Welcome to one of my favorite days of the month, amazing friends! On the fourth Thursday of each month, my Furniture Fixer Upper girls and I team up to bring you brand new furniture makeovers! So, not only am I sharing a furniture makeover today, be on the lookout at the bottom for three more fabulous makeovers from my friends!
Today’s project is this gorgeous dresser I just picked up a few days ago at the thrift store:
I seldom thrift anymore as I am dedicated to working through my current haul. (This got pushed to the front of the list because it’s a better furniture piece than anything I have left in my haul!)
I am starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel with my current haul though, so I decided to stop in at one of my favorite thrift stores while I was out running errands the other day and came across this beauty for wait for it… $25!!!
Can you believe my luck?? It appears to be in great condition, but alas, it did have its issues. I’ve included a few affiliate links so you can find the products I love.
The paint job was not the best. Here is the top:
It did appear that they had used a primer though, so that was good and meant that I would not have to sand it down to the bare wood.
And the drawers had what appeared to be glitter nail polish painted on them:
See how that first before photo was deceiving?
The Prep
I started by giving everything a good cleaning with White Lightning. I usually wait to do this after sanding, but this was pretty dirty to start.
Then, I knew I would have to sand this piece all over to smooth out the rough paint job. I used my orbital sander and 220 grit sandpaper to do that.
I sanded until it was smooth to the touch all over. I did not want any of the sloppy brush marks to show through.
This dresser was also missing some trim detail on the left side, so I removed what was left and replaced it with something very similar that I found at the Home Depot, attaching it with wood glue:
Then, I sanded the glitter nail polish off the drawers and decided to fill several small nicks and scratches. I used Dixie Mud for that…
What I love about the Dixie Mud is that I don’t have to throw out the container midway through because it hardened up on me like other wood fillers. Once that was dry, I hand sanded the areas that had been filled.
I gave everything a good vacuum with my shop vac and brush attachment, then wiped it down with a clean soft cloth.
Time for Paint
I knew already that this piece would be a heavy bleeder. I wanted to use the new Silk paint for this piece which has the equivalent of one coat of BOSS built in, so I decided to test it out.
I painted one coat and let it dry overnight. Here is the result:
Can you see the bleed-through?
I tested a second coat on one of the back legs:
It did cover the bleeding a bit more…compare it to the leg on the right.
Combatting Bleed-through
With a deadline approaching, I didn’t have time to allow it to dry overnight again before testing it with another coat, so I decided to go ahead and go with what I know: BOSS to the rescue!
With regular chalk paint, I would have prepped this piece with BOSS first, and while one coat is usually enough, occasionally, it will take two coats. This piece was such a heavy bleeder that I think it would have needed two coats, which means another coat of Silk may have done the trick.
I gave everything one coat of Clear BOSS. I would normally allow it to dry overnight as proper dry time is key, but instead, I pulled everything out into the warm sunshine and let it dry for about four hours.
Look at those drawers!
I told you this was a really bad bleeder!
I then tested one of the back legs and it was good to go! The one coat of BOSS in the Silk combined with the one coat of clear BOSS was enough to tame this beast!
I used the new Silk in Bay Breeze for this piece:
It is a beautiful soft blue! One coat of Bay Breeze over the BOSS is all it took for solid coverage.
So, one coat of Silk, one coat of Boss, and then one more coat of Silk. That is amazing to get solid coverage over all that bleed-through!
Read more about Silk paint and how it compares to chalk paint HERE.
I used FrogTape to tape off the insides of the drawers t get a nice, crisp line on the inside:
I liked it when it was done…
And I almost stopped here, but I had planned to add a transfer to the front, so I kept going.
Adding a transfer
I’ve been wanting to you use this gorgeous transfer on something for a while now, and I was so excited to have the perfect project for it!
It’s called Mermaid and it was just the right size for this dresser.
You can find it in my Esty shop (along with over 80 more transfers!) HERE.
To apply a large transfer like this over all the moulding on the drawers, I made lots of cuts with a sharp razor blade as I went and added it in pieces.
I would roll a bit out, burnish it with the included tool, and when I got to an edge, I would cut it. Then I would match the design and continue on, cutting as I went to make it more manageable.
