We’ve been crazy busy around here working on finishing up our patio makeover, complete with pergola, but I found some time to give this Craigslist find dresser a sweet makeover.
What do you think of the…well…ummm…ORANGE. It’s sort of a pumpkin color, so it suits the season, but just a tad too much for such a sweet piece. Mind you, it would look great if set up in a room to suit it, but I see it needing some prairie charm.
What inspired me to work on this dresser was having the chance for the first time EVER to use milk paint (gasp). Yes, I have never had my brush in milk paint and I was so eager to have a go at it.
A fellow Ohioan and shop owner, Becky, founder of Junque, has a fantastic line of milk paint. When she asked me if I’d like to give her product a try, I jumped at the opportunity.
DIY TIME
Check out this gorgeous Jadeite color…
…so refreshing and perfect to bring my outdated 80’s dresser up to par. She even sent me some bonding agent and furniture wax too…oh the fun!
The dresser wasn’t it bad shape for the most part – a couple of drawers were falling apart, the top had pretty good wear, but nothing that could be fixed with a sander. So, off goes the finish…just look at that beautiful grain!
Check out the funky wallpaper drawer lining – my kids thought it was weird.
STAIN
Then, once the entire surface was prepped, I decided to use my favorite go-to stain, Early American by Varathane. Additionally, I’ve used it in our bedroom, on our Pottery Barn knock-off, and countless other projects as well.
It give such a rich finish and really showcases the grain in the wood.
After that, I give the cabinet and drawers a light sanding and get started with the paint. Yippee!
I had heard that milk paint can be tricky to work with. So just to be safe on my first try, I added bonding agent. Ummm…can I just say, this stuff ROCKS! I was highly impressed with the adhesion for something so runny (as milk paint tends to be). Originally, I was hoping for lots of chippy fun, but played it safe this time around. Now, I’ve got to try this stuff again and let loose.
WAX
To finish it all off, I used the Junque Furniture Wax on all surfaces. No chemicals and safe to use – it went on like a dream.
THE REVEAL
Ready for the reveal? Here’s my sweet prairie piece…
Such a far cry from the orange and much more pleasing to the eye.
The paint, the pulls, and stain all came together in such harmony and I am so pleased with the results.
No one would know this piece wasn’t an antique, at least not yet. The top is such a rich, earthy color, and really showcases the grain.
If you’re interested in this piece, you can find it available in my online store. There’s oodles of other goodies too!
UPDATE: Some have noticed the different mirrors…well…my son and I were both working on mirrored pieces, and he mistakenly took mine and I didn’t even notice until I posted! {gasp} So, we switch them back. Funny thing is that the person that bought the dresser didn’t want the mirror. But…it got new life in another form. See HERE.
In addition, pin and share this dresser to inspire others to see past the 80’s orange! ♥
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Also, more makeover goodness like this dresser:
Good morning Larissa! I’m catching up on my emails, needless to say, your pieces are delicious!!! This one is especially pretty. The colors you choose are perfect for it too!
I too have never used milk paint. I would love to try it but I just can’t justify the prices on these things. It is a luxury right now with remodeling costs.
Excellent work as expected from you!
Blessing, Hope
So good to hear from you, Hope! Yes, the price has kept me away too, but Junque is offering you a discount and her price is great. You and I both are in the remodeling boats…no extra cash. 🙂
Looks wonderful, very pleasing to the eye. Well done.
It was fun to refresh this piece, Pat. Thank you!
Just beautiful!!!!
Thank you so much, Ellenann!
LOVE what you do, like the transformation very much! I build and refurbish miniatures and your ideas would translate into smaller scales so nicely. Thanks for all the inspiration!!!
How fun! I build dollhouse furniture for my girls too and it’s almost harder than the real deal! Thank you for stopping by.
I absolutely love the transformation. May I ask how or what you did to change the top of the mirror?
Thank you, Deanne! I really didn’t change the top, just painted it. 🙂
Okay…I feel pretty silly right now. I just realized that my son and I were both working on mirrored furniture and we both grabbed the wrong one! aaagh!! He is finishing a vanity and used mine. I didn’t even realize it until now. I like the original better. {head smack} Sorry for confusing you, which I’m sure I did. 😉
You go girl!! I melted in that green, and the top looked just like chocolate. A makeover worthy of such a lovely piece!
