Hello, dear friends, and welcome to another edition of Trashy Treasures Tuesday!! I have a lovely black floral dresser makeover to share today that should have been called the faceplant dresser. I’ll get to why in a minute.
First, every second Tuesday of the month, my Trashy Treasures gals and I get together to share trash to treasure makeovers. Be on the lookout for my friends’ pieces at the bottom!
Why did I want to call this the Faceplant dresser, you ask?
Here is my subject for today’s makeover:
Beautiful, right??
I mentioned in my last post that I recently sold this gorgeous antique china cabinet I shared in November and this pretty hutch I redid earlier in the fall. So, I needed some taller pieces than what I have left in my haul to fill the voids they left in my booth.
I went looking a bit last weekend without much luck, but on Monday, I headed to a store that I usually have better luck at and happened upon this dresser for $74.95.
The only issue was that it appeared to be separating here:
No problem, I was sure I could easily fix that. I paid for it, loaded it up and I was on my way!
I’ve included a few affiliate links so you can find the products I love.
Fast forward to approximately 30 minutes later…
I was on the phone with my mom as I was unloading it from my van…by myself, which I often do. Gravity does most of the work getting it out. And then, I have these two rectangular dolly thingys that I inserted under each side of the dresser.
It was at this point that my mom asked if any of the boys were home to help. Yes, they ALL were home. But, I can do anything!
I let her go so I could then roll my dresser into the garage.
There was only one teeny tiny lip of concrete that I had to pull the dresser up over to get it in to the garage.
Can you see where this is going??
Yep…when I tried to pull it up over that lip, it fell forward, whacking the bumper of my minivan in the process.
So, I am to blame for this…
And this…
The drawers spilled out as it tipped, so they took the brunt of it.
And this…
Now it’s a trash to treasure project.
Nothing like making more work for yourself! I was now going to have to fix all those boo boos!
Clean
I started on this one like all furniture pieces, with a good cleaning with White Lightning. It is a degreaser and a deglosser and now comes in the concentrated granules you can mix or a ready-to-use spray.
I stick with the granules and mixed one TBSP into a half gallon of warm water and got to cleaning.
Here ya go…
It didn’t look that dirty, did it??
Fill in damaged areas with Mud
Before I could start filling, I needed to sand some areas to smooth them out first:
Then, I filled in everything I could with Dixie Mud:
I sanded once it was dry using my Ryobi Corner Cat Sander and 220 grit sandpaper:
This little sander is great for light duty jobs like this!
I vacuumed up any sanding dust and then wiped everything down with a clean cloth.
Paint
I chose Dixie Belle’s Caviar for this dresser, applying it with my favorite mini angle brush:
Sand
I gave everything two coats and once the paint was dry, I sanded all over with 220 grit sandpaper wrapped around an old sanding sponge:
It will look a mess, but don’t worry! It will be gorgeous again once you add your clear coat!
This just smooths out the finish, and I sanded a bit more here and there to distress like I like to do.
Once again, I vacuumed up any sanding dust and then wiped everything down with a clean, soft cloth.
Do I seal it and call it a day??
I could have easily just sealed it and called it done. Easy! However, for some insane reason, I decided to keep going.
I pulled out this gorgeous Vigorous Violet transfer:
(Old photo from this post.)
I liked that it had darker tones and thought it would be so pretty against the black.
Adding a transfer
So, I got started, adding it in smaller pieces over those ridges to make it easier…
I had barely gotten started when I stopped to go check on my youngest, Brennan. He had stayed home from school the previous day because he didn’t keep his breakfast down, and later had a fever.
He looked terrible. I took his temp, and it was 104.5!
I immediately gave him Tylenol and then took him to get checked out. Turns out, my baby has the Flu!
It was too late to turn back on the dresser, but oh how, in that moment, I regretted the decision to add that transfer!
In between playing nurse, I kept at it though.
Seal
Once I finally had the transfer applied, it was time to seal.
For darker pieces, especially black, I like to add a little paint to the Clear Coat:
I just dipped the stick in the paint and then into my Clear Coat. (This is the satin finish.)