Because Silk has a built-in topcoat that dries to a lovely eggshell sheen, there was no need to seal. I may go back and seal the transfer, but for now, it is done!
The final result
Here is the finished dresser:
This was definitely $25 well spent!
I decided to keep the original hardware since it had almost a rope-like detail on the pulls that felt nautical to me:
They got one coat of Rustoleum spray primer, followed by a coat of Silk in Salt Water:
I followed that up with Pearlescent Glaze to give it some shimmer…
It’s hard to capture in photos…
It almost appears as though I did a fade effect with it being lighter at the top than on the bottom…
That is just the way the light is shining through the door onto the top part, making it appear lighter. The bottom color is a more accurate representation of this beautiful color.
And I wanted to point out that these transfers don’t always go on perfectly, but from a distance, you would never know.
Here’s a close up…
As I was applying it, it pulled apart a bit at the flower in her hair, and just below that, on the top of the ridge that runs right across her mouth, the transfer pulled apart also. It doesn’t have to be perfect to still have a beautiful outcome!
I usually enjoy adding life to the insides of the drawers with pretty fabric or even paint, but the insides of this piece were immaculate:
It would have been a shame to cover it up.
It was really enjoyable to work on a dresser for a change!
Don’t forget, my talented friends have three more awesome furniture flips for you today!
I’ll be back working on my current haul this weekend and will have this little chair ready to share next time!
UPDATE: This little fella is SO much cuter now…see it HERE!!
XOXO,
Don’t Miss a Thing!
If you like what you see, there are several ways to follow along!
Michele M. says
Holy Toledo that is stunnnnning!!!!! WOW WOW WOW!
I absolutely adore that dresser! It takes my breath away!!!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Michele! I’m so glad you like this one! XOXO
Amy E Ullestad says
Omg!!!!
Super gorgeous. Wow.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Amy!! XOXO
Mary Kaiser says
WOW, it is so beautiful now! It turned out so good!! I love this new SILK paint. I used it this weekend to paint a shelf that was wood and metal. I wasn’t sure if the wood was going to bleed or not. After I messaged you and you said it had a built in primer I went for it without the boss. It didn’t bleed, and I LOVE this new Silk paint. My shelf came out beautiful! Thanks for your help with that. I am so excited for the transfer coming out by Dixie Bell, they look so beautiful! You work for an awesome paint company! You are awesome for them as well, you show case their products so beautifully!
Christy says
Thank you so much, my friend! I love the new Silk also! It is great when you want a nice, clean look! I am so glad your shelf came out so well. Looking forward to all DB’s new goodies that are on the way too..they are such a great company!! Have a fantastic weekend! XOXO
Christy Peeples DuBois says
This turned out beautifully. I can’t believe how nice the inside of the drawers are. You did an excellent job as always.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Christy! Right? This piece was like new on the inside! XOXO
Lorraine Castellon-Rowe says
Absolutely gorgeous!!
Love the color and that you kept the original hardware that is totally nautical!! Beautiful Transfer too. Wish it wasn’t discontinued but at least I got to see it on your gorgeous dresser.
Thank you for always sharing all your tips and tricks when redoing your projects. I always learn something with every post.
Hope you have a wonderful day!!
❣💐❣💐❣💐❣
Christy says
Thank you, Lorraine! Yes…I agree that the hardware is perfect for the feel of this piece. It is always nice when it can be reused! And it is a shame about the transfer…it is such a pretty one. I am so glad you find what I share helpful…have a great day too! XOXO
Janice Holt says
So glad you covered up the 2-tone look. Love the color and some little girl will enjoy the mermaid transfer. Great job as usual.
Christy says
Thank you, Janice! Yes, the two-tone look wasn’t really doing this piece any favors lol! XOXO
Christina says
Christy, it is clear to me you had a plan for this dresser and it turned out beautifully! Wow! The transfer work so well with the color and the cracks appear to be part of the character of the transfer. 🙂 Love the hardware as well. Another beautiful transformation!!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Christy says
Thank you, Christina! Once I got past the bleed-through, this one really came together! Hope you have a wonderful weekend as well! XOXO
lisa anderson says
What a find indeed !!!
I can’t wait to see your chair next week I have a chair very similar in design.
