Hello, Lovelies!! I’m back today with my FINAL piece from my Fill up the Booth Haul!! It’s a dresser makeover with Decor Poly appliques! This dresser was very plain, so I wanted to use them to add some detail:
The young lady who reached out to me to see if I wanted this super cute dresser and nightstand set that I shared last August reached out again to let me know that she had this matching piece to the set available if I was interested.
The other pieces were in such great condition that I gladly accepted this one also. This dresser only cost me $20, but I did have to make some repairs to the drawer slides.
I’ve included a few affiliate links so you can find the products I love.
Clean
The first order of business is always a good cleaning! Jack did that for me this time, wiping it down with White Lightning. He mixed one TBSP into a half gallon of warm water and used a terrycloth applicator pad to clean it:
Once it was good and clean, he swapped his water for plain water and wiped it down once more to remove any residue.
Fill Holes
For the plans I had for this dresser, I needed to move the hardware on the top drawer, so the original holes were filled with Dixie Mud:
I let that dry in the sun for a couple of hours and I was able to sand the filled holes smooth with my Ryobi Corner Cat Sander using 220 grit sandpaper:
I have the cordless version that uses the Ryobi batteries, but this sander is available in a corded version also. I love it for light duty jobs like this one.
Paint
After using my shop vac to clean up any sanding dust, I was ready to paint!
I chose this gorgeous Antebellum Blue from Dixie Belle that I haven’t used in a while:
I don’t use dark colors other than black very often, but this is one that I absolutely love!
Everything got two coats.
Sand
I didn’t want to distress this one, but when using chalk paint, you do want to lightly sand to smooth out the surface. These super fine grit sanding sponges are perfect for this step when you don’t want any distressing:
Your surface will look terrible, but sealing it will make it beautiful again!
Transfer time!
I decided to add a transfer to the two bottom drawers after cleaning up any sanding dust. I chose the Perfume Notes gold foil transfer:
This transfer is burnished on the very same way as a regular transfer using the stick that is included in the package, and the result is this gorgeous, vibrant design:
It really pops against the blue!
Seal
Once I had the transfer where I wanted it, I sealed everything with Clear Coat in the satin finish using the blue applicator sponge to apply it.
I did add a tiny bit of paint to my sealer to help prevent the “ghosting” you get when your run your finger across a dark painted surface:
When applying the Clear Coat, go all the way across overlapping the previous row slightly, and try not to keep going over the same area.
If you miss a spot, get it on the next coat. I sometimes can get away with one coat on lighter colors, but darker colors really need two for the best results.
Let’s jump to the after, shall we??
Here is how this very plain dresser looks now!
This one was a tough one. There were so many directions I could have gone, and narrowing it down wasn’t easy.
How to Apply Decor Poly Appliques
I knew I wanted to dress it up with some of Redesign’s Decor Poly appliques, and these Intricate Grace ones were perfect!
I painted them in Antebellum Blue also using my Belle Brush to get into all those details…
And after sealing them with Clear Coat in Satin using a small brush, I followed up with some Gold Gilding Wax to highlight all those curves:
One thing that is awesome about Decor Poly is that it is totally flexible:
This allows you to easily add it to curves and corners.
I just applied it flat to my drawer fronts, and to attach them, I used Titebond Quick and Thick Glue:
As the name implies, this glue dries super quickly. You can also use E6000 glue if you have that on hand. It is super tough but does need more time to dry.
And luckily, the appliques covered one of the hardware holes from each set, allowing me to easily move the hardware more toward the center.
The detail these pieces add is just beautiful!
(The photo above is a more accurate representation of this lovely color. The far away shots like the one below came out almost a different blue.)
The hardware
I replaced all the hardware on this one. The new ones started out white and shabby just like this from Hobby Lobby:
They were also painted in Antebellum Blue and sealed with Clear Coat in satin:
The details were highlighted with Gold Gilding Wax as well. They look like completely different hardware!
The drawers
Of course I had to make the drawers pretty, although I was tempted to leave them alone since they were in such good condition.
A quick trip to Walmart, and I found the perfect fabric to line the drawers:
One two yard pack covered all three drawers, even with me ruining some of the fabric by knocking over my giant jar of Mod Podge:
I was able to salvage most of the Mod Podge, but I let the fabric go lol.
