Give Your Old Dresser a Dramatic Transformation With This Technique!

Abbie M
by Abbie M
4 Materials
$50
1 Day
Easy

Have an old dresser that needs a new look? Try this! icon


I loved this technique because it's so much easier to do than stenciling or free-hand painting, and the result is magnificent! This dresser is definitely the belle of this bedroom now.

Materials:


  • Green latex paint
  • Prima Marketing Inc Redesign Transfer
  • Sand paper


Tools


  • Transfer smoothing tool
  • Screw driver
  • Paint brush


Step 1: Sand that baby down

I started with a plain white dresser. Fine, but not great.


I sanded every surface and corner of the dresser to prepare it for paint. If you're using chalk paint, you can actually skip this step.


Step 2: Disassemble the dresser

I took the knobs off the dresser and I took out the drawers so that I could paint the frame and the drawers separately.


Step 3: Paint the dresser

I used a nice, olive-y green for my base coat. I painted the dresser frame and drawers separately so that I could cover every surface easily and give everything ample dry time.


Step 4: Reassemble the dresser

I put the drawers back in, but I didn't add the knobs on yet because I needed that smooth, flat surface for the next (exciting!) step.


Ready for this?

Transfer film!!! Yes, that's my secret, Prima Marketing Inc Redesign Transfer (available in the materials section below). This stuff is insanely cool. It's like a giant, gorgeous sticker that you place right on your furniture. Make sure your kids don't see you do this though--don't want them getting any ideas...


Step 5: Place your first transfer sheet

Decide where you want your sheet to go and begin adhering it to your piece. Simply peel back the film a little bit at a time so you can get that transfer onto your piece straight and smooth.


Step 6: Sticking your transfer

As you remove the backing, smooth the transfer down with a tool (like a credit card or a spoon) and run over it with your hand to make sure there are no bubbles or creases.


Step 7: Match up your sheets

Work in sections, matching up the bottom of your last transfer sheet to the top of your next. You can cut the sheets as you go as well, to make them a bit easier to work with. I worked a drawer at a time and cut the sheet as I got to the end of each drawer.


Step 8: Return your knobs and pulls

After you design is complete, just add those knobs back on and enjoy your gorgeous new piece. How cool is that?

Resources for this project:
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Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
3 of 21 questions
  • Laurie Laurie on Oct 01, 2020

    How did you get the design on the transfer paper ?

  • Lori Ward-Laatsch Lori Ward-Laatsch on Aug 27, 2021

    Isn't the writing going the wrong direction? I love this transfer I have used it on a few different projects. I have yet to use them on furniture lol. Here's a few of my creations using transfers.

  • Linda Abate Linda Abate on Oct 01, 2021

    This chest o drawers is truly stunning. Did you by any chance use some poly urethane over the decals so that they won't peel off or chip due to opening and closing the drawers? Definitely a great way to add pizazz to a boring piece of furniture. Love it.

Comments
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4 of 154 comments
  • Jody Benge Jody Benge on Sep 30, 2021


    yes, we are just getting ready to do a dresser just like yours. I too, like your color choice. Originally we had B planned to do the dresser in white and then roses or other flowers on it.


    But your sage green with the peach rose decoupage is absolutely a perfect color combination, so will copy it. See what happens when you do a great transformation on a piece of furniture.

    • Lori Ward-Laatsch Lori Ward-Laatsch on Oct 01, 2021

      I used that transfer with a minty sort of green, soft mint. It was called celery by folk art but they discontinued it. Any way it looks really great with that color too.

  • Ruthann Nissly Martinez Ruthann Nissly Martinez on Sep 30, 2021

    I love the colors! I was shocked at how much rubbing it took when I used the Prima! The video made it look so easy. But the end results are so pretty!

    • Lori Ward-Laatsch Lori Ward-Laatsch on Oct 01, 2021

      I think it is the surface. I have never had an issue with Prima but Hokus Pokus was impossible and then I thought it might have been the surface I was using it on. Also the cleaner the better. Learn as I go I sure love these transfers.

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