Should I paint or refinish? 2016 UPDATE!!!

Question

This is a chest of drawers that belonged to my parents. It's over 50 years old and I recently inherited after the passing of my mom. It is Basset furniture and very sturdy and heavy, but it is that ugly yellow blonde color. I am going to use this in my scrapbooking room so I am not sure about paint color. I have a desk and side table that are already a dark walnut brown finish that I don't plan on painting, so I wanted to have this coordinate somehow without being matchy. I recently saw a picture on here of another chest and loved how it was painted, but I am not sure now if that is the route/color I want to use. I just don't want to make of mess of it you know? HELP!!!

Linda · Answer

You can paint this with homemade chalk paint any color you desire, and you wont even need to sand it. That's what is great about chalk paint...no sanding or primer needed!

Tammy0800 · Answer

I to love chalk paint,just make sure you put a clear or dark color wax on it after you paint. There are a ton of DIY chalk paint recipes out there. I've used Ann Sloan very pricey but nice, I think the DIY recipe that uses plaster of paris works just as well. Good luck,have fun and hope you share pics

MC · Answer

I love the idea of no sanding or primer needed, however I am not too certain about the wax process. Have heard it was hard to do?

Barbara Swanson Jirkovsky · Answer

I like the new chalk paint but for this sweet piece I would sand and stain it. If you don't like it then you could still paint in. It would be worth trying. I love the simple lines on this piece.

Patricia Zoellner · Answer

how about milk paint? I like the way that paint looks, esp on older furniture

Linda · Answer

This piece is to modern looking for Milk Paint.

Joan Hurst · Answer

If I were going to use it in a scrapbooking room for scrapbooking supplies, I'd paint it my favorite color and decorate it with scrapbooking themes. Think of the fun you can have with it.

Marge · Answer

Can you also spray a clear acrylic over chalk paint to finish it? I would like to see the results soon. I have a china cabinet that belonged to my parents that I need to change with similar finish.

Jessica Mulinix · Answer

@26 results are available, use up and down arrow keys to navigate.marilyn cIn my personal opionion, I think this piece could really go either way. It depends on if you want a more eclectic scrapbooking room, or if you want it to look neat and orderly. Personally, my choice if it were my item, would be to paint the piece in a color that gives you the most free flowing happy creative vibes. I enjoy eclectic spaces for myself. My bf, she has to have complete corganization for her scrapbooking workspace. So I think that the best way to choose what to do with the piece, is to really think about what environment makes you feel the most creative in. From there, I think it may lead you closer to what makes you feel comfortable and creative.

Denise · Answer

I would definitely go with painting it. I think it truly makes an old piece gain a completely new look ... one that's for the better! :)

Homeroad · Answer

You can make your own chalk paint... I have and it looks great but Annie Sloan's has no plastic in it and no VOC's it is pricey but a quart will not only cover this dresser but another one too... it goes a long way. You really can't beat the finish with the Annie Sloans and the wax. Your dresser will be awesome when you are finished, I hope you will post the after pictures.

Jeanette S · Answer

This is some of that 60s-80s ugly stuff that screams to be painted...of course mid-century lovers would scream for this...I guess it is a matter of taste! You are always safe with the creams or very light grays. Different hardware changes things a lot! Be sure and post photos!

Sharon Kavanagh · Answer

i think you should not mess around making you own chalk paint. Purchase Annie Sloan. You can even blend colors to come up with your perfect color. Much info on Pintrest. Also, since it was a piece that has sentimental value and you are not using it in a formal room, I think you should paint it one of YOUR favorite colors or something that remind you of your folks. How about some new , fun hardware. Sounds like a fun project. Please post end results.

