You know that it’s hard for me to pass up an offer for not only a free piece of furniture, but also an antique. Can you blame me? No joke…I had just emptied my home of any extra furniture when my cousin tagged me in her friend’s feed offering up this antique chest of drawers. I felt obliged to…er…help. tee hee. The fun thing is that this piece inspires me to give it a DIY denim paint effect. Hang on to see what I mean.
You might be thinking…denim?? Well, let me explain. When I get a well-loved, free piece of furniture I count it as fair game to have some fun. Thankfully, all of the original brass knobs were present (some inside drawers). Those knobs totally remind me of rivets on blue jeans.
After I did my initial assessment of the hot mess-ness, I found that this is a piece that has potential for revival. Aside from the damaged top with burns, watermarks, etc., it’s at least solid.
It’s also evident that the veneer is in rough shape not only on the drawer faces, but also on the bottom sides. I see that kind of wear on this age of piece all the time. It just means some serious DIY fixin’ is needed. woot!
TIME FOR REPAIR
First, I knew without a doubt that the flaking veneer had to come off those drawers. On all my past projects I have had success with my towel-soak method. It’s easy, obviously affordable, and just takes patience.
I literally soak bath towels in water, lay them on overnight or all day, and then pour even more on. Yes, it doesn’t always work without fault, but I have only had one case where I probably shouldn’t have used it on a very parched chest. See what I mean here in my Rustic Chic tutorial.
The water permeates the veneer and soaks the adhesive so that it releases like butter on hot toast.
Then, while I’m waiting for the soak, I apply wood filler to the sides of the chest getting it ready for my DIY denim paint effect.
In addition to repairs to the chest, I also needed to rebuild the bottom drawer that had a jerry-rigged repair done to it. Thankfully, it was a straightforward fix and all is ready to go for the next step.
BRING ON THE PAINT
Now that everything is prepped, it’s time to get this DIY denim paint technique started. First, I begin with using a seconds paint color that has a slight aqua tint to it.
Only one base coat is needed for the effect I’m after. I let that first coat cure for about 2 hours and then it’s time for some layering fun. You can see how I’ve used this same blending technique on my past projects HERE.
What you see below are the three paint colors I chose to get this denim effect. I already used that aqua color (yet to be named), and then a darker blue called Deep Arctic Night, and Dove White. Notice that I also have 3 separate brushes ready to go.
Then, I lightly mist the surface with water and apply a dry brush coat of the white paint, mainly focusing my paint in the center of the panel.
Once the paint is applied, I mist it with water again and begin to blend. I am using both the white brush, but also the aqua color brush on the edges. This is a fun step that lets you get creative. If you don’t like what you first see, just paint over it and try again when cured.
MORE PAINT FUN
Now this is where it gets even more fun. Even with the white blending fresh, I grab my dark blue and deepen the edges and corners. Then, I use my aqua and dark blue brushes to work the paint to a soft blend. Next, I even use a very dry dark blue brush to make crosshatch marks horizontally and vertically to imitate thread-worn jeans. 
In addition, I continue using the dark blue to dry brush the rest of the chest front and legs. Once I’m happy with the results, I let it cure completely.
BRING ON THE TYPOGRAPHY
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again…I LOVE TYPOGRAPHY. I’ve always found old store windows painted by hand enchanting. Even looking at the artistry of old advertisements for the most basic of products. It’s an art in and of itself. So… whenever I get a chance, I love to take the beaten-up beauties and give them some whimsy, spunk, flavor…whatever you want to call it. You can see my past typography projects in THESE POSTS.
In the past I’ve shown you how I used my $10 thrifted overhead projector to get the job done. I also use my transfer method most often too. In this instance, I wanted some sort of iconic feel to the DIY denim paint effect. I print my custom design on an overhead projector film and transfer easily.
Notice I have quite the helper coaching me how to proceed. hee hee.
