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Vintage Dixie Dresser with Frottage Paint Technique

Are you in the mood for a furniture makeover? I am! Funny thing how the internet works. It studies your behaviors and throws ads up that it thinks you will be interested in. Well, it worked this time. I spied this for sale in a local market only because an ad popped up and I was hooked. I mean, just look at that beautiful bow front! sigh… Now it’s time for not only a makeover of this vintage Dixie dresser, but also some fun for you too.

Vintage Dixie Dresser with Bow Front Before Makeover by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

The unique lines of this piece is what caught my attention. I’m such a long time fan of this era because they are built to last. However, this vintage Dixie dresser had some damage errors that needed fixed. Almost all the drawers had missing veneer and what looked like cat scratches. In addition, the legs and skirt had missing veneer, and the top had wear, but looked repairable. {{happy dance!!}}

Top of Vintage Dixie Dresser with Damage | prodigalpieces.com

The bonuses are that all the drawer pulls are present, the drawers open fairly easily, minimal damage, and no stink (HUGE bonus).

DIY TIME

First, to get this makeover party going, I break out my sander and hope that the veneer behaves. There were some deep gouges I wasn’t sure about. I’m sure hoping I can save it!

Sanding Top of Vintage Dixie Dresser | prodigalpieces.com

This is where patience and a slow, steady hand pays off. So exciting to see that all the wear came out and I was able to give it a fresh new stain. {{second happy dance!!}} I chose to use a favorite of mine called Java Gel. Just one coat is all it took and it’s got the rich deep tone just like I used on my curbside find dining set.

POLY COAT

Once the stain cured, I apply several coats of a satin poly. Applying the poly now allows it to be protected while I paint the base cabinet.

Next, I set about to work on the dresser cabinet and drawers while each coat of poly was curing. My wood filler came out to play and seriously looked like my project had been attacked. haha! Actually, it had been… by a cat. tsk.

Drawer Fronts with Wood Filler | prodigalpieces.com

In addition, it was necessary to rebuild a bit of the feet and front skirt to get them worthy of a new look too. I gotta say that real wood veneer sure is beautiful, but man it does not hold up well if not taken care of.

Repaired Dresser Foot | prodigalpieces.com

PRIME TIME

Then, using I chose to apply a coat of Kilz primer because this mahogany finish would most certainly bleed through.

Applying Kilz Primer to Avoid Bleed Through | prodigalpieces.com

Once that cured, I began to start the painting fun. My goal was to create a time-worn effect using a frottage technique. Back in 1925 a man named Max Ernst was inspired by the time-worn wear see in the floor boards of ancient homes (a man after my own heart – read more HERE).

PRETTY PAINT

For the base, I’m applying two coats of Vintage. Love this color!

Painting Dresser with Vintage Chalky Finish Paint by DecoArt | prodigalpieces.com

Next, the fun gets even more funky. tee hee! I am using a beige color to create a blended look just like I did in this other vintage dresser. First, I lightly spray the surface with water, then randomly brush on my color in vertical strokes.

Misting Dresser Paint for Frottage Technique by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

While the paint is still wet, I use crumpled paper to press and rub it into the paint and create a textured look.

Using Crumpled Paper for Frottage Texture by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

After working all the cabinet and drawer with this color, I let it cure and begin applying the next coat. This time, however, I switched to an antique white paint so I can swirl my layers.

Frottage Texture Technique by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

TEXTURE

For added texture, I used a crumpled rag to pounce and rub that layer of paint while the antique white layer was curing.

Adding Texture to Dresser with Frottage Technique | prodigalpieces.com

Last, but not least, I add brown wax to the cabinet and drawers. This deepens the texture I created and really brings out the lines of this piece. Bonus of this brush is the angled tip that allows me to really get the wax in the deep lines and accent just how I like.

Applying Brown Wax | prodigalpieces.com

THE REVEAL

Finally, are you eady to see it all come together? Take a peek at this vintage Dixie dresser fixed and ready to go.

Absolutely Stunning Vintage Dixie Dresser with Frottage Technique by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #furniture #diy #home #homedecor #homedecorideas

Elegant Vintage Bow Front Dresser done in Frottage Technique by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

I’m completely smitten with the way this came out and can say that my favorite part is the top. That dark stain sure does wonders to revive old wood. Isn’t this combo is striking? Also, the dark stain helps tie in the dark patina on the drawer pulls too.

