3/28/10

Allow Me To Introduce You

My "work in progress" is complete! This was my first big furniture revamp. I spray painted a side table years ago, but this project was much more involved.



Before:


The handles had verdigris in spots along with the general filth found on an old dresser. I read online to try using one part baking soda with 4 parts water and that did not work. After trying that for a couple days and seeing no progress, I just put all the handles in a tub of vinegar. It smelled nasty, but it did the trick:





After I scrubbed them up, rinsed and dried, I spray painted them with Oil Rubbed Bronze.


Here are the steps I followed to refinish the dresser (I've included links where I found information for my project):


1. Remove all hardware and drawers and SCRUB IT CLEAN.



2. Sand all surfaces. I got a hand sander for around $30 at Lowe's and used regular sandpaper to get into any grooves the sander wouldn't reach.



3. Wipe it down.



4. Prime it. I used Bulls Eye 1-2-3 in the blue can and applied it with a foam roller. Easy peasy. I let it dry for 7 days. You have to wait it out. Do not pass go.



5. Then I spray painted it with Rustoleum Painters Touch in Heirloom White. While I loved the color and the finish, it was really, *really* hard to get an even coat. And by that, I of course mean the coat still isn't even, but whatev. Good enough. Next time, I'll use regular paint and a foam roller for pieces this big. I'll save the spray paint for smaller pieces.


6. I took a sanding block and distressed the edges. You will need at least 3 sanding blocks for a piece of furniture this size.


7. Wipe it down again.


8. Rubbed on Ralph Lauren Smoke Glaze with a cheesecloth and then rubbed it back off until it was aged to my satisfaction. You will get your hands dirty, but when the glaze dries, it peels right off your skin like Elmer's glue.


9. Wait an hour-ish for the glaze to dry.


10. Put the handles back on, make your hubs help you move the dresser into prime pic-taking position, put the drawers back on, squee! and take pics of your finished product.



Here's a close-up of some of the distressing (click to make bigger):

All in all, this project was under $150 and now I have a new dresser that I love! Now, to find some pretty wallpaper to line the drawers. :)

I'm linking up:

Creations by Kara


Furniture Feature Fridays

14 comments:

Sarah said...

Im about to do this with a c ouple fo nightstands i got on craigslist for free! Also, i am finally doing the hutch for my kitchen(also free)! Ill let you know how it goes.

Sarah

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Great makeover. I have many cupboards and shelves that need a makeover. Just can't get motivated to start as it takes time. Also should be doing some spring cleaning. I prefer to blog for the joy of blogging, for inspiration and ideas, and friendship -- with some crochet thrown in to pass the time. Have a great week! :) Tammy

Michelle said...

Well done! It looks amazing!

nostalgia*gal said...

So wonderful to of met you in person at the Nashville Flea this week!
AND I adore your project! What a handsome piece it turned out to be!

Cheers, cindykay

♥ Noelle ♥ said...

fantastic!! i love it... we have a huge 'old dresser with mirror and a massive headboard that i would love to paint white and distress! can i send them to you to do? LOL

Lauren said...

Color me impressed :-)

word verification: ineed. As in "ineed Jessica to live closer so she can inspire me to do things like this with my own stuff."

Ginger said...

Love your makeover on your dresser. Isnt it great what a little paint will do. You did a great job.

I posted your goodies you sent me on my post today. Thought you might want to look.
Love it all. Thanks.

Ginger

Marie@Procrastinating in Pink said...

This looks great! I'm getting ready to redo my bedroom furniture in the exact same color and glaze...haha!

littlethings1 said...

I love your "new" dresser , you did a wonderful job refinishing it !
Eunice
The Little Things

Unknown said...

Fabulous job, Jessica! Love what you did with the handles and your tutorial is great! The piece is stunning!

Cheers!
Tina

Sarah @ Hennessey House said...

i literally gasped with glee when your post loaded - the dresser turned out amazing!

Cassie Bustamante said...

that dresser is stunning! i love that you kept the original hardware, too, even if it did require some good old smelly vinegar. i always use vinegar and water to rinse old pieces- it's amazing that something to stinky and rid other odors! great job!

The Little Red Shop said...

What a pretty dresser!

: )

Julie M.

Miss Mustard Seed said...

Oh, I love this piece. The dresser has a great shape and great hardware and you finished it perfectly. Beautiful work!

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