This helps to prevent the “ghosting” you get when running your finger across a dark-painted piece and just gives an overall nicer finish. I then applied it with the blue sponge applicator:
The Final Result of this Black Floral Dresser
Here is how it turned out…
I often swap out the knobs on the top drawer, but I had no choice this time.
One of them didn’t survive the tumble:
Oh no! The rest did though. I painted them in Caviar as well and sealed them with Clear Coat in satin, using a small brush to apply it.
The top knobs are from Amazon HERE.
(I filled the old holes in with Dixie Mud when I did the repairs.)
The drawers on this one were in great shape…
And as much as I like to add a surprise to the inside, they just didn’t need it:
I may have added more work to this makeover than absolutely necessary, but I’m glad now that I did. I love this transfer against the black…
Black paint alone would have been beautiful, but the transfer really made it unique!
My friends have even more Trashy Treasures fun for you today!
If you missed it, I redid this dresser using the same Vigorous Violet transfer in 2022:
See how it turned out HERE.
I’ll be back next time with this HUGE tool box:
See how HUGE it really is and what I did with it HERE now!
XOXO,
Don’t Miss a Thing!
If you like what you see, there are several ways to follow along!
EMAIL * INSTAGRAM * FACEBOOK * PINTEREST
Get FREE SHIPPING on all orders over $50. No code needed at checkout! Orders under $50 always enjoy $8 flat rate shipping! Most orders ship same or next business day!
Mary Kaiser says
WOW, IT IS BEAUTIFUL!!! I love it so much! I love the transfer on the black, it is stunning! You fixed the sick and broken dresser, and hopefully Brennan is feeling better! You knocked it out of the ball park on this one, Homerun!!!
Christy says
Aww yay! Thank you so much, my friend!! Brennan has turned a corner for sure, so hopefully, he’s on the mend now! XOXO
Larissa ~ Prodigal Pieces says
From damaged to chic – beautiful job. I know oodles of time went into that.
Christy says
Thank you, Larissa! And to think I could have stopped after painting lol! Glad I added that transfer though! XOXO
Robin says
That’s REALLY pretty! My ex husband had (may still have) this dresser (and the long one with the mirror) that his dad gave him many years ago. I prefer your version!!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Robin! I love this style of furniture!! XOXO
Jeanne says
It’s BEAUTIFUL!!! I loved the transfer when you used it on the lavender dresser and I still love it. Nice job. Definitely worth the wait (on our part! haha).
Christy says
Thank you so much, Jeanne! It is such a gorgeous transfer and I’m so pleased with how it looks against the black. It was worth it for me too ha ha! XOXO
D.Diana Kosmoski says
That is absolutely gorgeous. I love it! We had a set of that exact furniture that belonged to hubby’s grandparents. It was in excellent shape. Now one of our kids has two of the pieces and I don’t know what happened to the other two pieces. But -oh- it would have looked beautiful done up like this one! Great job! xo Diana
Christy says
Thank you, Diana! I love this style of furniture! I’d love to come across a whole set! XOXO
Janice Redden says
Christy, you had me laughing on this cold Tuesday morning….but all I could do was hold my breath when you showed the dings after the oopsie hoping your new van didn’t suffer the same fate! Whew!
When all was said and done, the dresser turned out beautifully. I love T3 Tuesdays, seeing all the rescues that are given new life; it’s a bonus day!
I’m clearing the last of Christmas items from my booth today and can’t wait to get busy filing it with new items with new (hooray!) transfers/products when they are available…
Hope Brennan is feeling better and that everyone else escaped the bug!
Christy says
I could not believe I had done that to this poor dresser…it surely didn’t deserve that lol. Luckily, I was able to fix it all and my van only suffered minor damage that can likely be buffed away. I’m so glad you liked the result…more work but so worth it! Thank you, my friend! I love these tour days too…always looking forward to seeing what my friends have done as well! Brennan seems to be on the mend…and so far, we have escaped it! XOXO
Christine says
Wow, what a transformation!! As I was reading, I was holding my breath thinking you were going to say that you fell and broke a bone! I’m so glad that wasn’t the case but can see how The dropping of the dresser created more work! I hope it sells fast, and that your son is feeling better!
