paint hit the cardboard after 3 coats?

Minimum Overspray with the HomeRight Finish Max | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

THE REVEAL

How about this for a gorgeous factory finish look?

Vintage Mid Century Modern Dixie Dresser in Blue with Factory Finish by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

I wanted to modernize this piece while repairing the damage and give it new life. The lines of Mid Century Modern furniture always draw me in. Do you blame me?

Top View of Factory Finish on Blue Dixie Credenza by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

Arctic Blue Mid Century Modern Dixie Dresser with Factory Finish by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

I had fun gathering some of these hydrangeas and mixing it up with some thrifted art. A collected vignette is always fun to see.

Hydrangea and Eclectic Picture Frames Vignette on Blue Dresser by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

My oldest daughter also just finished another Mid Century Modern dresser, but she used my other method of a foam roller. Her finish is perfect, but it definitely took longer for her to achieve the look. The paint sprayer makes it quick and easy. If you’re in love with this dresser, or are interested in any of the other pieces available, you can find them in my shop.

  • Magic Linen Beige Waffle Blanket available at Prodigal Pieces | shop.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #bedding
    Magic Linen Waffle Blanket ~ $130

Got questions? Please feel free to ask!

SHARE

I would love it if you would pin and share to inspire others to give this method a try. ♥

How to Achieve a Factory Finish with a Paint Sprayer by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

Next up is DIY Furniture Girls and the theme is OUTDOOR. This funky little table got a new look to go along with the newest addition to my backyard decor. AND there is going to be a fun giveaway…HEAD HERE!

Outdoor Table Before Patio Makeover | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

MORE STORY

Oh, one more thing…in case you missed it. I am so excited to have been asked to contribute to a special series of books call Unforgettable Faces & Stories by Eileen Doyon. Her latest book focuses on The Second My Life Changed Forever. I have shared a story of my life that truly was life-altering and would love for you to read it too.

Unforgettable Faces & Stories: The Second My Life Changed Forever featuring Larissa Haynes of Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com
To get these DIY tips & tricks in your inbox, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. PLUS, you will get your FREE Furniture Buying Checklist and special discount to my shop. Until next time!

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Also, my other projects with a factory finish:
Why I Love My HomeRight Finish Max Paint Sprayer by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.comMid Century Credenza Found Curbside Becomes Entertainment Console by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

Comments

  1. Debrashoppeno5 says

    The credenza turned out so lovely. The blue is so rich and a nice choice along with keeping some wood in the stain. A beautiful job.

    • Larissa says

      You know me and my blue. I can’t resist! 😀 Thank you for the kind words, Debra.

  2. Susan says

    FANTASTIC ! Love the color and how you used it to bring that old worn out beauty back to life.

    • Larissa says

      That blue is so fun, isn’t it? Thank you for the love, Susan!

  3. sandra says

    What a lovely piece…love the color and how you left the some of the wood great job!!

    • Larissa says

      Thank you! I truly love wood, but sometimes it needs some pep. 🙂

  4. Kelly says

    That is absolutely gorgeous!! Leaving the wood around the drawers was brilliant!! You got my creative juices flowing!!

    • Larissa says

      Wahoo!! 😀 That’s what I’m talkin’ ’bout. Have fun, girl!

  5. Frances Batson says

    It is so classy. You took boring and gave it life.

    • Larissa says

      That’s music to my ears, Frances. I truly had a hard time deciding, but the damage help me seal the deal on painting and I’m glad I did. Not only to hide the flaws, but make it fun. Thank you!

  6. Ellen Braunberger says

    A COLOR, that is fantastic!

    • Larissa says

      I do color all the time. 🙂 Just not all of it shows up on my blog, but in my shop. Thanks, Ellen!

  7. Regina says

    Nice work. Does that sprayer require an air compressor?

  8. Marilyn says

    Wow, just to gorgeous! Look great sprayed, have not tried that! Thanks for sharing!

    • Larissa says

      Ooh…you will love it! It is so much easier on my wrist and elbows, and saves time. Thank you!

  9. Bonnie says

    I did a great job of seeing the potential in that piece of furniture. It is beautiful! I love the way that you painted it and also left some of the wood showing!!

    • Larissa says

      Being true to the era was important to me, so I had to leave something that told the story of the Mid Century. Thank you for getting my vision. 😀

  10. Catherine says

    GREAT JOB, LARISSA! Wow, you really knocked that out of the park. I share your hesitancy to paint over wood, but sometimes you gotta do whatcha gotta do, right? It looks fantastic in that color, and the wood adds that extra “something” that I often pray to get on projects. Much love and blessings to you and you
    Catherine

    • Larissa says

      Amen, Catherine. 🙂 You totally get what I’m after. It can be difficult to make a piece come alive and I don’t want to be the average “slap paint on a piece” kinda gal. Thank you!

  11. Mary-the boondocks blog says

    Wow that blue finish is all the money! That’s an expression we use here when we want to say it is fabulous! The blue complements the wood perfectly! Another great MCM done! Congrats on officially becoming an author.

    • Larissa says

      Thank you on both accounts, Mary. Excited to see this piece come alive and also excited to share a bit about me in a different light in the book.

  12. Aubrey says

    Wow – this is beautiful! I don’t usually lean towards MCM pieces, but this is fabulous! Nice job!

    • Larissa says

      It’s funny that I don’t have any of the style in my home, but I certainly do appreciate their design. Thanks for the love, Aubrey!

  13. mel says

    Very nicely done! I am not a blue fan but I have to admit on this piece it looks outstanding…Thanks for all the inspiration!

    • Larissa says

      At least you’re honest! 😀 Glad to hear I’ve won you over. Thanks, Mel!

  14. Cindy B says

    Amazing transformation as usual. Love your style!!
    Question about thinning your paint for the sprayer…… I just purchased one and would like to know what you use for thinning and how much????? I want to learn and use this tool the right way 🙂

    • Larissa says

      Thanks so much, Cindy. 😀 I use water and the can of paint should give you a ratio to follow. Otherwise, you can use the tool the comes with the sprayer to determine flow. For me, it’s typically about 1/4 teaspoon per cup. Do a test to be sure.

  15. Cheryl Bonner says

    Very unique. Love it.Do you have a full list of tools and paints ,stencils etc. That you use.I know that they are on each page.But I would love to print it so I can have a reference.Thank you Larissa.

    • Larissa says

      I have one but is outdated. Will need to do an updated post soon!

  16. Jenn says

    How would you apply the “satin or semi gloss poly” can you do so with the sprayer? (Probably a stupid question)

    • Larissa says

      You can use the sprayer for a topcoat as well. 🙂

  17. Janet Schen says

    This credenza turned out amazingly beautiful! It is gorgeous!

  18. Bryan Vice says

    So beautiful i do wood signs this sprayer would help

    • Larissa says

      Thank you, Bryan. I’d love to see your work. 🙂

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Client Love

I love it! Larissa is amazing. She listened to what I wanted and then she took care of the rest! This is my second piece I've bought from her and I'm in love! I highly recommend her.

~ Laurel

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2020-03-21T21:34:13-04:00

~ Laurel

I love it! Larissa is amazing. She listened to what I wanted and then she took care of the rest! This is my second piece I've bought from her and I'm in love! I highly recommend her.

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2020-03-21T21:39:34-04:00

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I love this cart, it's exquisite. The item was received in extremely secure packaging, no damage to the item. The delivery person was very professional and courteous. Larissa of Prodigal Pieces is so very amazing. A rating of 10 is deserved. Thank you, Larissa.

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