Hello beautiful friends! Thank you for stopping by today, and thank you for all the birthday wishes for my amazing dad! If you missed the birthday surprise, you can see it HERE. I’ve got a lovely dresser to share with you today, and then my Furniture Fixer Upper Crew is also here to share even more furniture makeover inspiration with you!
I lucked out finding this dresser at the thrift store for only $60:
I grabbed the ticket and booked it straight to the register before anyone else could get their hands on it! These are desperate times for finding good furniture!
This dresser came with the mirror you see in the photo above, but the mirror was huge and super heavy, and I didn’t have a blanket to protect the dresser from the beast of a mirror, so I left it behind. Oh well.
I actually finished this piece in ONE day! We had family in town for my dad’s birthday, and I spent more time playing than working. (Totally worth it!) Thank goodness this piece needed hardly any TLC. That was especially refreshing after working on the three antique dressers in my Mother’s Day Haul that needed EVERYTHING! I’ve included a few affiliate links so you can find the products I love.
Making Repairs
The only issues this dresser had was a bit of damage to both feet:
That was an easy fix with Dixie Mud…
I applied it the day before I planned to paint this dresser and the next day it was ready to go. I sanded it smooth with 220 grit sandpaper wrapped around an old sanding sponge.
I gave my piece a good wipe down with Lysol-type wipes and I was ready for paint.
Painting
Now this piece does appear to be a variety of wood that might bleed, but it is not that old, so the tannins should be well sealed in and I went directly to painting with Dixie Belle’s Fluff:
You can see how I paint furniture in this video:
If you have trouble viewing, find it on my YouTube HERE.
A little minor bleed-though
There ended up being several very small areas where the sealer was compromised by something that had been spilled on the top, which allowed the reds to come through.
I just spot-BOSSed them with white BOSS and a small brush:
If I were to BOSS the whole piece, I would typically let it sit overnight as it works best when you allow proper dry time. However, it was a lovely sunny day on Tuesday AND I was trying to get it done! So, I just pulled it out into the sweet sunshine to cure faster.
I let it bask in the sun for two hours and it was ready for paint!
I gave everything one more coat of Dixie Belle’s Fluff and let it sit in the sun for a couple more hours. Then, I sanded all with 220 grit sandpaper wrapped around an old sanding sponge to smooth everything out. I like to sand prior to adding the transfer so the transfer has a nice smooth finish to adhere to.
Adding the transfer
To add the transfer to the front of the dresser, I laid the dresser on its back and put the drawers in place. I lined up the transfer where I wanted it and used the included burnishing tool to burnish (rub firmly with the stick) to attach the transfer..
This is the Rose Celebration transfer. I have this and over 80 more transfers in my Etsy shop. I did cut it with a razor blade where the drawers separate to make it easier to apply. Once the image is transferred, you just pull off the plastic piece on top. If any of the transfer sticks to the plastic top piece, just lay it back down and burnish a bit more.
Sealing the Dresser
Once the transfer was complete, I sealed with Clear Coat in Satin using the blue sponge applicator to apply:
I share how I seal furniture using a sponge in this video:
If you have trouble viewing, find it on my YouTube HERE.
I kept the original hardware and chose to paint it in Rustoleum in Champagne Mist to coordinate with the transfer:
Ready to see it all together??
This was a rather large transfer at 44″ X 30″, but even so, it was tall enough to cover the dresser, but not quite wide enough. I decided to only use four of the six panels it came with and keep the top row of drawers just painted to balance it out.
Now I still have the bottom two panels that I can use on smaller projects!
I love these pulls…it’s always a bonus when you don’t have to replace them!
And the Champagne Mist picks up the writing and flourishes in the background of the transfer perfectly…
You can find my rug HERE.
These bottom drawers are super deep…
I love that! I ended up not lining the drawers this time because the insides are like brand new, so there was really no need.
This dresser was such a treat to work on!
My booth is looking a bit starved for furniture at the moment, so this should help!
Don’t forget…my friends have even more furniture makeovers to share today!
And that’s another one done!!
If you missed anything so far, you can catch up below:
$4 Thrift Store Flatware Makeover
Thrifted Buffet Lamps Makeover
Yard Sale Sewing Machine Table Makeover
I’ll be back on Tuesday with this round of smalls to knock a bunch more of these out!
UPDATE: See how this group turned out now HERE!
I think I need to go shopping!!