Christine
Christy says
Thank you, Christine! Oh goodness, no…I’m so glad it was the dresser and not me! Thank you for the well wishes for my baby…he is so pitiful lol! XOXO
Sue says
I love the designs in this oneand how the former brown wood peaks through as a memory from the past! I hope you son was able to get over the flu quickly.
Christy says
Thank you, Sue! I love to see the wood peeking through on black painted pieces too. My son still has a fever, but it is hovering at a reasonable temp. He does look better, so hoping he gets over it soon! XOXO
Shannon Pfeiffer says
Wow! This piece is stunning!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Shannon! XOXO
Ruth says
Beautiful, as always!
Love the transfer.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Ruth! This is a fantastic transfer for sure! XOXO
Denise - Salvaged Inspirations says
Faceplant furniture – been there done that…. ohhhhmygosh. But you fixed her up gorgeous Christy. She’s a striking beauty now! Pinned XOXO
Christy says
Thank you so much, my friend! Nothing like giving ourselves more work lol! XOXO
Cyndi says
Oh, gosh. I knew from the title it would be one of those situations that make you want to cry…and it was. 🙁 But, as usual, you persevered and turned it into something gorgeous! And it’s a good reminder for us all–get help getting in the big stuff! I hope Brennan is feeling much better now and that the rest of your family doesn’t get it. :O
Christy says
Thank you, Cyndi! This was a learning moment for sure lol! Brennan and is still hanging in there! XOXO
Virginia says
Wow! Just stunning!
The transfer on black just pops. Absolutely gorgeous!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Virginia! I love how it looks against the black too! XOXO
Marcie Lovett says
Oh, no! I’d call that the ???? dresser because I’d have been crying (and saying some choice words!) if I’d been there. Glad you were able to fix up all the dings, now it looks like nothing ever happened!
Funny how different the transfer looks on different paint colors, it is gorgeous on black. Someone is going to love making that the focal point in a room, Christy.
Christy says
Oh I definitely said some choice words lol! I think I learned my lesson though, and luckily, everything was fixable! Thanks so much, Marcie! XOXO
Kathy Bowles says
This is gorgeous! I was glad the faceplant didn’t mean you! That situation reminded me of the time I bought 2 new lamps and when I got home and opned the back hatch, they tumbled out onto the concrete and both were scratched up. So much for new lamps!
Christy says
Thank you, Kathy!! Oh for sure… I’m glad it wasn’t me either lol. What a bummer about your lamps! That’s how we learn, though, right? XOXO
Kathy W says
Hello Christy!! First of all, your “faceplant” dresser is phenomenal!! So gorgeous!! I’m pretty sure we will see it at the end of the year under your “Top Furniture Makeovers.” You have set the bar high just after two makeovers!!! I’m running out of words to express how beautiful I think all of your makeovers are. Maybe, “Super-cal” is the word I will use from now on. It’s the shortened version of “supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.” ????
Okay. You’re an incredible and hard-working wife, mom, nurse, furniture fixer, furniture diyer, furniture mover, blogger, tool gal, Etsy shop owner, seller, shipper, creative, talented, and all-around sweet and funny gal. Whew!!! That’s a lot!! I’m tired. ???? Did I forget anything?? As one of your followers, I appreciate all you do to share your beautiful work with all of us. Thank you!!
I hope Brennan feels better real soon!!
❤️
Kathy W
oxox
Christy says
Aww you are the best, Kathy!! Your kind words mean so much!! Thank you! Love “Super cal”! We appreciate the well wishes for Brennan. He needs it! XOXO
Cecilia says
Wowza! That turned out beautiful! This might be my favorite piece you’ve done. Even with all the extra work you had to do to fix the boo boos, it turned out great. I hope your boy feels better soon and everyone else stays well.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Cecilia! I’m so glad I added the transfer now! And we definitely appreciate the get well wishes, thank you! XOXO
Caye says
Oh my, words escape me, Christy. This is an exquisite piece, and I bet it will just fly out of your shop. You have encouraged me to like the color black, and I may just try it out soon. Thanks for giving us such inspiration so we gain not only confidence, but courage to forge ahead. You are SUPERCALI….
