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...so refreshing and perfect to bring my outdated 80's dresser up to par.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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