See how I line drawers in this video:
If you have trouble viewing, find it on YouTube HERE.
Another look at those gorgeous Decor Poly appliques…
And a better peek at this Perfume Notes transfer…
I used this transfer on two other projects HERE and HERE.
See all the Decor Poly appliques I have available in my shop HERE.
There are nine in all to choose from and are very reasonably priced!
And that is another haul complete!!
(Except for that one metal chalkboard…still on the hunt for it.)
See any you may have missed or want to revisit below:
Painting the Smalls #30 (The Metal Edition)
Updated Picnic Basket with Decoupage Paper
Two Easy Mirror Makeovers
Hutch Makeover with Silk Mineral Paint
Flatware Chest Makeover
Upcycled Antique Dresser Mirror
The Easiest Way to Update Old Artwork
Flatware Box Upcycled with Decoupage Paper
Painting the Smalls #29
Painted Baskets
Chest on Chest Dresser
Step End Table Makeover
Yard Sale Game Table Makeover
Bench and Mirror Makeovers
I’m hoping to have my new haul ready to share on Tuesday, but that will depend on what I find tomorrow. I’m still on the hunt for furniture!
I did share some things I found thrifting on a LIVE on FB on Friday. You can catch the replay on YouTube below if you missed it!
UPDATE: I ended up replaying this gem:
See how adorable this old kettle looks now HERE!
XOXO,
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Mary Kaiser says
I love how your plain dresser is BEAUTIFUL now, she is not plain any more!! What a transformation! I love your video haul, you are adorable, you found amazing pieces for a good price! I don’t have facebook, so glad you shared what you found! I am looking forward to seeing what you do with all of it!!
Christy says
Thank you so much, my friend! I was so excited about what I found right near my house that I had to share lol. And now I’m happy I shared it in my post so you could see! Hope your week is off to a great start! XOXO
Cindy says
Fabulous! I’m always so impressed with how creative you are! Love following you ????
Christy says
Aww I appreciate that so much, Cindy, thank you!! XOXO
Rose Lefebvre says
YOU HIT ANOTHER ONE OUT OF THE PARK! This is so lovely and classy.
Christy says
Yay!! Thank you so much, Rose! I’m so glad you enjoyed this one! XOXO
Cecilia says
Gorgeous color! And the gold transfer looks fabulous with it. I like the poly swirly things too. They just give that extra bit of oomph to the bottom drawers. ????
Christy says
Thank you, Cecilia! I love this color so much and those poly pieces really do add so much! Have a great week! XOXO
Sue says
Just simply beautiful, I love your since of design. The color was amazing
with the gold and the fabric was perfect!
Christy says
Thank you, Sue! I appreciate that so much! And that fabric was a lucky find! XOXO
Nana Diana says
You have outdone yourself with this one! It is glamorous and gorgeous! Love the color and the gold accents. It’s perfect. xo Diana
Christy says
Thank you so much, my friend! I’m so glad you enjoyed it! XOXO
Denise - salvagedinspirations.com says
This dresser went from plain to absolutely gorgeous Christy! Absolutely love the color and all the detailing. PINNED! XOXO
Christy says
Thank you, my friend! I don’t do many darker makeovers, but I love this color so much! Appreciate the pin too! XOXO
Cletia says
Such a beautiful job on a blank canvas!
Christy says
Thank you, my friend!! There were so many directions I could have gone lol! XOXO
Kathy W says
Hey there, Christy – I hope you know that you are a wealth of information for a beginner diyer like myself. When you showed the picture of the drawer you sanded before sealing, it really answered a question I ask myself all the time when working on a project. I am working on a drawer right now to repurpose into under-the-bed storage. Ironically, it’s at the exact point as the one in your picture even though it’s a different color. It DOES look terrible. In the past, I would paint it again not knowing that sealing it would make it “all better.” Lol. After I repainted it, I would not sand it for fear of making it look terrible AGAIN!! I thought, Kathy, what in the world are you doing wrong? Now I have my answer. Silly me, just seal it. Hahaha!! Thank you for helping a gal out. Kathy W
Christy says
I am so glad that photo was helpful! Yes, sealing will make it pretty again. I know it’s hard to take sandpaper to a freshly painted piece for some also lol! XOXO
Margie Fondse says
BEAUTIFUL!!!! One of my favorite pieces so far!