Did you catch my mistake with the mirrors? Oh boy, drove me crazy and it’s fixed now. Note to self: always double-check your son doesn’t use your stuff. 😀
Gorgeous piece! Love, love those beautiful glass knobs! I think the paper inside the drawers adds a nice little surprise when you open them! Great job as usual!
Larissa, this chest is absolutely the best. You have such vision for your pieces . Did your son work on a project yet, with you, interested in seeing what you both come up with! LOVE LOVE your work! Karen
Thank you, Karen! We’re hoping to get his little trashure find done in the next couple of weeks. Finishing up my other kids’ projects first. 😉
Beautiful job! I love that color of green, and the hardware is perfect!
Thank you for stopping by, Jann! I had fun bringing this piece to life. 🙂
I don’t know how you part with these pieces…they are so beautiful and I thought u just raised the mirror and I actually love seeing the white wall peeking through between the dresser and mirror?
Looks beautiful! As always, great job!
Thank you so much, Maria. It was a fun makeover. 🙂
Loved that old lining in the drawers 😉 Guess I’m weird (not shocking). Love the green. Turned out lovely!!
I do too, but thought it was rather queer for being in that style of dresser. My kids wanted to save it. 😉 Thanks for stopping by, Heather!
Wow, what a difference! I love the Jadeite color, especially paired with the Early American stain color. That gorgeous hardware – the pearls on the black dress!
I think I have an addiction to pulls and Rustic Brands is full of eye-candy for me! The green is also a favorite of mine. Just so refreshing and fun! Thank you for stopping by, Marie.
So beautiful!! Larissa, I have a question for you.
I have some large pieces of furniture I would like to sell but I do not know how to ship them. I see your Etsy shop has dressers and such, how do you do it? Hope you can help,
Thank you
Thank you so much, Cheryl! Wonderful you are looking into broadening your market. I’ve wrote a post all about how we do it: http://www.prodigalpieces.com/2015/02/ship-furniture/ Let me know if you have any questions. I wish you the best!
Hi Larissa. This is a gorgeous makeover. That green is so lush! Please share this with us at Five Star Frugal at A Tray of Bliss? What could be more five star and frugal then making your own ‘antiques’? Love, Mimi xxx
http://atrayofbliss.blogspot.com.au/2015/09/five-star-frugal-19nesting-and-dreaming.html
Hello, Mimi! Thank you for stopping by and for the invite. 🙂
is the mirror frame painted a lighter shade than the drawers? it looks lighter. I’m trying to decide on a color for my kitchen cabinets.
Hi Kimberly, no they are the same, just the lighting with the window right beside the dresser causing you to see lighter. 🙂
I love this makeover! The hardware is to die for…I’m going to go check out that site, thank you for sharing! I’m a hardware junkie :0) ha ha You did a lovely job! I would be so happy if you would share this at Making Broken Beautiful.
Smiles!
Terry
http://thecurtorscollection.wordpress.com
You and me both, Terry! Thanks for the invitation, I’m headed over. 🙂
What a beauty now! I have never used milk paint either… but I have plans to soon. Yay…
Thanks so much! It is a different paint, but easy to use. Have fun with it!
What bonding agent did you use?
Kathy, Junque has a bonding agent they sell that goes with their milk paint. 🙂
I love your pieces. You have an eye for color – know what color looks the best on each piece. I have a dresser I would love to use milk paint on.
Thank you, Judy, for the kind words. I have fun with what I do and love to share. 🙂
Once again just Beautiful. I am always amazed at how well these projects turn out. Just getting started on doing furniture and I am loving it. Thanks for all the inspiration you give to everyone. Neta.
You just made my day, Neta, because that’s what I’m all about. I want to inspire and encourage others and I’m happy to hear you giving it a try. Have fun!
I love the green and the stained top! And the knobs are the icing on the cake. Great vision! (again!)
Woot! Thanks so much, Dell. I had fun giving this one new life. 🙂