“It’s pretty beat up…” those words are music to my junk-lovin’ ears. I purposefully don’t work on pieces that are just fine only to paint them. However, I look for the unwanteds, the misfits, the beaten down beauties just waiting for new life. Enter in this vintage serpentine dresser.
This ol’ gal was hiding away behind some clothing racks and bins with no price tag. When I inquired with the owner on asking price, she wanted to verify the cost with her husband. That quote above were her words, and it made me think to myself…just wait and see. tee hee.
Yes, she is right. It IS in rough state, but that doesn’t scare me. Everything is present as far as hardware and drawers go. The only major issues are missing, damaged, and chipped veneer, chemical stains, and carvings into it.
Aside from a few numbers and letters etched into the top, it looked as if someone purposefully felt like damaging the top edge. geesh.
LET’S BEGIN
Aside from the cabinet being a veneer layered piece, the drawers are actually faced with solid mahogany. cha-ching! Talk about a gorgeous wood. Naturally, my sander came out to play.
Thankfully, removing the original finish wasn’t too bad. However, there was a chemical bleed through on one of the center drawers. You can see it in the before pics. While I don’t think it’s going to be an issue for my final outcome, I won’t know for sure until I take the next steps.
Then, I grab my white wax to bring out that gorgeous grain.
NEXT STEPS
The cabinet, however, had too much damage to the veneer, so it got patched all over with wood filler and sanded. In addition to that, I removed the damaged veneer, then stain the bare spots to match.
Then, I begin my phases of layers to get this serpentine dresser a brand new look. My goal is to create a time-worn feel using paint. When beginning a project with layers, you kinda have to think in reverse.
First, I began with a coat of this really funky caramel color over a stain blocking primer layer.
This color serves as a great base for the next two layers. Here it is in the final state with one layer complete.
Not too bad, eh? Before you think me crazy, take a peek at how I used this very same color on an antique buffet HERE. Also, I used it on layering paint on candlesticks over HERE (or see in video below) and on my faux wood garage door in this post HERE. So, I think it works wonderfully for what I’m after.
LAYER #3
Next, it’s time to break out my spray bottle of water and, again, using that same 2″ brush. This time, however, I’m using a soft beige over the cured caramel color.
I guess you call this layer a wash, but it’s kinda different too. I lightly spritz the surface I’m painting with water and then brush on my paint in the directions I want to highlight. I’ve used this blending technique many times in the past and love how it allows me to be spontaneous and creative.
Last, I use the same method, but this time my color of choice is a basic white in an eggshell lustre. After all the painting is done, I apply waxes to highlight details and also protect the top.
THE REVEAL
Are you ready? Here is the brand new look for my vintage serpentine dresser.
Quite the different piece now, isn’t it? Yahoo! I LOVE IT. This dresser not only has a fresh feel, but the new look allows all those gorgeous details to shine.
Plus, the best part about dressers like these is that they can function as a buffet, an entertainment center, an entry console, etc. You get the idea.
Also, in case you were wondering, I didn’t feel the need to change the hardware up. It already has a gorgeous patina because the swags are solid brass and the plates are a tin. However, I did clean them up a bit.
If you’d like to own this dresser, you can find it available in my online shop (SOLD) along with many other goodies. We do ship to your door and have been in the biz for over 7 years now. Crazy how time flies, isn’t it?
In addition, pin and share my serpentine dresser with paint layering technique to inspire others to give DIY a try. It’s fun!
Up next, I mentioned being on a short furniture kick. I am sharing this vintage entertainment center and its new life. SEE HERE.
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!
Also, more furniture projects like my serpentine dresser:
I have a dresser I would like to paint.
Wow, you are such an inspiration. I have a small table that I would just love to try some paint techniques on. It is hidden in the corner right now because the finish is sooooo bad. lol
funny…it has to stand in the corner. haha.
I love how you purposely look for the pieces that everyone else overlooks, and then bring them to life in unexpected ways. It reminds me of the Father’s work in His children; a lovely parallel! I’d use the brushes on some tables in our living room that need to be refreshed after being enjoyed by the family!
What a sweet compliment to hear. That’s exactly my feeling on it and why my brand is named as such…the prodigal son. Thank you, Amanda.
These brushes would be great to win in my workshop where I have started redoing furniture. I love reading your posts as you give step-by-step on how to do this.
Thank you. You will love the brushes for sure.
Oh how i wish I had your time management and creative skills.
What a beautiful piece! You always inspire me ?
I’m delighted to hear it. Thank you!
I do like this piece and think you made the right call to show off the beautiful wood in the drawers. You always inspire me.
Thank you. I sure was excited to find that mahogany was solid. Yay!
Beautiful dresser! I love those brushes!
Thank you. Me too!! 😀
I love to bring new life to an old piece like this. Great job!
It sure gives me all the joy. Thanks so much, Deirdre.
#2. Thinking about your piece and forgot. I am deep into painting my kitchen cupboards, trim, etc., etc. and I can really use some Zibra brushes.