Thanks for all that you do for us
Lisa 🙂
Christy says
Thank you, Lisa! It is my pleasure!! See ya Tuesday! XOXO
Cecilia from Georgia says
OHHHH how lovely is that colour!! I can’t wait to get my shipment and start painting. I wonder what people used to block bleed through before primers and shellac? Maybe that is why so many old pieces are painted with nasty oil based paint. I used slick stick over a piece with thick oil based paint and it worked great for the chalk paint to adhere. Enjoy the weekend!!
Christy says
Right?? I was excited packing it up for you knowing how pretty it is! It’s like you read my mind ha ha! And I bet you’re right about the oil-based paint…so glad we have much better alternatives now! Enjoy your weekend!! XOXO
LORRI says
Hi Kristy..as always another beautiful piece finished.. love it when you use transfers.❤ How do you know how to where centre the transfer. Could you explain why that spot and not a little higher. I want to do a flower transfer on a dresser like yours.
Thank you in advance,
Lorri 😊
Christy says
Thank you so much, Lorri! I have been on a real transfer kick lately! I originally planned to add stripes to the top drawer in the same color as the transfer, so that is why I positioned the transfer a bit lower down. After applying the transfer, I liked it as is. Good luck with yours! XOXO
Jackie C says
Turned out beautiful! I love it! I have a similar vintage dresser that I expected would bleed and you confirmed it.
Could you add clear was over your transfer to seal?
I had a bad experience with this transfer. The only one I ever had an issue with. One side was almost silver and the other side was dark. Such a stark contrast that I had to sand and repaint over the transfer. I took pictures but even then my seller wasn’t cooperative, stating it had to be a result of something I did 🙄
I also contacted Dixie Belle with no response, so it was very disappointing, not to mention transfers are very expensive. I was more disappointed in DB ignoring me than I was about the seller I think. I haven’t had any issues before or after thank goodness.
Christy says
Thank you, Jackie! And oh no! That must have been very frustrating. I have clear coated over all my transfers with no issues. Did that happen after sealing it?
Jackie C says
Before. I could see it didn’t match as I was putting it on, but remained in denial. LOL
Christy says
Aww that stinks! The seller should have replaced it for you. Glad it didn’t turn you off transfers!
Molly Norris Cooke says
Your are a magician, Christy!! I don’t know how you can get those transfers on so beautifully–wow!
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Molly! I hold my breath a lot ha ha! XOXO
Toby Peplow says
Amazing!! LOVE It!! Don’t you just hate the bleeders! UGH–such a pain! but you took care of it! I noticed you used the pipe clamp for repairs…my dad introduced me to that tool this past year…Oh my goodness–life changer! I now have a couple of them!
Great project Christy!! Keep ’em coming!!
Have a great weekend!
Toby
Christy says
Thank you, Toby! Yes, but not nearly as much since I discovered BOSS…it is a lifesaver! And funny…those clamps used to belong to my Dad. They are awesome! Enjoy your weekend too! XOXO
Meg Habasevich says
Good morning Christy! It’s always so much fun to have my coffee with you and see what great inspiration you have for us. Again, not disappointed. Thank you for sharing this beauty and all her ugliness before she was transformed. I learn so much from you. I’m curious, are you keeping or selling miss mermaid?
Christy says
Thank you so much, my friend! I am really tempted to swap out my son’s dresser in his room for this one while he’s away at college lol, but it will probably end up in my booth. XOXO
Caryn Dwelle says
This is a very inspiring piece! I love the way the color, the handles, and the mermaid transfer come together for a “nautical” nuance without overkill! Great vision! Still too scared to try transfers though…some day maybe !
Christy says
Thank you so much, Caryn! Transfers are a bit tricky on these detailed pieces, but they are also very forgiving. I hope you give them a try! XOXO
Tammy says
Stunning transformation! I love your color choices and the mermaid transfer is perfect!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Tammy! XOXO
Chris says
I so enjoy your blog and learn so much from your detailed instructions and photos. Today, I am feeling sometimes less is best. I think it would be lovely without the transfer. I wonder how long this trend will last? You are very skilled in what you do, regardless!