Christy says
Oh yay! I’m so glad you like it, Margie!! Thank you! XOXO
Ruth says
Beautiful dresser!
The appliqués are perfect. Love the gilding! Great haul. I bought two children’s chairs for $1.99 each many years ago. Then just recently got a table and two chairs from “BuyNothing”. Plan to refinish chairs in primary colors and the table top with chalkboard paint. PS. Hope to someday share with some grandbabies! I’ll keep you posted, lol.
Christy says
Thank you, Ruth! What a steal on your little chairs and you definitely can’t beat free!! Have fun with them!! XOXO
Caye says
Not a “plain Jane” anymore! I really love the fabric inside the drawers! It couldn’t be more perfect. All in all, a BIG A+ for you!
Christy says
No, not at all! And that fabric was such a lucky find at Walmart! Thanks so much, Caye! XOXO
Cyndi says
This is my absolute favorite color and you have really done it justice! Gorgeous! And, once again, great tips on how to get the best results. (I am writing it all down.) Sad about the Mod Podge spill, but I’m glad it wasn’t any worse.
Christy says
Thank you, Cyndi! I don’t do dark colors besides black often, but I absolutely love this one too! I was actually able to salvage the Mod Podge, but the fabric didn’t make it lol…definitely could have been worse! XOXO
Lizzy says
It’s gorgeous. Really great work.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Lizzy! XOXO
Marcie Lovett says
Farewell, Early American dresser! It looks so good now, Christy. The color, the transfer, the gold, it’s beautiful.
In case you haven’t already thrown out the fabric, you might try soaking it to get the Mod Podge out ????
Christy says
Thank you, Marcie! That is a good idea, I never even thought to try to salvage it that way! XOXO
Mariele says
WOW!! What a stunner!! I love the direction you took this one in, it went from being so typical and blah to unique and elegant. You’ve got such good vision. 😀
Christy says
Aww thank you, Mariele! I appreciate that so much! XOXO
Linda says
Love seeing the vision you have for items (treasures) I would have likely passed by…..maybe with a pause, but you scoop them up and transform them with flair!! Your posts bring me JOY they are so positive. I also appreciate you share all the steps even if you’ve mentioned them before.
said.
Christy says
Thank you, Linda! I love that so much! I am so glad you enjoy what I share and don’t mind me repeating myself lol! XOXO
Cheryl B Acampora says
Christy, That dresser is GORGEOUS! That is one of the prettiest blues that I have ever seen. Super nice job!!
Christy says
Thank you, Cheryl! I don’t often go dark, but this is one of my favorite darker colors! XOXO
Michele M. says
That dresser is stunning, Christy! WOW! What a luscious deep gorgeous color and you embellished it so beautifully. GRATS on completing your large haul. (Minus the metal chalkboard lol.) Watched your cute vid. You are so adorable oh my gosh. Love the new stuff – and whew what bargains! My best friend is visiting from one state over and we thrifted all day. Just too expensive and we didn’t get a single thing. Too sad. You are SO right about the pricing gun person in back. They’re nuts. SHE has the BEST GWs and thrift stores in her area. Ours are awful. And finally – love your black “Halloween” nail polish. And please tell me how you get your hair to be so shiny and healthy looking. Yes, I am a fan haha. Don’t worry I am not flirting hahahahaha.
This was a great post. Thanks for the smiles.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Michele! I am thrilled to have another one done! Sorry you didn’t have any luck thrifting, but hopefully it was still a fun day out! Jack and I went hunting for furniture today. We went to six thrift stores and came home empty! You just never know what you’ll find. I had to go black on my nails for Halloween ha ha and thank you…I use Pantene and always have. I think it gives me the best results. Hope you’re having a great week! XOXO
Debra Hubbs says
This came out beautiful! Love that color with the gold and how you lined the drawers. So pretty.
Christy says
Thank you, Debra! There were so many possibilities on this one ha ha! XOXO
Scarlet says
I love this dresser makeover. That shade of blue is fantastic and then the gold appliques gave it a really fun look. My daughter and I will use this for inspiration when redoing her old dresser. Thanks!
Christy says
Thank you, Scarlet! XOXO