I shared a before and during picture of this dresser that I worked on this weekend on my Facebook page and Instagram. It was in pretty good condition, minus some fixes to the drawers and finish.
I knew I wanted to paint it, because that is what I do, and it needed some color. I also was not a fan of the different veneers and drawer fronts on the dresser. Everything got sanded down, then it was on to painting. I start with the drawers, then the frame of the piece, and the last part I paint is always the top. Just before painting the top I realized the look of the wood top and the blue color paired well together, and I should leave it. I really should do this more often, but sometimes I just don’t think of it!
A few spots on the top lip had gotten some blue brush marks, so those were taken off with a clorox wipe. The finish on top had some water rings, lines and other areas where the finish was worn and missing, so our orbital sander got broken out and the top was sanded down to bare wood so none of the old finish remained. I used a custom mixed stain that was part dark walnut and part some other color with slight red tones. The wood already and previously had some red color to it, so I went for a similar color when staining it again. After the stain had dried all day, I sealed it with Formbys Tung Oil Finish which I already owned from another project. It seals the surface and gives a hand rubbed finish. The can says low gloss, but there is really almost no sheen and the oil soaks into the wood to fully seal it. I used two coats and made sure to wait 24 hours in between.
The painted parts of the dresser got sanded with 320 grit sandpaper to give a super smooth finish. I sanded the edges and detail along with some other areas to give the dresser a worn finish. After it was wiped off I sealed the paint with clear wax and then added new hardware to dress up the piece. Hardware makes such a difference! Normally I go for a more modern look with white pulls, but I love the old feel and character this piece has with the stained top, smokey paint color and dark pulls.
It beautiful! Love the wood top especially!
i love that color- it's stunning!
That looks lover-ly!!!
-andi
That color blue is incredible! That dresser was meant to be this way–it is so gorgeous!
I usually start a piece by deciding whether I am going to sand and stain or paint the top because that helps me pick the color. But I always paint the drawers first–it wouldn't feel right if I didn't 🙂
Visiting from Wow us Wednesdays. That dresser is so lucky! It looks fantastic. The blue is perfect and I love the wood top. Bravo!
Goodness Reeves, you sure know how to do a classic look for a dresser don't you! It never disappoints! And your top stained finish looks better than most, that is for sure!
It's really beautiful and I think you captured the character of the dresser quite well. I love the color and how it still feels antiquy yet new. Stopping by from One Project at a Time and pinning.
Angela
This is really sweet and beautiful dresser. I really love the color. Thanks for sharing.
Ellya
Thanks Susan!
Painting the drawers just has to come first! I agree 🙂
I appreciate you stopping by! Thanks!
Oh, thank you! That's so nice 🙂
Beautiful. I love the contrast of the stain with that blue. Excellent choice!
How do you sand the beveled edges of the top of the dresser? I have a nice side table I am wanting to re-stain and it has various grooves and intricate bits. How do you sand so close to the edges and get it all down to bare wood? I'm new to this. 🙂
No need for unique, this is perfect!
Just love your work, and this is so exception! Love the colour, mind me asking what it is? Thanks for sharing
The color is Smokey Blue (they spell it smoky) by Sherwin Willliams. It's really a fantastic color, I love using it!
I sanded them by hand, but on this piece did not take it down to the bare wood. I have taken it down to bare wood on the beveled edges of another piece before by hand sanding and I will be completely honest – it takes forever and is a pain. Lots of people strip off the previous finish, but I try to stay away from those harsh chemicals if I can so the top just got sanded down with an orbital sander and 120 grit sandpaper, then I sanded again with 220 grit to smooth it out before staining. Hope this helps!
Thanks Ellya! Happy to share 🙂
The smoky blue with the stained top is sensational on this piece.
So beautiful! I was wondering…when you sand a piece painted in latex paint (I assume that's what you used) does it change the sheen of the paint? I recently did some distressing on a piece I spray painted in satin, and it changed the sheen.
So pretty! x
Love that color of blue!
Geez girl! MMS is really lovin you lately! Yours is the only one I really liked in today's feature! Lovely piece! You have a knack for that crisp, clean, perfect look!
Thanks for the love! I was so surprised, but oh so appreciative 🙂
I paint pieces with low sheen latex paint (if/when I use latex). So that either means a flat finish or the finish just about that that has little sheen. It does change the sheen a bit, but once I finish smoothing out the surface with 320 grit and distressing the edges I seal all my painted pieces with clear wax which protects the piece and gives it a uniform finish since I had just sanded it. If you have further questions you can always email me! You can find my email under the "about" tab or by clicking the little mail button at the top right.
Love this makeover… I am featuring you tomorrow
Beautiful makeover!!
Wonderful piece! The color choice is stunning!
This is such a gorgeous piece… The color is timeless – really enhances the age of the piece. LOVE! 🙂