How to Use an Image Tranfer to Update an Old Chest

Pamela Field
by Pamela Field
5 Materials
$20
6 Hours
Medium

This old chest wasn't very fancy with it's layers of old paint. I knew those simple lines and real wood was just what I needed to turn this old abandoned chest into a rustic treasure.

I removed those layers of paint, and sanded down to the raw wood, ready for staining.

I made a stain wash with some vinegar and a pad of steel wool put in a jar a few weeks ago and brushed it over the raw wood.

I loved this picture of running horses and had it printed and cut to fit at my local office supply store.

I cut the image to fit each drawer and put a base coat of white on the drawer fronts. Applied Mod Podge Image Transfer to the front of the picture and carefully smoothed it down until all the air bubbles were out.

After it dried, I wet an old washcloth and laid it on the print for a few minutes. (you can also spray it with water) Once it was damp, I rubbed it in circles, removing the pulp from the back of the image.

This picture indicates about 3 times removing the paper. I think I did it 4-5 times before satisfied enough was off without removing the print too.

I used paints on the print to blend the seams and touch up areas print may have been removed.

since the print was black and white, I wanted a little more gray to the stain. I wiped on patches of gray stain to the body of the dresser, then added pickling stain. Glaze and top coat to finish.

Applied knobs

yes, paint all over me too. Every time.

I love how the that vinegar mixture makes the wood different colors!

She's all ready for her new home!

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  • Kim47830993 Kim47830993 on Aug 26, 2019

    Love this. You put the gray stain on the drawer fronts as well?

    Kim

  • Margo Wolanczyk Margo Wolanczyk on Apr 28, 2020

    Hi is it a laser or ink print?

  • DEE MCNEIL DEE MCNEIL on Jan 29, 2021

    ARE YOU SAYING YOU CUT THE PRINT TO FIT EACH DRAWER AND THEN DECOPAGED THEM TO EACH DRAWER TO COMPLETE THE PICTURE. NOT SURE HOW YOU ATTACHED THE PRINT TO THE DRAWERS.

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  • Laurie Cole Laurie Cole on Jan 16, 2023

    Absolutely gorgeous, I love this, thank you for sharing.

  • Cindy Ledford Cindy Ledford on Jan 15, 2024

    If I were you, I would definitely do this! Since I am not sure of myself when it comes to this type of work, I am going to study on this. I absolutely love this! I have a more ornate chest that is mahogany, and is a family piece that needs something and this might be just the thing. Thank you for sharing!!

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