Christy says
I appreciate that, Chris! I was really torn when I got the transfer part, as I really liked it as is also, but I have a ton of transfers that I want to use up, so I went with it. I did like it without also though, and I appreciate your input! XOXO
Shirley says
Christy, this dresser won’t last long in your shop. I love 💕 everything about it. It would be perfect in a beach 🏖 cottage. The transfer gives it “a one of a kind look.” You must find it difficult to sleep 💤 at night with all of those creative
ideas 💡 running around in your head. Please, keep inspiring us.
Christy says
I hope it goes quickly too, Shirley, thank you! It would be awesome in a beach cottage for sure. It’s funny you mentioned trying to sleep with all those ideas in my head as that really does happen sometimes ha ha! XOXO
Denise - Salvaged Inspirations says
This turned out beautiful Christy! I love the outdoor yard pic… all we have here is snow. I haven’t seen green grass in what feels like forever! 😉 XOXO
Christy says
Thank you, my beautiful friend! Oh wow…no I would not like to look at snow every day. We are lucky in that when we do get snow, which is not often, it is usually gone in a day or two! XOXO
christine says
I cannot believe what a deal you got on that dresser! i dream of those kind of finds! This piece is stunning! Love the transfer. As for the new transfers, the lace and magnolia. Cannot wait to try!
Christy says
Yes!! I couldn’t grab the tag fast enough! Thank you so much, Christine! I am so excited for the new transfers… I love those two too!! XOXO
Annod Nostaw says
Beautiful job. Most gorgeous. You know what you are doing. I love the drawer pulls and the mermaid transfer.
I know most paints are now primer and paint in one, especially for walls, but when it comes to paints like DB Silk (all in one) for furniture, I still use a shellac based primer. I have never used the DB Boss because it is a bit pricey so I use my dependable Zinsser BIN Shellac Based Primer. You get a lot more product for the price.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Annod! The BOSS is a bit pricier, but it goes a long way and I rarely have to use more than one coat. That wasn’t always the case with shellac primers. Plus, the BOSS has hardy any smell to it at all, which I like. If that is working well for you though, I say stick with it! XOXO
Ashley says
Dressers like this are my favorite to refinish. Bleed-through is the worst. I used to use a leading shellac-based primer with decent enough results, but a bleed-through piece always required multiple applications. With BOSS®️, not necessary. This stuff is positively amazing. Beautiful bureau, Christy!👏🏻
Christy says
Yes! I love the curves that these dressers have! I agree…the results with the shellac primers would eventually do the job, but rarely after one coat, and the fumes were terrible lol! Love BOSS! Thanks, my friend! XOXO
ROSE LEFEBVRE says
Again, I must say, you do amazing work! I could see this piece in any beach-style cottage or home. Love it!
Christy says
Aww thank you, Rose! This would be perfect in a beach cottage! XOXO
Marian says
Oh Christy, this piece turned out so beautiful and unique. I love the way you give each treasure you find the love and care it deserves.
Christy says
I appreciate that so much, Marian, thank you!! XOXO
Karen says
LOVE THE BAY BREEZE COLOR! DID this dresser fit in your medium sized spray pant tent? Also, did you make the wheeled dolly that the dresser is sitting on in some of the pictures? If so, what kind of wheels did you use?I have been looking at lazy susan type things to use to rotate furniture in the spray paint tent, but they seem too small and reviews are not great regarding the plastic material the are made of….The idea of being able to rotate the piece in the tent as you spray paint seems great. I would appreciate your insight. Thank you.
Christy says
Thank you, Karen! I didn’t use my tent for this, but I think it would probably be a bit too tall for it. I did make the dolly out of scrap wood. The wheels weren’t anything special, just something I found at Home Depot. Just look for ones that swivel so you can move it in any direction. And here is the lazy suzan I bought after my hubby tossed mine thinking it was trash: https://amzn.to/3dQ8EyC It was a bit pricey, but it was larger than most. I can usually just fit a chair on there, but you can always add a rectangle of wood on top if you need it larger. Hope this helps! XOXO
Sharon L Austin says
OMG I need that for our cabin!! It’d be perfect; will you deliver. LOL And Christy, why are you hoarding transfers and not telling us about them until they’re retired?!
