Sunday, August 14, 2011

Painting a Dresser

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I found this dresser on Craigslist last September after searching for one for over a year.  I learned that dressers go pretty quickly on Craigslist around here!  It was so long ago now that I'm having trouble remembering how much I paid for it - I think $30.00.
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There were several layers of paint on the dresser and it was peeling of pretty badly.  The dresser actually looks much better in the photos than it did in person!
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See the hardware?  I really like the drawer pulls and was thinking of stripping the paint and reusing them, but once I took them off I realized that they were pretty cheap.  They were not solid and may even be some type of plastic.  Strange!
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Now, on to the stripping.  I used an inexpensive brush and a aluminum tray to pour the stripper in.
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I used a plastic scraper to scrape off the paint after the stripper did its job.  The paint was so thick, I had to repeat the stripping process twice all over the dresser.  I also used wire brush (see photo & list of supplies below) to remove paint from areas that were too small to use the scrapper - like the small rails between the drawers.
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All stripped (except for that small bit of yellow on the back leg!):
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Here are the supplies I used for painting:
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1.  6" wide roller
2.  3" mini roller.  This was really helpful for getting in the small areas of the dresser where the larger roller wouldn't fit.
3.  Putty knife
4.  Wood filler.  I used the putty knife to apply the filler to a few areas of damaged wood on the dresser top.
5.  Sanding sponge.  I love these things!  Made sanding the dresser so much easier than just regular sand paper.  I one I used is from Gator and was coarse/medium.
6.  Wire brush.  Used this in conjunction with the stripper to remove paint from small, detailed areas where I could not use the scrapper.
7.  Foam brush.   Surprisingly helpful for applying to paint to some areas of the dresser.  I used it on around the edge of the dresser top and on the narrow rails between the drawers.
8.  Angled paint brush.  Mine is a Purdy, 1.5" with an angle.
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I used the angled brush to cut in the paint, and then the rollers for the rest.  Once the primer was on, everything else was easy!
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The Zinsser primer I used:
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And Olympic paint:
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Color matched to:  Valspar Caribbean Walk #7003-5.
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Here's the finished dresser:
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I'm not 100% in love with the drawer pulls I bought, but I was in a time crunch and needed to finish up the dresser before my Dad's party.
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I bought the dresser for this area off to the side of my kitchen:
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I love the curved front on the dresser top.
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And these side rails make me pretty happy too:
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See the curved piece at the bottom?  I like that too.
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Hmmm, looks like I need to find another project to work on now that the dresser is finished!
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Sharing this post at:
Tutorials and Tips Tuesday @ Home Stories A to Z
Show and Share Day @ Just a Girl
Frugalicious Friday @ Finding Fabulous
Saturday Nite Special @ Funky Junk Interiors





69 comments:

  1. Turned out beautiful! I love Zinsser primer!

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  2. It looks so gorgeous! I need a dresser for the same type of spot off my kitchen! You've inspired me!
    Jo-Anna

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  3. This looks great! I think nightstands go fast in these parts on CL because I have not been able to find any!!

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  4. wooow I am so amazed!! you did SUCH a great job...looks good!! really good!!

    <3Amanda
    feast.fashion.faves

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  5. great details. i'll have to revisit when it is time for me to refinish my kiddos play furniture. am i crazy? i love it yellow, too!

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  6. Wow great job! It's perfect!

    Becca
    http://blondeslogic.blogspot.com

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  7. Wonderful find... and you've done a perfect job refinishing it!!
    Victoria

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  8. I like how pieces that used to only be meant for the bedroom now fit anywhere in our homes. I am a huge fan of dressers because the drawers hold so much. I have an old one with deep drawers in my craft room to hold bulky fabric and linens. They are great for tablecloths.

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  9. Very very cute dresser...made for that spot!

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  10. It looks awesome Alyssa! The great thing about your dresser is that it could go in any room! It's just perfect! Angie xo

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  11. Nice work #1...you are one talented girl.

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  12. Alissa! This looks awesome! I love this! It looks professional! You let me know when you're in the KY area and I'll let you refinish them for me ;)

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  13. the dresser turned out beautiful, dreamy !

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  14. This is absolutely amazing. I am stunned at the difference. I can see that you worked really hard and the outcome is just lovely! Makes me want to find an old dresser.

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  15. Crazy, but dressers sell like mad here too! I am searching constantly for one as well. I can't believe the transformation though, amazing! I also can't believe you stripped the paint. I would of just sanded and painted! Looks fantastic!

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  16. Wow. You are really crafty!!! I am jealous, that dresser looks incredible!!!!! I want to attempt a task like this!!!

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  17. The stripping must have been a ton of work. That is always the hardest part. But it turned out great! You gave it another life :)

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  18. I, myself, am seeking a dresser on CL. Been looking forever! Glad to know the wait can pay off! This is beautiful. Love the shape of the piece. Great job!

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  19. Wow, what an AMAZING difference!! It looks fab!!

    S x

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  20. Alissa, seriously - that is a crazy before and after!!! It looks beautiful and I love the curved front. So pretty.

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  21. i sort of like how it looked stripped. I think i would have left it like that! i mean it looks better in write in your room but i like that rustic look. well done!

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  22. wow fantastic job alissa!! the work you did looks amazing and nothing like the original you found on craigslist, can you come over and do projects like this at my house?

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  23. Thanks for the step-by-step. Question - how did you pick up your Craigslist purchase? Did you meet in public? Did you bring someone with you? I am always worried about this kind of stuff.

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  24. You did a really nice job! I love it!

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  25. Whoa the before and after is amazing! So much work but it was worth it....looks great.

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  26. Great job on the dresser...love it.

    I came over to link but will come back later.
    Thanks..

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  27. Hurrah! Another of your great transformations. I so enjoy a wander around your blog. Can't wait to see your lounge area.

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  28. Looks awesome Beege! I love those side rails too, the dresser has so much character, such a great find!!

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  29. It turned out beautifully Alissa.
    Dana

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  30. thanks for posting this. I have a new (old) dresser that I've thought about stripping and painting./

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  31. You did a great job. You should send an after picture to the CL person, they would be amazed ;) Enjoy!

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  32. Looks great, as usual. You have such wonderful posts, great tips and info. I am going to join your Wednesday Recipe link-up someday.

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  33. Simply GORGEOUS! I've done several dressers of this style in the past and they have always been my favorite projects. I just found another one just like this at goodwill this week but there was a sold sticker on it! Damn. I would love to have you share this at my VIP party today... http://designergarden.blogspot.com/2011/08/vip-party-24.html

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  34. Really nice, Alissa. What a find! Love the curves on this. Thanks for sharing tips and info on what you used.

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  35. GREAT JOB ON THIS PIECE. I LOVE HOW YOU HAVE IT IN THE KITCHEN!
    beautiful

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