It’s been a fun run or making over the stash of furniture I purchased from a storage unit. If you need to catch up, you can see the previous pieces here: (1) Mid Century Modern dresser (2) antique dresser (3) waterfall chest. Now it’s time for the last piece from that haul of goodies. Needless to say I also have more from other places, but…here is an antique chest of drawers that looks like a match to the dresser I have in my bedroom. Isn’t it a beauty?
These classic pieces were built solid and will stand the test of time. That is, except their veneer. I always get disheartened to see one flaking away, but this chest was seriously parched and so very brittle.
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You can see how the previous owners had tried to tape the veneer down to keep it from lifting. Each side and drawer had damage, but that’s nothing that a little wood filler and glue can’t fix.
I even love finding these unique markings on pieces like this that give you the history and show their craftsmanship.
*post sponsored by Zibra and contains affiliate links so you can find the products I love to use too. (see full disclosure)
To get this redo started, I begin by repairing and gluing down every loose piece of veneer I can find. There were patches everywhere and I ran out of clamps so that I had to use my locking pliers too! Hot mess happening here, let me tell ya. Oh, and notice my energetic sidekick. He’s standing guard to that the kids don’t mess with my clamps. Good dog! haha.
Next, I patch every spot I can find and let the wood filler cure. Once cured, I lightly sand it all down with my orbital sander
After all the prep work was done, it was time to get my paint groove on with this antique chest of drawers. I had hope to save some wood somewhere, but it all left much to be desired. So…here we go! Here’s my color scheme for this piece. I’m using Yankee Blue, Putty, and Drop Cloth along with 3 of my favorite Zibra Stubby Brushes. Yes, those brushes look like they’ve been around the block, but they last forever and keep on going.
For the sides of the cabinet, I used the Yankee Blue. No primer needed, just a good cleaning with White Lightening Cleaner to get rid of dirt and grime, plus promote awesome adhesion and we’re good to go.
And for the drawer fronts, I decide to do the same technique as I did on my recent antique dresser and blend the 3 together. This adds dimension and drama to the piece. I love it!
After doing two coats of the blending, I added some of my artwork. Because…it’s fun and I love to paint. Then once I added some detailing I used my Square Brush to accent with Brown Wax. I love the way this little brush does such amazing things. My older brushes get used for wax and handle the job beautifully.
Here she is all dressed up in blue and ready to go.
It’s fun to add the unique touches to a piece that is begging to shine. Many have asked why I don’t embellish like this more often and to be honest, it takes so much time and getting paid for my time is key since I have little to spare. I do these paintings for fun, mainly. I am an artist in many facets and this is just one of them that brings me much enjoyment.
In the past people have accused me of just slapping paint on a piece, and I take offense – who wouldn’t? I am an artist, whether it’s my trashure creations, my crochet, my cooking, my woodworking, my sewing, my gardening…you get the idea. It’s no different than someone painting a blank canvas or a wall, creating with textiles, wood, etc. It’s meant to be used as we see fit. I’m here to inspire YOU.
I can’t say enough that this truly was a fun project and am excited to say this was my first contribution to my Finding Home Program. So fun! Stop by to see what’s new and sign up for my newsletter for instant discount on your first order.
To get you started on your own adventure, Zibra and I are giving away this wonderful collection of my favorite brushes. Yahoo!! We want you to give DIY a try because…you can!
Easy entry – just fill out as many of the widgets steps as you like (daily even). Open to U.S. and Canada residents 18 years of age and older. Winner will be notified via email and will have 24 hours to claim their prize. Be sure to check your spam! GIVEAWAY CLOSED.
Do pin and share this antique chest of drawers makeover to inspire others to see past the worn and weary and focus on the potential that lies in each piece.
Up next, I’m giving a kitchen update and a promised new video tutorial to show you how I got it done. See the after HERE! Be sure to sign up for my newsletter. PLUS, you will get your FREE Furniture Buying Checklist and special discount to my shop. Now it’s time to see what my Furniture Fixer Upper friends have for you! Head below…
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111 Comments
Beautiful work Larissa!