I chose to paint the art on the worm hole raw drawer fronts because it reminded me of the old leather labels on your favorite pair of jeans. Then, as soon as the paint cures, I use an old brush and white wax to add more aged appeal and also nourish and seal it in.
REVEAL TIME
Can you tell I had so much fun with this?! From my original inspiration of the brass knobs, I came up with this funky fun chest of drawers. woot!
This antique tells a story of long-lasting determination, just like a story that can be found in loved pair of jeans. Y’all know what I’m talkin’ about right?
My goal is to inspire you to break out your great aunt’s old beaten-up furniture and give it an entire new life. Make it your own and keep the stories coming. If you’d like to own this chest, you can find it available in my online store along with much more. We do ship to your door for half the price of most.
Additionally, pin and share to inspire others to see past the obvious wear to the potential instead.
Up next, is this handmade wooden cabinet shelf from the curb. Gotta love #trashure! SEE THE AFTER HERE.
To get these DIY tips & tricks in your inbox, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. Until next time!
Also, more paint techniques like my DIY denim paint:
That turned out so cool! Thanks for the contest. I truly LOVE those brushes, they are the best! Fingers crossed that I win them!!
Thanks, Mary! I’m delighted to hear you enjoy the Zibra brushes as much as I do.
The dresser is awesome.thanks for a chance at getting new brushes!
My pleasure, Lori!
Your projects are always so inspirational. You truly turned a sow’s ear into a purse with this one!
You made me giggle, Judia! Thank you.
Larissa’s tutorials are the best!
Aww…thank you, Kathleen.
I think u are so clever! This denim dresser Turner so cute! Thanks for the chance to win brushes. I want to try painting with one soon!
Thank you for the sweet words, Janet. 😀
The chest of drawers is stunning and what a great piece it would make in a boys room.
That cabinet -shelf unit; can’t believe someone would actually put that on the curb. You’re lucky that you where able to retrieve it before someone else snatched it up ; like me :).
Can’t wait to see what you do with it.
By the way; thank you for this wonderful giveaway opportunity
Thanks! You are too cute, Colleen. hee hee. It’s my pleasure to share these wonderful brushes. 🙂
You are so creative! I love seeing what you come up with. Seems like you and Zibra brushes are a great pair.
Wonderful thing to hear. Thank you!
I love this makeover Larissa! Your analogy of antique furniture and old jeans is spot-on! They’re both better when they’re broken in, and get more comfortable with age. You’ve really captured that feel on this dresser.
Thank you for getting me, Melanie. It makes my sharing more fun. 😀
Love the denim dresser. I would love to try this technique with the Zibra brush on a table I have waiting to complete.
Thanks! That sounds like a perfect project piece. 😀
Awesome giveaway! I have several projects waiting in the basement, then next one being dresser so I’d use those brushes on that.
How did you fix the front bottom drawer face?
Thanks!
Tammy
Thank you. I mentioned removing the veneer. 🙂
Ah ok so you soaked that as well. I did not realize that once veneer is removed, it can look like that. It’s just beautiful.
Yes. Sometimes it can be ugly under there, but mostly it is beautiful wood.
I always love what you do with your furniture! Never a dull moment! Looks awesome!
happy dance!! Thank you so much, Kim! 😀
Beautiful job on the dresser! Awesome giveaway! Can’t wait to try the technique on my next furniture project.
You’re so sweet, Glenda. Thank you!! I know you’ll love these brushes as much as I do.
Gorgeous piece. You make layering look so easy. I tried it once and it looked like a hot mess. I need to give it another shot. Thanks for the giveaway, Larissa.
How sweet of you to say, Debra. Thank you! It certainly is a fun technique that leaves it wide open to interpretation.
I love how you seem to see the finished product when you look at a piece of furniture and it is usually always something I would never think of. Such great, creative ideas! Thanks so much for sharing and for the great giveaway!
I’m so glad you don’t think me crazy! 😀 haha! Thank you for those sweet words of encouragement, Betty.
When I clicked on this post and saw that piece, I loved it and couldn’t wait to see what you did with it. You outdid yourself! How creative are you?!