Have an amazing weekend!
XOXO,
Don’t Miss a Thing!
If you like what you see, there are several ways to follow along!
Cheryl Atkinson says
Hi Christy! I wish I could find a dresser like that for 60. With no repairs and good drawers. Oh the Rose Celebration is an all time favorite. I still have mine. Waiting on that perfect piece. I layered a transfer last weekend for the first time and I am hooked now. Your dresser is beautiful and a belated Happy Birthday to dad. Glad yall had a great time.
Christy says
Thank you, Cheryl! It has been so hard to find furniture at the thrift stores these days, so you better believe I jumped on this real quick! It was such a treat to find something in such great condition too. Aren’t transfers so awesome to work with? Have a great weekend! XOXO
Mary Kaiser says
Wow, it is so beautiful now, AMAZING!! It will look great in your booth, but it won’t last long!! Some one will come along and snatch that up right away! I wish I lived closer, it would be mine!
Christy says
Thanks so much, Mary! I wish you were closer too! XOXO
Petra says
What a fabulous piece 😮 I’m super impressed. I’ve never done a transfer before – sometimes I mod podge some nice paper onto drawer fronts but you’ve inspired me 😀 Also those handles in the champagne look amazing in that tone 🙂
Christy says
Thank you, Petra! The transfers are awesome and easy to use! XOXO
Julie Laidlaw says
Absolutely beautiful!
Christy says
Thank you, Julie! XOXO
Teresa Bridges says
You do amazing work I love love love your before and after pics and you inspire me to want to do the same.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Teresa! I love that you are feeling inspired!! XOXO
Lori Oswald says
Absolutely beautiful!!! That transfer is so pretty!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Lori! XOXO
Christina says
I did NOT see this coming with the transfer. Wow! Someone is going to be thrilled to get this into their home! Definitely not going to last in your booth. Great job!
Christy says
Well I’m glad I can still surprise you lol! Thank you, Christina! OXOX
Janice Holt says
What a super job as always. The transfer is just right; I see so many that just have way too much. Have a great week-end and look forward to next Tuesday.
Christy says
Aww thank you, my friend! This is a really lovely transfer, and I’m so happy to have finally found a piece to use it on! Enjoy your weekend too! XOXO
Rechelle Goosen says
That dresser is GORGEOUS! Absolutely LOVE how it turned out!!!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Rechelle! XOXO
Elizabeth K Downes says
I love this dresser…..I can’t wait to try some transfers myself!
Also, I like that little painted hutch to the right of this dresser….too cute!
Enjoy this pretty weather……blessings. Liz
Christy says
Thank you, Liz! I love working with transfers…they really add that WOW to a piece! That hutch was cute…I don’t even remember seeing that when I was there. I must have had tunnel vision on that dresser ha ha! XOXO
roe squire says
Beautiful! I love it!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Roe! XOXO
Janice Taylor says
I would have a hard time letting this one go. BEAUTIFUL!!
Christy says
Thank you, Janice! I was thinking how lovely this would be in my son’s room for when he leaves college and I have a guest room!! XOXO
Sue H Mellette says
What a lovely finish. You have such an eye for color and finishes. I love the transfer. To me, it really makes the dresser a beauty. Of course, the champagne color for the pulls finishes the look! Thanks again for sharing your talents!
Christy says
Thank you, Sue!! This is a gorgeous transfer and I am so happy to finally have a piece to use it on! Have a great weekend! XOXO
Cecilia from Georgia says
You are amazing!! How do you lay a piece that heavy down on it’s back? I hope you have help so your back is not hurt. You gotta take care of yourself! I love the transfer and pulls with the Fluff. Another lovely transfomation! Congratulations!
Christy says
Aww thank you, Cecilia! I laid the dresser down while the drawers were out of it. It’s much easier for me to handle that way for sure! XOXO
Gail says
Gorgeous!!!!
Christy says
Thank you, Gail!! XOXO
Laura C. Minor* says
Beautiful as always. Loved your style and your vision
Christy says
Thank you so much, Laura!! XOXO
Cecilia says
That’s gorgeous! I love the transfer! I bet that gets snatched up very quickly.