Vintage Bow Front Dresser with Java Gel Stain Top by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Vintage Dresser with Round Bail Drawer Pulls by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Likewise, since the drawer pulls have a gorgeous patina as they were, I just add a touch of white wax to accent those beautiful embossed details. I love this kind of dresser that has varied sized drawers for plenty of storage.

Frottage Technique as demonstrated by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces on this Vintage Dixie Dresser | prodigalpieces.com

As is the norm, my goal is to inspire you to give new techniques a try and have fun with DIY projects. The sky is the limit when you have the right tools and information, plus a willing spirit.

If you would like to own this dresser,  you can find it available in my online shop.

Shop Prodigal Pieces Furniture, Vintage Finds, Handmade Goods, & Supplies for your home | shop.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Beautiful Frottage Dresser in Vintage Style by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

SHARE

In addition, pin and share this vintage Dixie dresser makeover with this frottage technique. Others need inspired too!

What a difference! This vintage Dixie dresser with bow front style got a facelift using frottage technique to create time-worn wear. Get the DIY details at Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #furniture #home #homedecor #homedecorideas #vintage

Up next, it’s Furniture Fixer Uppers time and this little cutie is going to look soooo different. See the after HERE.

Round Accent Table Before Makeover | 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!

blog signatureAlso, more furniture projects like this vintage Dixie dresser makeover:

Outdated Vintage Dresser Gets Industrial Makeover by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.comOutdated Bentwood Rocking Chair Gets Embroidered Makeover by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Comments

  1. Jennie says

    Larissa, you give old worn out furniture new life every time! Beautiful job on this dresser.

  2. Debrashoppeno5 says

    The dresser is gorgeous. The technique you used is very interesting. I will certainly be looking into it further.

  3. Lisa says

    That is quite lovely. You have a gift for allowing a piece to be what it is.

    • Larissa says

      Thank you, Lisa. Your words mean so much to me…really.

  4. Jessica says

    The dresser looks so much better!

  5. Ginny says

    Love the color and technique you used on this dresser… it’s beautiful!
    These brushes would work perfectly on the picture frames that have been collecting in my basement!

    • Larissa says

      Thank you. It was fun to play with the technique. You will love these brushes! 😀

  6. Lori Sawyer says

    Growing up, my sister and i shared a dresser just like that and it came from myneighbors trash?

    • Larissa says

      It sure is a fantastic space saver and storage. I might be keeping this for my girls. 🙂

  7. Mary Kaiser says

    Wowza! It is beautiful now, thanks for the great tutorial and inspiration!!

  8. Gret says

    Love this. I have a similar dresser in desperate need of some love. Thanks for the great tutorial.

  9. Elaine says

    Lovely! And I never would have thought to use tinted wax on drawer pulls…another neat tip I’m going to have to try now!

    • Larissa says

      Thanks! I love using wax in oodles of ways. So fun for me!

  10. Alison S says

    I have some chairs that I need to paint and I’d love to try out these brushes!

  11. Sally Martin says

    I love what you did to this dresser. Your projects always motivate me. I have a bookcase just waiting to be painted!

  12. Michele Branham says

    The dresser looks beautiful! I love the way you blended the colors.

    • Larissa says

      Thank you, Michele. I couldn’t wait to work on this piece.

  13. Kim says

    Beautiful makeover, Larissa! I really love the dark stain top with the light painted dresser! Makes it pop! The brushes would make painting intricate details a lot easier! You are so talented!

    • Larissa says

      That stain is wonderful to use and totally made better with the brushes. No strokes for the win! 😀 Thank you for the love, Kim.

  14. Mary A Burnett says

    first thing to paint with these amazing brushes is a pantry cabinet that once painted gets donated to the New Hope for Animals, they then sell it. Nice job on the dresser

  15. Judy Burnside says

    Oh my goodness, that dresser is so beautiful! I too am drawn in to that style furniture. I love any old furniture that has curves or unusual details, because it reflects the skill of the artisans who created it. My father was a furniture maker and reupholsterer from Europe, and I inherited his love of woodworking from him!! You do such a wonderful job honoring the beauty of the pieces you create. Thank you for once again inspiring me!

