Before and After: A Unique Nautical Dresser

Oak+Olive
by Oak+Olive
1 Material
Such a fun and interesting piece! This dresser was brought to me by a client to be customized as a surprise gift to her mom. The dresser belonged to her grandma originally and was just waiting to have a little makeover done.
Love the sail boat on the inset panel, anchor pulls and the wheel detail at the bottom! So so neat!
Had some pretty good scratches on the top with a little water damage. My client wanted to lighten the piece up a lot but still have a wood/refinished top.
After stripping the top, I sanded it down to the bare wood
It looks very white here, but it's actually a mix of General Finishes Snow White and Miss Mustard Seeds Linen 50/50 mix.
I also had a wood worker make another turned knob for the wheel. We had to saw one off so he could make the last one the exact same size.
Distressed at the edges
Put this super fun anchor paper in the drawers!
Love that she picked this paper
The final result!! What a lovely piece to work on , I felt honored to give this unique dresser a facelift!
Suggested materials:
  • Milk paint
Frequently asked questions
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  2 questions
  • Janet Booth Janet Booth on Apr 08, 2016
    Aloha! I've never painted a finished furniture piece..What do you do to the existing finish before brushing on the milk paint? And where can I find milk paint??
  • Selinadrakehohn Selinadrakehohn on Apr 10, 2016
    Did you know that painting this beautiful piece would make the sail ship pop? I never noticed it until I saw the finished product. Putting the little wheel knobs on was so wonderful! You really did a beautiful job painting this piece. The attention to detail is lovely.
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  • Mel Mel on May 02, 2016
    so lucky to have a piece like that
  • Lisa House Lisa House on Jun 01, 2016
    Nicely done, but there is something about it that is keeping me from loving it...can't decide exactly what it is...I think it is the angle of the legs, it is definitely a very unique piece and like I said, you did it justice. Thanks for sharing.
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