Christy says
I’m so glad you like it, Caye, thank you! Black sells well for me, and it hides so much. I hope you give it a try! You and Kathy are so funny! Supercal is the new word…I love it! XOXO
Nancy @ Artsy Chicks Rule says
It’s beautiful Christy!! And oh how I know you wanted to just be done so you could take care of Brennan! Hope he is feeling better now! xoxo
Christy says
Thank you, Nancy! Yes, girl! I love going above for my makeovers, but in that moment, I was so irritated with myself lol. Brennan still has a low fever and now has a constant cough, but he does look much better. Thank you, my friend! XOXO
Michele M. says
Oh Christy, it is absolutely stunning. It is a work of art and a one-of-a-kind treasure to be sure. I LOVE when you use black paint, too. Black and green are my favs as you know. I absolutely cringed reading your post though.
OH.MY.GOLLY! Well – you had a great attitude and it turned out gorgeous.
Get well, Brennan!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Michele! I’m glad I made it through that ordeal, and I learned what not to do again lol! Appreciate the get well wishes, my friend! XOXO
Charlotte Fisher says
The transformation of this dresser is amazing! The black floral design adds such elegance and charm
Christy says
Thank you, Charlotte! XO
Jai says
I wasn’t sure I was going to like the transfer but I should’ve known better. Everything you do is gorgeous! This is just breathtaking. Love it!
Christy says
I’m so glad you like it, Jai, thank you!! XOXO
Mariele says
I absolutely love how this one turned out! So elegant. Even if the name faceplant dresser isn’t, LOL. Thanks for sharing the dirty water, it’s oh-so-satisfying. ???? Hope your kiddo is feeling better, the flu has been really nasty this year. 🙁
Christy says
Thank you, Mariele! Ha ha that poor dresser surely did not deserve that, but I’m glad I was able to fix her up. And yes, you know I love to share dirty water lol. It just amazes me every time because these piece look so clean! And Brennan is doing much better, finally, thank you! XOXO
p says
Well… as you said – better the dresser than you to face plant for sure.
Hope you learned we all have our limits ! 🙂
It’s gorgeous now ! That transfer reallly looks great on black. Definitely worth the extra work.
Glad Brennan is doing better. Here in CO lots of us had that flu / cough
bug between Tgiving / Xmas. The nasty cough was the hard part to get rid of – for like 3 weeks. Hope it’s not the same for Brennan.
Great job. Be well.
Christy says
Yes, ma’am, I sure did learn something here lol! Thank you! I’m so glad it still came out nicely after its fall. Brennan does have that annoying cough…hoping it doesn’t last too long! XOXO
Debra Hubbs says
Oh my goodness, pretty sure my neighbors would have heard a lot of ugly coming from my mouth when that happened lol. Amazing that you were able to make it all look great again. So pretty.
Christy says
Ha ha! Choice words were certainly uttered! Thank you, my friend! XOXO
Cheryl Atkinson says
Hi Christy! I hope that next time you get help. I have been banged up pretty good by unloading beasts like this by myself. I love black furniture. You were so brave to put this giant transfer on and it looks amazing!! When are the new transfers coming out?
Christy says
I learned a lesson here for sure! Thank you! The new transfers will be available next Wednesday, the 29th. I can’t wait! XOXO
Lorri says
This dresser is Absolutely Beautiful. ❤️ Yes you are The Lady!! All the shades of purple makes this so striking… the person who buys this is going to be one lucky person. Hope Brennan is feeling better.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Lorri! It was a treat to see it all finally come together! Brennan is much better, thank you! XOXO
Janice Redden says
Christy, do you have thevAlaina Toile somewhere in your stash? I used this one onnna twin sleigh bed; the customer who bought it has a twin sleigh bed and wants it painted and the same design (to go in their 2 daughter’s room). I didn’t, see it on your site….but maybe you have one hanging around…
Christy says
Hi Janice! I believe you are looking for the Alaina Toile. 🙂 You can find it here: https://theserialdiyer.etsy.com/listing/1438183882/alaina-toile-redesign-decor-transfer XO