    • Larissa says

      You and me both, Judy. I couldn’t wait to get this dressed up and fixed. I felt sorry for it with all the cat scratches. My family was also the same history and makes it fun. Thank you!

  16. Lynne says

    What a beautiful piece of furniture! You have an amazing talent! Maybe one day I’ll give it a try.

    • Larissa says

      aww…thank you so much for the “hug”! That means much. I hope you do!

  17. Jolinda says

    it is absolutely stunning. Everything about it turned out so beautiful. I love the dark wood top with the painted dresser.

  18. Janice Sexton says

    As always with your work, gorgeous!

  19. Sherry Fram says

    Beautiful makeover & it’s in my favorite color!! Love the dark too with the light body. My favorite combination!

  20. Alicia H says

    Wow! This is my all time favorite……..So Far! Brilliant!

    • Larissa says

      Woot, Woot! 😀 I love that you said…so far. hahaha!!

  21. Robyn Wright says

    Absolutely beautiful!

  22. Debra A Wise says

    This piece is breathtaking, Larissa. I believe it’s one of my favorites that you’ve done. Of course, you’ll wind up doing another makeover that will be just as stunning. You never cease to amaze and inspire me! I have a couple of pieces that could use paint and I would love to try the blended paint technique. I started it on an end table but it looked like a hot mess. Thanks for the giveaway and the inspiration.

    • Larissa says

      Wonderful! haha…you made me LOL!! Thank you for the smiles!

  23. Kimberly says

    The finish on this dresser is absolutely dreamy!

  24. Julie Monroe says

    The dresser turned out great! That will be a beautiful addition in just the right home. I love bow fronts and curves, anything with lots of detail. Great job

    • Larissa says

      Thank you, Julie. It will be shipping out tomorrow. Yay! 😀

  25. Kim says

    Love the way this turned out

  26. Rebecca Drake says

    WOW! that dresser is gorgeous! I love the color and you are right, the top really sets off the color!

    • Larissa says

      Happy dance! I’m so excited to have this done as I couldn’t wait to see my vision come to life. Thank you!

  27. kelly kayfes says

    I love your work! Keep sharing.

  28. Dale Cundy says

    Beautiful piece! Great job! ?

  29. Sue Pagels says

    Wow – love that dark stained top! I’ll have to remember the Java gel – I was going to catch up on my posts as I had some time, and saw this one had a giveaway – yay! Thanks for doing this. BTW, the Zibra brushes are divine!

  30. Mary Milnarich says

    Loved the look of this dresser . I would also use the dark gel stain. It makes the piece look so rich. Your technique for painting the rest of it is interesting and I will have to try that. You always are amazing to see your ideas come to life.

  31. Nancy Walden says

    Love the look! I have a waterfall top cedar hope chest that was my mother-in-laws. The drawer is missing some veneer and it also needs a new bottom since the old one is loose and its really challenging to open the drawer. I’ve wanted to refinish it for years! One of these days I’ll decide on the look I want and actually get it done!

  32. Jane Clelland says

    WOW! That’s breathtaking. It’s even better than the dresser before that you painted that way. Love it.

  33. Mary says

    Larissa imagine my surprise when I saw what you did with the body of the dresser. I love this soft blue look and the whitewashed effect.

  34. Tammy Shelton says

    Just beautiful! Got to get my hands on some of these Zibra brushes!

  35. janet a phillips says

    I absolutely love your work ! This dresser is one of your best works yet! I would love to win the brushes to try some of your ideas myself.

  36. Wendy Burchik says

    Oh my gosh, Larissa! This is so beautiful!
    Every time I think “Now, This is my favorite piece that you’ve done” you do something else that becomes my new favorite!!
    Those colors just play together so nicely it just glows with a beautiful light. Nice Job!
    Those brushes would be so helpful as you have made me fall in love with them and I could certainly put them to good use 😉

    • Larissa says

      tee hee! That’s so awesome to hear. Thank you! I can’t say enough about theses brushes. Perfect for all my DIY projects.

  37. Kathy E. says

    I am always inspired by your work, Larissa, and this dresser is no exception! It now will have a new life in a home that will make it shine as a centerpiece! I would use my Zibra brushes on a few old large picture frames that need updating.