February 22, 2018 at 5:48 amThank you, Cathy. 🙂
February 22, 2018 at 8:45 amI would finish off some doors to a bookshelf that need a specialty brush to finish easily.
February 22, 2018 at 6:04 amSounds good.
February 22, 2018 at 8:45 amI recently began checking out your beautiful projects… you are such an amazing artist! Love your work. I have some small projects and could definitely use some nice brushes. I’ve not heard of Zibra before… hope to try them!
February 22, 2018 at 6:21 amI’m so happy to hear it, Karen. I’m glad you found me and the Zibra brushes. I love them!
February 22, 2018 at 8:46 amWow, Larissa, this is a stunning makeover. Your artistry knows no bounds. 🙂 Seriously beautiful painting my friend.
February 22, 2018 at 6:22 amI have several folding chairs I’d like to update with paint and I’m certain the brushes would make this a whole lot faster and more professional looking.
Christina, I can always depend on your for love. Thank you!
February 22, 2018 at 8:46 amThis dresser is just beautiful!! I’d like to see how you painted the narrow white line around the drawers. Do you just wing it with a steady hand? I’ve had trouble trying to glue veneer down. I would like to know how far into the loose part is far enough to glue down. You are very good and I’ve been following along for about a year but I have to ask if you’d post more pictures and include a few more steps for those of us who have absolutely NO experience yet. I’m also wondering what you do with the drawers. I’ve found that there’s always something wrong with them: either they are cattywompus, dirty, or just plain old smelling. I’d sure like to win those brushes to start on the old dresser in my basement.
February 22, 2018 at 6:43 amThere was a trim that I highlighted with the brown. Otherwise you could use tape if you wanted to create that effect. Drawer are…a pain. Always something to tweak with a sander, etc. Half the fun is figuring those out. Beeswax on side and bottoms, or even rubbing an old candle does wonders!
February 22, 2018 at 8:47 amBeautifully done. I like the creative approach instead of just a straight paint job. It’s not for every piece but it sure is fun to read about!
February 22, 2018 at 7:17 amThanks! Yes, some are better left plain for many reasons, but these intricate pieces beg to shine. 🙂
February 22, 2018 at 8:48 amSweet update, love your color choices! I’m a fan of Zibra brushes and have a garage half full of projects waiting.
February 22, 2018 at 8:16 amThanks!
February 22, 2018 at 8:48 amLove how matches the two pictures hanging above it
February 22, 2018 at 8:26 amFunny thing is that these hang by my desk and I kept telling my daughter I had no idea what to stage with it. As I was walking around my house looking for something, I did a head-smack. haha!
February 22, 2018 at 8:49 amI have some chairs I would like to paint.
February 22, 2018 at 8:33 amFun!
February 22, 2018 at 8:49 amAnother beauty, Larissa! Those pretty details are amazing! XOXO
February 22, 2018 at 8:40 amThank you, Christy. These pieces are fun to find and dress up.
February 22, 2018 at 8:49 amGorgeous! The painted detail goes so well with the framed pictures you used for staging!
February 22, 2018 at 9:20 amI was so glad to see my vintage art go with it. Fun!
February 22, 2018 at 9:41 amanother great piece! You are so talented and can’t believe all that you do with your large family! Congrats on handling life so well!
February 22, 2018 at 9:26 amI feel like I’m drowning sometimes, but I am so blessed! Thank you.
February 22, 2018 at 11:11 amI love your work. I bought an antique bow front dresser almost a year ago. Between kids, work, and working on my bachelor’s degree, I haven’t had much spare time to work with it. It has layers of paint and peeling veneer- so, I’m glad to see this solution for the veneer!