I have some old bedroom furniture that I’d use the brushes on. I want to refinish them for my guest bedroom.
Such a compliment to hear, Annette. Thank you!
A great save for a really cute dresser. Love the denim. Zibra brushes are on my list of things I need.
I am so glad her friend entrusted it to me. I hope she likes it too!
I have a dresser I would like to paint.
You’ve amazed me once again! What a great idea and fantastic execution! I am so impressed with your vision.
Yahoo! That made my day, Carol. Thank you!
Looks amazing. Good to know how to remove veneer in the future too.
Thanks! It seriously is the easiest thing and I use it all the time.
Very creative! I’d redo our large desk in the office if I won.
Thanks!
Gosh that’s nice! Turned out so pretty. Thanks for sharing and for the contest too.
My pleasure to share. Thank you, Jane.
You come up with the coolest ways to give an old piece new life! Love them all! I have an old chest that I love, but it needs some paint to give it some energy!
aww…thanks so much, Kathy. I had a blast!
Love the colors on the dresser. Thanks for the giveaway
Thank you, Dawn. I’m so smitten with blue anything. 🙂
Good morning Larissa, I love the style of this dresser, what a great save! I am in love with your blended painting technique with these colors!! Your choice of typography is perfect to complete your vision!!! Well done my friend!!!
Good morning! I’m so stoked to share this pieces today. It’s easily a favorite and so fun for me to share. Thanks!!
Your denim dresser is so beautiful.l wish l had your talent and creativity.l keep trying….thank you for your inspiration.
Janina, you’re so sweet. Thank you for the love! You can do it!
Wow, I love this denim effect!! Beautiful!
Fantastic! I’m so happy to hear it, Kimberly. Thank you!
I would paint an antique change table for my nursery.
Now that is just plain cool. I’d love to know how you fixed the drawer! I remember reading your tip about removing veneer long ago and I can’t tell you how much time, effort and injury (*cough* stitches, *cough*) it’s saved me. Great job, as always!
Do you mean the inside of the drawer? There was a piece running the back length to hold the bottom up. I removed that, took the drawer entirely apart, glued it all up. Then, I added two strips (front to back) with pocket holes to the bottom as “just in case” reinforcement. (as I think we all tend to overload those deep bottom drawers).
Yup, guilty of that. LOL Thanks Larissa!
You bet!
That dresser is great! I learn tons from your blog – thank you! I need to just try blending… it is so cool. I have a secretary desk to work on next!
I’m so glad to hear that, Toia. Thank you bunches! 😀
I think this chest and the Volkswagon are my two favorites in forever and ever!! Great job. I could sure use the brushes. I could never afford all that luxury!
How cool is that?! Thank you so much, Linda.
Interesting painting technique, looks like fun. You really did a suburb job with the repairs, the dresser looks like it is in great shape! Well done. Keep up the good rescue work!
I’m redoing a wicker vanity. I’d use the brushes for that.
That is really cute – I’m always amazed at your creative thinking! Painting furniture is my favorite!
Yay! Thank you, Sue. It sure is fun!
Love the denim look. That chest can be used in so many different places.
Thank you for getting the use I was after. Fun! 😀
You really know how to revive furniture; she looks good in her jeans! I would paint the dresser that has been hanging out in my garage for way too long.
tee hee! You made me giggle, Jody! Thank you.
Adorable!
Thanks so much. I had fun!
I love the “denim” dresser! I would love to be gifted with an antique dresser to fix up 🙂 A couple of years ago I found a 1928 phonograph cabinet on the curb. Someone has removed most of the veneer from the top but there was still some that was really glued down tight. I thought I’d never get it off but a hot towel and a hot iron did the trick. Thank you for continuing to inspire me!
That’s an awesome find! I haven’t had as much luck with an iron. This towel method has always worked. Veneer can be a booger! 😀
I have a few pieces hanging out in my garage that the brushes would be perfect for. Thanks for all the inspiration!!