  38. Lisa C. says

    Seeing your work always gets my creative juices going. I’m in need of some quality brushes and would love to win a set of these!

    • Larissa says

      That’s what I’m all about, so that is fantastic to hear. Thank you!

  39. Abby says

    Firstly, this dresser looks AMAZING, thanks to your handiwork! I love it! My next painting project is still waiting for me… 2 end tables in my living room!

    • Larissa says

      It was a fun project to do, Abby. Thank you for showing me some love. 🙂 I think we all have a “next project”…haha.

  40. Marie says

    This dresser is beautiful. I always look forward to your posts to see your latest creation.

  41. Doreen says

    Wow, another Prodigal Pieces masterpiece! I would love new Zibra brushes to paint an old gossip bench which is sitting in my garage.

  42. Tracey says

    I am enjoying reading your posts. You have amazing ideas!! I would probably paint an old frame I have with lovely detail but needs some tlc. Thank you!

  43. Jean Sisk says

    That is a beautiful finish,Great job.

  44. Deidre Breau says

    I have not seen a tutorial for this process before. Another beautiful piece.

  45. Nancy Lambert says

    Larissa,
    Oh my good goodness it is gorgeous..

  46. Danelle says

    That makeover is lovely ! Thanks for showing us a great technique! I love those brushes too.

    • Larissa says

      It’s a fun technique that gives you all sorts of options. I’m so glad you like it. 🙂

  47. Shelly says

    A new technique to try…yeah!

  48. Lynzee says

    Gorgeous!!
    I love the white wax on the handles!

    • Larissa says

      Thanks for saying so, Lynzee. Little touches like that can make all the difference. 🙂

  49. Kaycee says

    Larissa, as I mentioned, this piece needed to get into your hands! This painting technique and the colors you used on this piece are just gorgeous! Thank you for sharing your talents with us!!

    • Larissa says

      You are just the sweetest, Kaycee. I was so excited to work on it and make my vision come to life. Thank you! 😀

  50. Hanna says

    Stunning! You’re amazing!! I love everything you do! So inspiring!!

    • Larissa says

      I am sending you a big virtual HUG!! {{huuuuuuggggg}} 😀

  51. ColleenB.~Texas says

    I could use some good brushes.
    I have an old computer cabinet unit that will be transforming to hold all my handheld power tools.
    Thank You for this wonderful giveaway opportunity. You R an Inspiration to us all.

  52. Tamara Creel says

    Beautiful piece. As your work usually is.

  53. Kathy irwin says

    Just beautiful! Love the color. I have been on a break from painting but this inspires me. I’ll use my new brushes for my comeback!

  54. Carrie says

    Your work is always stunning! Appreciate how you share your different methods of achieving the finishes.

  55. Becky says

    Beautiful! I need to play around with wax someday. You do some cool things with it! I’ve go a chair that needs some love and paint… and maybe wax! : )

  56. Bobye says

    Love seeing all the makeovers

  57. Shirley says

    I purchased a whole set of these a while back, put them up somewhere and to this day still haven’t found them! I need them for some projects I have waiting and some day I might get them done! Love the colors you used on the dresser!

  58. KellyM says

    I really love what you did for that dresser. First thing I would use the brushes for? My own dresser needs some love and those brushes would sure help.

  59. Michele says

    When I saw the first pictures of you painting in the post I thought ‘mmmm, I’m not sure I care for this color’, but after seeing the finished piece all I can say is WOW! So beautiful. I need the brushes so I can try this technique out on an ‘antique’ (meaning 1970s) dresser I have.

  60. Cheryl Atkinson says

    Hi Larissa,
    So to create texture you used a crumpled up paper bag on the first coat of Vintage, then you used a paper towel to dab at the second coat of antique white that was painted in swirls? I’m trying to get the steps down right to create this exact look on the exact dresser. I just love what you do.
    Cheryl

    • Cheryl Atkinson says

      Did you only use 1 coat of each color?

    • Larissa says

      Hi Cheryl! 🙂
      After my primer and two coats of Vintage, I used a beige color to wash onto the Vintage and then used the brown paper bag to tamp it. After that, I used my Round Brush to add a white in swirling motions, then an old rag to lightly pounce that layer of white. Then, brown wax with my Square Brush to accent. Feel free to email with questions if you have more. Hope this helps and you have fun!

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