February 22, 2018 at 9:27 amThank you. Sounds like you and I are twins. 😀
February 22, 2018 at 11:12 amI appreciate how you bring these pieces to life. Your personal touches make them so unique! You are a true artist because you live creatively! And you inspire others to be artists too! Thank you for the chance to win a set of Zibra brushes. I have a couple of wall hanging shelves that I want to paint in fun colors for my boys.
February 22, 2018 at 9:35 amYour words touch my heart, Paula. I would love for you and everyone to win!
February 22, 2018 at 11:12 amMy first project with the new brushes would be a jewelry box that I’d like to makeover 🙂 Thanks for this opportunity to win some quality brushes.
February 22, 2018 at 9:36 amYou bet.
February 22, 2018 at 11:12 amStunning! You are truly an artist in everything you touch. I wish I had your vision and talent. You are such an inspiration! I would use the brushes to paint a dresser I have waiting to be done. I buy cheap brushes to use for painting and would love to have some good ones. Thanks for the giveaway!
February 22, 2018 at 9:47 amI love how you always think outside the box!
February 22, 2018 at 9:47 ambeautiful colors blended and such wonderful artwork!
February 22, 2018 at 10:14 amI just tried my first Zibra brush yesterday and am anxious to put it back to work today..
February 22, 2018 at 10:37 amEasy for all the armchair quarterbacks to talk about “slapping on paint” when they have probably never loved a piece back to life. Keep on keeping on!
February 22, 2018 at 11:32 amhaha…love that. Thanks, Kimberly!
February 22, 2018 at 4:49 pmThat is such a lovely dresser, Larissa. People may not understand that when you spend more time on a project, you have to charge more. Also, the more detailed pieces probably appeal to a smaller audience. Whatever you do, it must be working, so forget about the critics.
February 22, 2018 at 11:34 amYou would think it’s common sense as they expect to be paid for the day’s work too, right? haha…ah well. I try!
February 22, 2018 at 4:53 pmWhat a gorgeous renovation! I drove extra blocks through the neighborhood this morning (trashure day) in case there were “finds” left behind…not today, but your pieces are so inspiring!
February 22, 2018 at 12:11 pmYou sound like me! Too funny…next time! Thank you for the love.
February 22, 2018 at 4:53 pmThis came out so pretty! I literally laughed out loud when I saw the tape holding down the veneer hahah
February 22, 2018 at 12:16 pmI know, right? Gotta love the make-do spirit.
February 22, 2018 at 4:54 pmYour work is beautiful!
February 22, 2018 at 12:50 pmI’m going to be working on a small dresser and these brushes would be great!
You’re so sweet! Thank you. Sounds like fun!
February 22, 2018 at 4:55 pmI love the way you blend the different paint colors. Very beautiful pieces.
February 22, 2018 at 12:51 pmThanks! This one was kept on the loose side and I’m happy with it. I wanted an aged look and feel it worked out. Hugs, Janis!
February 22, 2018 at 4:55 pmGreat job!!
February 22, 2018 at 1:01 pmThanks, Angela!
February 22, 2018 at 4:56 pmBeautiful job Larissa!
February 22, 2018 at 1:04 pmYou’re the best, Teresa!
February 22, 2018 at 4:56 pmLove this “work of art”! You are a TRUE artist! I would use these brushes on the vintage jewelry boxes I’ve been hoarding.
February 22, 2018 at 1:12 pmThank you for the encouragement, Tammy. 🙂
February 22, 2018 at 4:56 pmI wish I had the money and resources to be able to create such beautiful items as you!
February 22, 2018 at 2:03 pmRecently had a double mastectomy and not able to work.
When I have the opportunity, I am going to paint a dresser like this one!
I love beautiful creations, and YOURS definitely qualifies!
Oh my, Laura. I’m so sorry! Glad to hear you have your eyes on the future and making goals. You go girl!
February 22, 2018 at 4:57 pmYou are an inspiration! Finally I am stepping out of my comfort zone and doing a project for my hair stylist. Yikes! But seeing your projects and how you do things helps me figure out what I need to do. Thanks for sharing your work!