That is my LEAST favorite job…ugh. But…the brushes make it so much easier. You will love them!
Love learning your techniques. I’d love to paint an old headboard.
That’s music to my hears, Ruth. Thank you!
I have a microwave stand that needs a face lift bad after I painted the cabinets in the kitchen
This was a great makeover. I would paint my coffee table.
Thank you. Sounds good.
Hi Larissa! I absolutely love what you did to this dresser. I am working on one now that has beautiful wood and i am thinking about just doing a light white wash. Thank you for the chance to win the brushes.
Cheryl
Wonderful! It’s a great way to update and refresh a piece.
The dresser has a huge chance at being loved again! Beautiful! I am going to be trying a chevron pattern on a dresser and special detail brushes would be awesome! Thank you for the opportunity to win these brushes!
Ooh… that sounds like fun! 😀
Nice! Seems to be the trend lately, less paint, more natural wood. I like!
I’ve always saved the wood when possible. It’s a must in my book. 🙂
I love these kinds of dressers. You did a wonderful job and you always inspire me. Thanks.
Aren’t they so fun! 😀 They truly are classic beauties. I’m so glad you enjoy how I reworked it. Thanks!
What a coo technique and turned out so beautiful!
Thanks! You’ve gotta try it sometime. 😉
Another gorgeous piece! You have inspired me. I just found a beautiful old dresser I want to redo into a kitchen island with a bar for my granddaughter who likes to help me cook. It is covered (very haphazardly) in about 4 layers of paint….and needs new hardware. Its been sitting forever but I am pulling her out today! Thanks for the inspiration!!
Ooh…that sounds like a doozy, but also well worth it. Have fun!!
Another beautiful piece. Your work is always great. I really like the wet blending technique
Thank you for the kind words, Darlane. It’s fun to do this technique and see it come alive.
Don’t stop what you are doing! You inspire, motivate and, on some days when I need it the most, you make me laugh and remember God has a plan. I would love to win the brushes. Truly,
I need that, Linda. Thank you for the encouraging words. It can be hard at times. 🙂 Hugs!
Another beautiful masterpiece! ⚘
Thank you, Dale. 🙂
I’m always inspired by your posts, either with new techniques to try, different color combinations, or beautiful decorating ideas. Thank you!
What a wonderful compliment, Denise. Thank you!
Really pretty dresser! Well done!
Thank you so much, Melanie.
I love your work. I would use the brushes to finish a vanity that I am redoing.
Thank you. Sounds good!
Hello Larissa, I am so happy to see your beautiful work on a piece of furniture again! I know you are so busy with your remodel, home schooling, teens learning to drive and everything else, where did you find the time? I love the layering technique that you used on this curvy lady. I have got to say it again,
thank you for rescuing her and making her gorgeous again.
I do enjoy it, but lack the space and energy to keep it up as I used to. It’s so fun to do! 😀 Thank you, Kaycee.
I love that style of dresser. I’ve been looking for one in rough shape for a good price, but no luck yet. This has convinced me to not give up looking. Beautiful finish.
It will come! I can’t wait to see it when you do, Donna. Thank you.
I love how that paint layering works to bring a vintage patina to the wood. It never occurred to me to use a caramel color s the base. Thanks for the tips and inspiration! Great job Larissa!
It truly is fun. 😀 I’m glad you are excited – that’s what I’m all about. Thanks!
The guy that owned the condo beforehand, painted the kitchen cabinets an ugly brown.. I realllllllly want to have a redo!
Sounds like DIY fun! I hope you enjoyed my work shared today.
What a great job. I would love to do my mom’s cedar chest.
Thank you, Eileen.
I would paint my old chairs
Perfect. I hope you enjoyed my work shared today 🙂
My husband is making over my dresser I had as a child. It is over 60 years old and this is what we would use these brushes on first.
How fun that would be. I enjoyed working on this dresser with them too.
Another gorgeous piece of furniture! We have a stool that my kiddos use to sit on to practice on our keyboard that needs new paint desperately!! Thanks for the chance to win this useful giveaway!
Thank you! That would be a fun project for them, even. 😀
I would repaint my daughter’s dresser.
I would repaint a French dresser that I have sitting in my garage.
I have several dressers that I would like to do something with. You do wonderful work, keep it up!
Thank you much, Jane. 😀
I would paint buffets!
Thank you so much for not painting every single piece white! There are times when I wonder if people actually realize that the world is full of other colors and options, great job!
I’m the last one to do that…haha. I’m known for so many variations and that keep my creative spirit flowing. Though, my last one was white. 😉 I do love white too.
The dresser is beautiful Larissa! Job well done.
Thank you so much, Mary.
I loved what you did with this dresser, I would love to do the same with my French Provincial bedroom set. Do you have a video or step by step instructions for this..
Thanks,
Dolores
Thank you, Dolores. I tried to lay out the steps in my post – just sanded down what I could, applied the wax to the drawers. Then, I have mentioned my layering of paint to the cabinet.I also provide links to the other video tutorials I’ve made using the same technique and have the video uploaded. It’s the same steps.