Christy says
Thank you, Cecilia! I hope so! XOXO
Cheryl says
GORGEOUS
Christy says
Thank you, Cheryl! XOXO
Bev says
That’s absolutely gorgeous! You did a simply outstanding finish with this project. (You always do!) Too bad they wouldn’t hold onto the mirror so you could’ve gone back for it!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Bev! They probably would have held onto the mirror for me, but I never even thought of that. It was so heavy anyway that I wasn’t looking forward to hauling it around lol! XOXO
Robin says
Hi Christy,
I was thinking about different adjectives to describe my first impression.
Your dresser is so REFRESHING! It is almost seasonless and definitely lifts the spirit.
Christy says
Oh I love that, Robin! That is a perfect way to describe it! Thank you! XOXO
Mary says
This one is absolutely breathtaking Christy!!
Christy says
Thanks so much, Mary! XOXO
Rosie says
Oh so pretty Christy!
As always great transformation, enjoy the weekend 🤗
Christy says
Aww thank you, Rosie! You too! XOXO
Saysee Rizental says
This chest is absolutely gorgeous!
Christy says
Thank you, Saysee! XOXO
sharon austin says
Love this! It’s so light and refreshing!!
Christy says
Thank you, Sharon! That’s a great way to describe it! XOXO
Margie says
That turned out absolutely stunning 💕
Christy says
Thank you so much, Margie! XOXO
Kathy Owen says
It’s lovely Christy. I love that transfer. The colors are fabulous!
Christy says
Thank you, Kathy! XOXO
Kathy W F says
Gorgeous. The transfer is perfect. Can’t wait to visit again on Tuesday to see what smalls you check off and yes…you need to shop! Have a great weekend.
Christy says
Thanks so much, Kathy! I am looking forward to shopping!! See ya Tuesday! XOXO
Kathy Blumenberg says
Girl!!!! Let me tell ya, you are GOOD! THANKS for inspiring me, you make me want to run to a thrift store to buy anything I can paint!
Christy says
Aww thank you, Kathy!! Ha ha! GO…RUN!! XOXO
Mary says
Wowza Christy! Love this a bunch! Love how you kept the top drawers w/o transfer…my eyes needed that special space to rest after taking in that beautiful transfer! Amazing transformation! Thank you for inspiring once again 💕
Christy says
Thank you, Mary! I thought that would balance it out a bit! Have a lovely weekend! XOXO
Caye Cooper says
Simply lovely! It will sell well because you did such a good job!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Caye! Here’s hoping! XOXO
Palina says
Amazing – it´s so beautiful. You´re so talented, absolutely my favorite DIY blogger!
Christy says
Aww I appreciate that so much, Palina!! Thank you!! XOXO
Leticia L Beam says
Oh my goodness.. you out did yourself on this one! Fantastic! Have a good day! Leticia
Christy says
Thank you, Leticia!! Enjoy your day too!! XOXO
Jackie C says
WOW WOW what a find! And in such great condition!
Lucky you 👏🏼👏🏼
It turned out just beautiful. Matching those phenomenal handles to the transfer was exactly what pushed this plum over the top! This should FLY out of your booth if that’s where it’s headed. Um, has your Mom seen this yet? 😂
xoxo
Christy says
Right?? I couldn’t pull the tag on it fast enough lol! Thank you, my friend! And I don’t think she has lol…surely I would have heard from her!! XOXO
Lyn says
This is the most stunning piece you’ve done! I absolutely LOVE it.
Christy says
Oh wow thank you so much, Lyn!! XOXO
Sue Duffy says
Gorgeous, Christy! As always.
Christy says
Thanks so much, Sue! XOXO
Rhonda says
Wow!!! Christy, this is AWESOME! I love the colors you used, band that transfer is beautiful. This is one (of many) of my favorites so far. You have such a creative talent!! Great job!
Christy says
Aww I appreciate that, Rhonda! Thank you so much! I love this transfer too! XOXO
Rose says
Gorgeous! Such artistry! This lady has a new life!
Christy says
Thank you, Rose! She sure does! XOXO
Dianne says
Just beautiful! That’s all I have to say. Except you are right about your booth. When I was looking for the white box with the bee, I noticed how much you had sold. ALOT. Now you have to fill it up again and this is a great piece to get you started.
Christy says
Thank you, Dianne! I know, right? This should definitely help! Have a great weekend! XOXO
Mary King says
This dresser turned out lovely. While I am partial to my dressers you brought back to life this one is beautiful too. Keep up the wonderful work!