February 22, 2018 at 2:10 pmHow sweet is that?! I’m excited for you and know you will rock it. My pleasure. 🙂
February 22, 2018 at 4:58 pmLove the color….i would start my kitchen cabinets with these
February 22, 2018 at 2:47 pmThank you.
February 22, 2018 at 4:58 pmReally unique and pretty, Larissa! I would love to win those Zibra brushes, the square ones would sure come in handy. For that blending technique, speaking from an artist’s perspective, try out one of the super soft watercolor wide blending brushes (oriental style from an art supply store) – it barely moves the paint but leaves it a soft and blurred masterpiece. You can blend as much or as little as you like. They are fairly inexpensive, too. I’ve used them for years on canvas paintings, especially backgrounds. Love the makeovers, and forget the criticisms. Artists can’t escape them, and most folks don’t even realize all the work “just slapping that coat of paint on” takes !!!!!!!
February 22, 2018 at 3:23 pmI wanted hard lines and got that look I was after. I have artists brushes too as I paint on other canvases, etc. Yes, slapping paint is for some, but not me. tee hee. 🙂
February 22, 2018 at 4:59 pmBold and beautiful! Great choice of colors and techniques!
February 22, 2018 at 3:37 pmThanks for the smile, Norma. 😀
February 22, 2018 at 5:00 pmLove the flower piece in the central vignette.
If I won, I would paint a campaign dresser that my DD discarded and has been sitting in my garage for years. Or the two end table and two coffee tables and hutch bookcase or the dresser that is going to be a potting table. Not that I’m behind or anything. (Of course, I do have a thing for brushes – just chose three watercolor brushes to give to my 4,3, and 1 great-nieces and nephews…oh well, must buy more…..)
February 22, 2018 at 3:51 pmThank you. I hear ya on the project. I have them coming out of my ears! You’re an awesome grandma.
February 22, 2018 at 5:00 pmGreat color combination. You are amazingly talented! Anxious to try the Zibra brushes.
February 22, 2018 at 4:16 pmYou will love them!
February 22, 2018 at 5:00 pmYour work is exceptional. Love your simple to understand instruction s and your accompanying photos help. Thank you, I just love your blog, family,etc. Good for you!
February 22, 2018 at 4:35 pmYou just send me the biggest bear hug. Thank you, Liz!
February 22, 2018 at 5:01 pmI have a small book shelf that needs to be painted.
February 22, 2018 at 4:37 pmSweet.
February 22, 2018 at 5:01 pmAnother beautiful piece! I have a wardrobe style dresser to paint, still trying to decide on colors.
February 22, 2018 at 4:57 pmSo many to choose from, isn’t there?
February 22, 2018 at 5:02 pmSuch a pretty piece, Larissa! You really are an artist. xo
February 22, 2018 at 4:59 pmThat means much, Jen. Thank you.
February 22, 2018 at 5:02 pmBeautiful! Love the flowers you painted. I need to try to paint some. I bought canvas two years ago and just haven’t found the courage yet I guess. Lol
February 22, 2018 at 6:12 pmI’ve been there! For me, it’s having the time. I have a list of things to do when my kids are grown and this is one of them…though I’m not wishing that time comes fast. I love them more!
February 23, 2018 at 5:21 amI really find this technique very interesting. I would love to see a video tutorial of it in action someday. Beautiful!
February 22, 2018 at 6:35 pmBeautiful job on that dresser!! You truly are an artist!
February 22, 2018 at 6:51 pmI know that a good brush is key to being able to achieve a really nice paint finish and would love to try out the Zibra brushes.
Thank you, Vicki. Yes, you are so right. It’s so important and you will love them! 😀
February 23, 2018 at 5:22 amI love all your special touches to each
February 22, 2018 at 7:30 pmI’m delighted to hear it, Tracy.
February 23, 2018 at 5:22 amYour work is always so energizing and inspiring! My first project would be an old side table I keep downstairs. It really needs new life!
