Balayage Inspired Painting And Sanding Furniture

by Homestead 128

3 Materials

An old dresser is updated with paint and sanding. The final result is a look that is inspired by the Balayage hair coloring - a gradual change in color! This small dresser is beautiful, with some engraved detailing and small casters on the bottom. But it was left in the corner, un-used and ignored. Now it is a centerpiece, ready to grab our attention, and help store things in our home.

balayage inspired painting and sanding furniture, painted furniture

Step 1: I began by carefully cleaning the dresser with a microfiber cloth and a small amount of water. Then I allowed the dresser to dry completely. (Please note, depending on the brand of paint you will be using you may be required to sand before painting.)

Step 2: Add a light layer of paint to the entire surface of the dresser, this should be a thin layer of paint. I used a furniture chalk paint in a light blue color. Allow it to completely dry.

Step 3: Add a second layer of paint on the top 1/3 of the piece of furniture. This should completely cover the top 1/3 and leave little to no see through spots. The bottom 2/3 of of the piece should be painted with another light layer of paint, similar to a dry brushing technique. (See the original blog post for more explanation.)

Step 4: After the second layer of paint is dry it is time to begin work sanding the piece of furniture. The idea is for the piece to go from mostly painted on the top, to mostly exposed wood on the bottom. Gradually, similar to balayage hair color. I began with an electric sander along the bottom of the piece and slowly worked my way up. I switched over to a sanding block to get in the smaller areas, and for sanding the middle section. You can see more on this sanding process here.

Step 5: To seal the project I added a layer of clear furniture wax. This will protect the piece from water and sun damage.

The small dresser is now ready to take center stage with this big transformation!

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3 questions

She32002230 on Mar 06, 2018

Hi, did u sand the dresser before using chalk paint?

4
She32002230 on Mar 06, 2018

Hi, did u sand the dresser before using chalk paint?

1
She32002230 on Mar 06, 2018

Hi, did u sand the dresser before using chalk paint?

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Mcgypsy9 on Mar 06, 2018

BREATHTAKINGLY BEAUTIFUL!! I am definitely a fan. I love anything unique and unusual and this fits the bill. I’ve done a few benches like this but my family has no artistic abilities and no vision of anything artsy, abstract or unique in any way. So unless I persist, I usually get STUCK with the plain Jane looks for my own home. Point in question....we just bought new furniture for a family room. 2 years ago we laid laminate flooring throughout the living room, hallways, master bedroom and master closet. I tried my darndest to convince “him” to do a unique floor in the family room to no avail! We will be adding the same flooring as the rest and I’m not at all happy about it. I have a kitchen, 3 bathrooms, the laundry room and 2 more bedrooms to change flooring in and the options are totally mine ❤️ I can’t wait!
Keep life fun and keep creating these gorgeous pieces!

4 Reply
Diana Deiley on Mar 06, 2018

Great job! I love the color and style. Thanks for sharing.

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