That Dresser Behind the Ghost Lamp Shade Project
by
Grace
Some of you may remember my Ghost Lamp Shade Project. Some people did notice the dresser I used to stage the ghost lamp shades turned into side tables. It was very flattering to be asked to share the dresser when I am done. Well, this is how it was when I saw it: painted in brown, one of the drawers broken. All the drawers were out of the dresser which then made it look worse than its condition. I also thought that one of the bars that hold the drawers were missing. Nonetheless, this dresser is another curb side find. Well, more like a dumpster find. This was standing next to the dumpster I always drive by in the morning. We just lost our van and our new used car is now 4 door. It was time to put to test...and my Sonata proved herself to beworthy of being my car, LOL.
Prior to finding this dresser, I was impressed by a project done by a blogger named "The Golden Sycamore". Check out her project that inspired me! http://www.thegoldensycamore.com/2015/01/antique-repurposed-wash-stand-to-small-dresser.html
Nonetheless, I started out by stripping it with Citristrip. I can tell you right now how taxing it was to get the paint out, some sort of black stain out of all those decorative grooves.
I think this was after stripping it twice...at least...I think. Once I stripped it and sanded it down, esp after working on those grooves, I realized it would be waste of my labor to cover it with paint again. The wood was begging to be exposed this time.
Look at those gems. They were also painted in brown. I used this technique, I think it may have been from the golden sycamore also, where you boil your painted pulls in dish soap and water mixture for a couple of hours and they peel right off. I wiped off residue, cleaned them with brush dipped in alcohol, and see the difference. And then I used spray paint to prime it and paint it and then sprayed again with clear varnish in satin finish. They were absolutely lovely.
Hubby then helped me to fix/make a new drawer for the broken one. I was so stressed out worrying how to work the least amount of time and money to make this happen. Upon careful inspection, I realized that I remembered to pick up all the pieces there were; It was only missing the back and the bottom panel. I already had something for the bottom panel. I returned all the board I bought except one. It was slightly shorter, but look at it. Does it bother you? I didn't care, haha. We used the glue we had and some L bracket and was able to fix it to be just fine and dandy. Yay!
I used Minwax Wood stain in White Wash Pickling and gave one coat. It gave that pale and bleached look I was looking for, but still I wasn't extremely happy.
See the difference?
While I was staining, I learned that it is foolish to try to stain the groove part with big paint or stain brush, so I tried to avoid them. Instead, after I was done staining, I used a tiny craft paint brush and went over the grooves making sure there is no puddle left.
After the first coat of stain, I used what I call a dry brushed technique. I actually don't know that's what you call it. I dipped a bit of stain on brush and then wiped off excess stain on paper towel. Then I gave spotty and horizontally long strokes randomly and then I wiped them off with a rag right away, sometimes blend in the stain with the brush which by then was dry, and I love the result. See how white color is peeking through or it looks like it is distressed. I like it just right.
Look at those "wells". That's what someone called it. Arent they darling? I think they were to house Jewelry or something.
I think the pulls and all those decorations aren't competing against each other, but rather compliment each other. What do you think?
I just got that wrapping paper from Dollar Tree a couple of days ago to really finish up the project. One roll of this wrapping paper was enough to line all the drawers. All modge podged. I think it's perfect!
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4 of 16 comments
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Wholly moly....OK, this may just be the best dresser makeover I've seen. It seems to me, that you put a lot of thought and creativity, work and knowledge into this beautiful work of art. Truly a leader in our craft!
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Your welcome. I'm serious tho, posts such as your's, inspire us to want to try some something new but more importantly.....they teach us and we learn. Kudos to you and keep it going.
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Thank you very much. The itches to get something done come in waves, you know what I mean? But yes, when they come, I have to let it happen. Thank you for such kind words! I will see you around!! :D
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