February 22, 2018 at 7:41 pmWoot! That’s what it’s all about. Thanks, Kathy! Your project sounds perfect.
February 23, 2018 at 5:23 amFirst – I loved the do-over & second, I’d have a hard time choosing, since I have an over-abundance of project pieces waiting for their make-overs (long story) but I think I might go for the old radio cabinet I finally got around to emptying of its inner parts & pieces/
February 22, 2018 at 8:52 pmI know what you mean. That sounds cool!
February 23, 2018 at 5:23 amI love the Yankee blue! I have one Zibra brush I bought after reading how much you liked them. I’m a believer. They are awesome. Great job and thanks for sharing your talents with us.
February 22, 2018 at 9:04 pmIt’s such a rich color full of history. I’m so happy to hear it!
February 23, 2018 at 5:23 amGreat piece you did!
February 22, 2018 at 9:29 pmThank you, Ruth.
February 23, 2018 at 5:24 amEvery time you post a new project I can’t wait to click on the link to see what your latest piece has become. Such lovely detail with the flowers… She now looks to me like a French country lady.
February 22, 2018 at 9:52 pmYou’ve made me giggle! I love it. Thank you for the sweet words.
February 23, 2018 at 5:24 amWOW….beautiful. Great job!
February 22, 2018 at 11:24 pmThank you, Terri. 😀
February 23, 2018 at 5:24 amYou made this piece so special. I love it. The colors are great. I could use the brushes. You are so talented.
February 23, 2018 at 12:30 amHugs to you, sweet Frances. I had fun!
February 23, 2018 at 5:24 amWell, it’s pouring here, finally. But Big Dog doesn’t like the thunder so here I am at 4 a.m. waiting it out in the living room. So, what is one to do ? Well, see what Larissa is doing, of course! I love this blue piece! and another piece with the hand painted focal point. Where did you learn how to do that!? Just gorgeous!
February 23, 2018 at 5:17 amhaha!! I’m up over here too and working, as usual. So happy you come to visit and that you like my latest piece. My mother is an artist and have just found it’s in my blood. Such fun to do!
February 23, 2018 at 5:25 am2 birds with one stone! Learned a new technique and a giveaway for my favorite brushes, what could be better?! Thanks Larissa.
February 23, 2018 at 7:47 amWahoo!! You’re so fun, Julia! 😀
February 23, 2018 at 6:58 pmI always enjoy seeing an old piece brought back to life and you did a marvelous job. TFS!
February 23, 2018 at 1:42 pmMy absolute pleasure! Thank you.
February 23, 2018 at 6:58 pmI have a hoarded collection of wood furniture and unique wood shelves that need a make-over.
February 23, 2018 at 1:53 pmfun!
February 23, 2018 at 6:59 pmJust beautiful! One of these days I will have a Larissa original. You inspire me so much. I would love to have that set of brushes, I’m afraid to use my hippie family, their just to cute, lol.
February 23, 2018 at 8:10 pmawww…you deserve a hug, Pamela. I was so glad you got the brushes because I couldn’t use them either. hahaha!!
February 23, 2018 at 9:16 pmVery nice ! I LOVE those drawer pulls !!!!!!!! The art work looks great !!!
February 23, 2018 at 9:03 pmThose were my favorite feature. Thanks so much. 😉
February 23, 2018 at 9:17 pmBeautiful paint job 🙂 I recently bought an armoire. It needs a lot of work before receiving a paint job but when that time comes I hope to have a few new brushes to use.
February 23, 2018 at 11:32 pmThanks! I love armoires. 😀
February 24, 2018 at 2:40 pmJust slap paint on a piece…whaaaaaaat…you’ve got to be kidding me. Larissa, you’re definitely a talented artist and so so much more! Look at this gorgeous work of art – I challenge any of those naysayers to try this!
March 10, 2018 at 11:56 amI know…can’t believe what some people will say. ugh. So glad you like it, Marie.
March 11, 2018 at 3:30 am