Christy says
Thanks so much, Mary! Yours will always be on the list of my favorites! XOXO
Jen @ Girl in the Garage says
This is gorgeous, Christy! I’m super impressed that the transfer worked so well around all those little bumps and grooves between the drawers – and that you did this entire makeover in one day! XO
Christy says
Thank you so much, Jen! It was a bit tricky over those raised areas, but I just went slow, and yes…this might be a record for the fastest makeover yet ha ha! XOXO
Lee McKelvey says
Absolutely STUNNING! Love the transformation!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Lee! XOXO
Gina says
I am never comment, but I look at each and every one of your makeovers. My goodness, this is a gorgeous piece! That transfer is so so beautiful and perfect on this piece. I’m thinking I need to get one and embellish a piece I painted years ago – might be just what it needs. This makes me want to quit my day job and refinish furniture!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Gina!! These transfers turn ordinary pieces into works of art for sure. Ha ha…hey you could get a good side gig going! XOXO
Phyllis says
Absolutely gorgeous! Great choice leaving the top drawers without a transfer. You make the best decisions.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Phyllis! I thought leaving the top drawers untouched might make it look a bit more balanced! XOXO
Stacey says
Gorgeous, girlfriend!!! Just…wow!!!!😍
Christy says
Thanks so much, Stacey! XOXO
Becky says
GOOOOOORGEOUS!!! That is stunning!!!
Christy says
Thank you so much, my friend!! XOXO
Linda Johnston says
A stunning after of this piece. I still have similar ones that were Mom and Dad’s set. This is one option for upgrading I could get behind. I’ve always thought this style needed an elegant treatment. You have given it!
Christy says
Thanks so much, Linda! Yes, the beautiful lines on these pieces lend themselves perfectly to these pretty transfers! XOXO
Michele M. says
I am absolutely stunned. I think that is the most beautiful dresser I have ever seen. You completely made that into a dream piece. WOW.
VERY well done, ma’am!
Christy says
Wow thank you so much, Michele!! XOXO
Annie says
Beautiful Christy 🤩
One day I’m going to try using a transfer, this one is gorgeous!
Christy says
Thank you, Annie! They are pretty easy to use and add so much to a project! XOXO
JC says
Hi there, just popping over from Thistlewood Farms 🙂 I love this dresser remodel!!! It came out beautiful. I’m tucking this idea away for a guest bedroom nightstand. Can the transfer go over other ASCP (chalk paints)? MMS Milk Paints? I’m wondering about the sealer. Just curious.
It is lovely and you did a beautiful job!
Christy says
Hi JC! Thank you, and thanks for stopping by! You can use these lovely transfers over just about any paint! You can seal with wax if you prefer, but I used Dixie Belle’s Clear Coat in Satin. XOXO
Niki says
Simple, elegant, and gorgeous!
Christy says
Thank you, Niki! XOXO
Maria says
I absolutely adore this!!!
Thanks so much for sharing the process:)
I look forward to seeing what’s next!!!!!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Maria! It is always a pleasure to share! XOXO
KimS says
This is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. I love it.
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Kim!! XOXO
De De says
I just found your blog today and I just had to say I’ve been looking around for HOURS!!! Your projects are AMAZING!!! First blog I’ve ever decided to actually follow lol….so inspiring!! Thanks for sharing! De De
Christy says
Well thank you so much, De De! I am so glad you found me!! I share a new thrifty makeover every Tuesday and Thursday and I’m so happy to have you following along with me!! XOXO
Lisa says
Hi Christy,
Love the dresser! I was curious if you used a deglosser or a primer before painting? I didn’t know if the paint would stick well without using one or the other. Thank you for your time. Love your completed projects😊
Christy says
Thank you, Lisa! With chalk paint, there is no need to sand or prime. That is why I love it so much! XOXO
Kathleen Ambrose says
Of all of the pieces you have done, this is my absolute favorite. This is a work of art and I just love it… I generally don’t draw toward white painted furniture, I lean toward stained finishes or black but this is so happy, clean and welcoming. Very well done! Thanks for sharing your ideas with us every week.
Christy says
Thank you, Kathleen! It is very cheery, indeed! XOXO
Vicky says
Christy, I just ordered my first transfer. I have a silverware chest that needs a little something on the top. I painted and waxed it a couple years ago. Should I try to remove wax before I add the stencil?
Vicky
Christy says
Hi Vicky! Yes, you will need to remove the wax first. You can do that with odorless mineral spirits. 🙂