Trudy Hibler · Answer

The sentiment is in the fact it once belonged to cherished family members. You're honoring them by using the furniture, but that doesn't mean you have to use a particular finish. What's your favorite color? Color combo? Do you like the ombre look? Paint the bottom drawer a darker shade of a hue you like and each drawer going up gets lighter. It's a great look for mid century furniture. Paint it a fave color then stencil it. Paint the front a metallic shade then a darker shade for the base. And if you choose to refinish it later to bring it back to wood, all it takes is some sanding. Have fun with it. And enjoy the memories of who it belonged to.

Pauliegirl1 · Answer

I would paint it.....look around the internet and you can get lots of ideas!! I think the ones that have numbers painted on the drawers would be fun for a scrap booking room.....

Terra Gazelle · Answer

You only use a couple table spoons of POP.. you place it in a little water and mix it..it is not put in the air. After it is mixed smooth then you place it in the paint..Unless you are going to shake the container up as you open it..I do not see how it can become air born. 
Its mainly a problem when you are sanding it..and the dust gets in the air. Using it in paint you do not have that problem. Even sanding it once it is dried paint you do not have to worry about it.

Burlap & Roses · Answer

Websters Chalk Paint Powder would be perfect. It's an E-Z and affordable solution. Good for you and the environment. You use it with your CHOICE of paint brand ( I use True Value) and any color YOU want.

Barbara Thomas · Answer

I had a dresser like this years ago and used one coat of Red Devil 'Spanish Walnut' varnish. Changed the hardware and it turned out perfect. If you want to have your piece match in with your walnut, I suggest you give it a try.

MC · Answer

Thanks everyone. Definitely going to paint it, now just got to get around to doing it!! :)

Lesley · Answer

I agree with Marilyn. Then there will be no remorse later and you could move it somewhere else as your interests/needs change. Change the hardware to something edgy and have both.

GR · Answer

If you want to make your own chalk paint but are worried about plaster of paris try calcium carbonate (chalk powder) instead. You can buy it quite easily as apparently they feed it to chickens to harden the shells of their eggs! I've been using it for a while now and find it works just as well as pop and without any health risks. I either add water to it for a smoother finish or just tip it straight into latex paint for a thicker more rustic look, it sands really well and you can finish with wax or varnish.

Diane B · Answer

Just saw your dresser , you are right looks just like the one I got to paint for the kids.  Let me know when finished. :)

HoneyHomemaker · Answer

If your other pieces are walnut stained wood and you want something to go with them and to use for your scrap booking materials, why not paint it in a dark brown that closely matches the other pieces and then decoupage on the sides or drawer fronts with scrap book paper flowers or other paper or fabric prints of your choice? Or after painting it the dark brown, you could also stencil something on the dresser using your favorite colors or coordinating colors in the room. Also, I agree with Lesley: change the hardware to something you really like.

Please upload a picture when you finish so we can celebrate your success with you.

Susan Mortimer · Answer

Marilyn-just posted to your other comment to Debra in Sarasota.  If you paint and replace the hardware, I would love to buy it from you.
 Don't throw it away!!!  I plan to keep the hardware the same for my identical pieces.  Also. I am thinking about finishing the top in a dark wood stain and leaving the rest in the original but restored paint to blend this in with my darker wood furniture.
 Also toying with the idea of
Staining the entire body dark and leaving the original paint on the drawers.

Susan Mortimer · Answer

Oops, sorry it was Diane.  If you want to chat about the hardware you can email me at susaninatlanta at gmail.

MC · Answer

Wow - I can't believe that I have been so wishy washy about what to do with this chest of drawers. Over a year and one half later, I FINALLY decided to get with the project. I can happily say, that I am nearing completion. I have repainted the bedroom walls a very light grey called Snowfield White by Glidden. The chest of drawers will be painted Pebble Grey - from the same paint chip card. On the card, the pebble grey looks darker, but I don't think its going to be too dark. I can't wait to finally show my finished room!!!

Lesley · Answer

Sounds like it will be absolutely beautiful!

MC · Answer

I have finished the project - Here's the picture!

Lesley · Answer

Love it!!! You made the right choice!!

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