Bedroom Set Makeover Fit For a Princess

8 Materials
$100
8 Hours
Easy

The before of this set was just a typical factory finish from the 1950s that had seen better days. The paint was old and tired looking after being used for the better part of 65+ years. I would say it definitely deserved a makeover that brought happiness to another family.

Well we have all seen these beautiful bedroom sets. They have tons of storage and lovely curvy details but are sadly worn down after years of use. I prepped this by scrubbing it down with a 50/50 mix of denatured alcohol and water. After rinsing, I let it dry overnight. The next day, I scuff sanded with 220 grit sandpaper and removed the dust with a microfiber cloth. To get into those molding details, I used a toothbrush to remove the dust.


After it was all clean, I primed with Zinsser Shellac Based Bin. I find the spray can is really easy to work with. Light spraying works best. After priming I lightly sanded any rough spots down and removed the dust again.


Finally - it was ready to paint!

I used Heirloom Traditions French Toile which is the perfect light blue on the entire piece as the base coat. For the first coat, I used the stippping method of lightly patting on the paint with a sponge applicator rather than long strokes with a brush. For the second coat, I used a synthetic bristle brush for a flawless smooth finish.


I lightly sanded in between coats with 1000 grit sandpaper, making sure to remove any sanding dust in between.


Next, I used Fusion Mineral Paints in Metallic Gold to highlight the details. I used a small artist brush to lightly brush across the raised parts and in between the drawers where they meet to add some dimension.

After cleaning the handles, I scuff sanded and painted using the same base coat and a small artist brush. I then highlighted the handles using rub and buff in gold to pull together the gold kissed highlights.

They really shine now! After I finished the handles up, I sealed them with a flat matte polycrylic spray. This paint has a built in top coat so I did not need to seal the dresser separately.

Here she is! All madeover and fit for a princess!

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  • Valerie Burge Valerie Burge on Sep 08, 2020

    That turned out so beautiful!!!

  • Sue Sue on Sep 08, 2020

    I remember that these sets in white came out in the 1960s. I bought one for my daughter and still have it, like new. THis is the most gorgeous one I have ever seen and so ornate. I LOVE it. I think the way yo changed the drawers order is the way it originally was, but what a job you did on it. I would love to have that set myself. Thanks for sharing it with us.

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