Christy says
Do you live somewhere warm and sunny ha ha?! Then I might be tempted! And that is so funny because I have a huge stash of transfers…a whole hoard of them lol! XOXO
Sharon L Austin says
Sadly, no. Cold and snowy! LOL
Christy says
Oh darn! I’ll have to pass then lol!
Imelda says
Awesome! I also love the mermaid, shame it’s currently not available.
I look forward to your twice a week posts, I’m almost ready to repaint one of my many items bought to “redo”.
Thanks Christy!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Imelda! I was so sad to see this transfer was no longer available. It is such a pretty one! Good luck on your items! XOXO
Helene says
I love what you did.
What a fantastic job.
I wish someone would tell me what I could do with my bedroom set.
When the furniture is all wood, it must be easier to transform.
Mine is a good quality black melamine with some piece of wood for the design. Have no idea what to do with it.
Christy says
Thank you, Helene! I wonder if just painting your set a lighter color would give you a new look you’re after? XOXO
Marcie Lovett says
Such a beautiful shape and now even better with the paint and transfer! It won’t last long in your booth. I was surprised you bought a (partially) painted piece but it doesn’t look like this one took much more work than you usually have to do. Bonus that the insides look so good, too. Looking forward to seeing transfers in your shop.
Christy says
Thank you, Marcie! You know me so well lol…I usually do not bring home painted pieces. This was in brand new condition on the inside though and smelled nice too. Plus it was only partially painted. I just had to get it, and I’m so glad I did! And yes…looking forward to the new transfers!! XOXO
Joanne D. says
All I can say is, OH MY!!! It is just beautiful – I would buy it in a minute, even tho I have no room for it! Love it. You did it again!
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Joanne! I am hoping somebody who sees it in my booth feels the same way ha ha! XOXO
Petra says
Absolutely love it Christy and thank you for, as always, giving us great instructions. I’m going to keep an eye out for your new transfers in your Etsy shop 😊 as I’d really like to give them a go.
Christy says
Thank you, Petra! And it is my pleasure! Yes…looking forward to the new transfers…hope to have them by the end of March! XOXO
Sharon GD says
Wow! I am loving that transfer on it! This piece was well worth the effort. Nice job.
Christy says
Thank you, Sharon! It really was worth the effort for sure! XOXO
Jen @ Girl in the Garage says
What a great steal, even though you had to work through some issues. It’s gorgeous now, Christy! xo
Christy says
Thank you, Jen! It was totally worth the effort for that price! Have a fantastic weekend, my friend! XOXO
Kathy W F says
Beautiful. And…after seeing a 4:30am post I’ve got to get going in the morning! The color is beautiful. So glad you finally got to this chest of drawers. and it won’t last long in your booth. I’ve been looking at your stash and I’m curious to see what you do with the magazine holder. I have one similar and I’m going to wait to see what you do with it….so, you go first! LOL. Can’t wait to see the new products by DB. I’m sure you’ll find wonderful uses for them. AAhhh, warm sun; I’ll bet it felt great to put something outside even though you’d rather have it sit over night. See you next Tuesday.
Christy says
Thank you, Kathy! I will be working on the magazine rack soon, so stay tuned. I too am super excited at all Dixie Belle is offering in the coming months! And yes, it was SO nice to see the sun lol! Enjoy your weekend! XOXO
Debra Hubbs says
This is beautiful! Love everything about it especially the hardware. I actually am looking for a piece like this to redo.
Christy says
Thank you, Debra! The hardware ended up being so perfect for the style I went with! Good luck in your search! XOXO
Lizzy says
Great tutorial and that color is perfect!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Lizzy! XOXO
Cheryl r Atkinson says
Hi Christy! I love this transfer. The dresser looks so pretty. It sure was a bleeder. Great job!! I am so glad you will be carrying the papers and transfers!! Yay
Christy says
Thank you, Cheryl! This might be the worst bleeder ever lol…sanding away the sealer didn’t help, I’m sure! And yes, I am so excited about all the new toys coming out! XOXO
Dawn Rene says
Girlfriend…is that a satisfying project or what?! So stunning! And…you are way to detailed on the detail! No one would have even noticed the stencil “faux pas!” You rocked it Missy!
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Dawn! XOXO