Old Dresser With a Modern Twist

Andrea Palmai
by Andrea Palmai
6 Materials
$50
4 Days
Medium

A colleague had an old dresser that didn't really go with their current decor but because it was inherited from his father couldn't just let go of it.

He asked me to bring it back to this century and give it a more modern look, so they can enjoy it as part of their decor.

Before
Assess the damage


The dresser was a solid piece but very old. One of the drawer bottoms was missing so I started by repairing the drawer. Once that was done I started sanding the top and drawers.

As you can see here there was significant damage to the top. I sanded out most of it, even went in with a 60 grit sandpaper but just didn't come out. The owner was ok with that, as it ended up showing character and didn't look like a brand new dresser.

Sand it down
Paint


I wanted to use some stripes on this dresser so I used painters tape on the sides to achieve that look. Once they were on I painted the sides. For this I used chalk paint.

Once the tape was peeled off this was the look!! I recreated the same stripes on the other side as well.

Painters tape
Stripes


I also wanted to do a couple of black and gold stripes on the front, so I used painters tape for delicate surfaces.

Gold paint

I got this paint at Michael's

All done
Clear coat


Once it was all done I used a polycrylic clear coat and let it dry for 24-48 hours. I switched out the knobs and added new modern knobs that I had purchased from Amazon.

I like this dresser because it still has scratches and dings but a new modern look that will work with any decor. If you like this transformation and would like to see real time tips and tricks follow my Instagram @andreapalmai

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  2 questions
  • Ellen Ellen on Oct 15, 2020

    Why did you use chalkboard paint? At first, I thought it was really chalk paint but then I saw the pic of the paint can. Did your client want to be able to write notes on the side of the dresser? Seems rather odd to me.

  • Maggie Maggie on Oct 15, 2021

    Wondering same thing, why chalkboard paint?

Comments
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  • Linda Abate Linda Abate on Oct 16, 2021

    WOW, what a spectacular piece you have created. It is amazing what a bit of paint can do to make an old piece of furniture look brand new. GREAT JOB.

  • Joa17588384 Joa17588384 on Oct 16, 2021

    And how much would you sell your masterpiece for? This dresser is absolutely beautiful. You certainly do have a creative understanding of something old something New. Thank you for sharing this beauty.

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