I adore this, and all of your creativity! Please adopt me! ?
Aww…if you don’t mind my husband, 6 kids, a dog, and cat…oh an ornery neighbors! 😀
That dresser turned out REALLY CUTE! I love your ideas!
Larissa, once again you have amazed me with your creativity! The dresser is beautiful. Thank you for showing how you gave this piece a “denim” look. I’m going to try it!
My pleasure, Diana. Let me know if you have any questions. 🙂
You always impress me with your painting ability. I thought you were crazy with the 3 paint choices, but you did a fantastic job. I too love those brushes but I hope to win the whole set. Keep on doing what you do best and I’m sure to be surprised again!
hahaha! Too funny! I’m so glad you like it. I’ve always enjoyed this blending technique. So many possibilities with it. Thank you for the encouraging words.
Will paint a faded piece of wood piece that is part of the roof.
Also a new coat on the bench.
Larissa,
Your creativity really shines with this piece! I love real wood furniture and painting / breathing new life into a well loved and worn piece is so gratifying. Thank you for the inspiration and the chance to win some new brushes!
Peace! Susan
Thank you, Susan. You are so right. When they look beyond repair, that’s when I love to step in and rescue. So fun!
Larissa, I love the dresser, you are so talented.
Thank you for teaching us how we can get inspired to do this.
Thank you!!
Well, you sure know how to make a gal blush. Thank you, Nancy!
I would give this to my daughter if I won. She loves DIY and painting
What beautiful colors! I love that mix.
It worked. I’m inspired to DO SOMETHING ABOUT my bad-paint-job dining room furniture!!! TODAY! ?
You are too cute, Becky!
I have a vanity that is calling out to me for an update fresh look. I think your set of brushes and painting inspiration is all I need!
You are sooo creative. I love the mix of color with the raw drawers Thanks for the inspiration
I’m so glad you like it. Thanks!
Love this dresser! I also love my one Zibra brush that I bought from your shop!
Wonderful! I so enjoy hearing feedback. Thank you!
The dresser turned out amazing! I’m not sure what I would try first. I have a couple of bookcases that could use a makeover so I would probably start with one of those. Thank you for the opportunity.
Thanks! Sounds like you have some fun headed your way.
I just love the denim dresser! I may have to give it a try. Thanks for a chance to win the Zibra brushes., and thanks for the inspiration!
I’m happy to hear that, Lee. Thanks!
my veranda needs help
I’d paint all our old wooden doors!
Woah! might be my favorite one to date. love the washed out denim affect. Well done lady!! Well.. done!!
So awesome! That’s fantastic to hear. Thanks so much, Trish.
I hope I win! The first thing I would paint would be a vintage faux bamboo drop leaf buffet cabinet I just bought.
I hope you like my work too. The brushes are awesome. 🙂
I have frames that I want to paint.
Sounds good. I hope you like my tutorial too. 😉
I would paint a cabinet.
Perfect. I hope you enjoyed my work. 🙂
My dresser is right out of 1980, I would love to redue it in a fun way!
Fun! I hope you enjoyed what I shared with my project. 🙂
i would paint a table
Sounds good. I hope you enjoyed my tutorial.
I have these wooden crates that I salvaged from a bath and body works that was remodeling…I want to make a cool wall hanging/book shelves from them. I’d use these brushes for a rustic looking finish!
That sounds like fun! I enjoyed sharing my work for you all.
A dream for sure Larissa. How can I resist that denim blue?
As per usual, you know blues win for me. 😀 Thank you, Mary.
I’ve been needing to paint my dresser for years. These brushes would be great.
I think we all have one of those. haha.
I am getting ready to start painting a changing table for my new granddaughter! Love your look with the white blending. Looks great!
How fun! Thank you, Katherine
My mom would love these brushes. She’s the one that mostly does DIY projects.
I have been looking for tutorials and ideas on upgrading older furniture. I just recently sanded down a sofa table, so I would use the brushes on it.