Hello beautiful friends! Today I’m here with my Furniture Fixer Upper crew sharing a redo of a redo.
Last week when I stopped by my booth, I decided to bring home a dresser that’s been sitting in there a while to give it a new look.
It originally started out like this:
I paid $99 for it at the thrift store, and that was on sale. I am rarely willing to spend that much on a dresser, but someone had restored it beautifully, so I figured it was worth it. That and the fact that my booth needed furniture at the time.
Except when I got it home, I had a hard time taking a brush to it because I kept thinking of the work that someone did to restore it (It’s so much easier to paint crappy pieces!), so it sat in my garage for almost a year!
I finally compromised and decided to leave the bottom four drawers as is:
You can revisit this makeover HERE. I really liked how it turned out however, that might have been the lowest commented-on makeover I had last year, so I’m pretty sure it wasn’t a reader-favorite!
I recently bought a transfer that I knew would look perfect on this piece, so I just had to bring it home and give it a go.
And I think I was right:
Better, no? This look is so much softer and feminine! I’ve included a few affiliate links so you can find the products I love too.
Right? This is the Dans La Vie transfer from Re-Design with Prima.
I’ll tell ya, I am in love with these transfers, y’all. You can find over 80 designs to choose from in my Etsy Shop!
They go on so easily!
First I painted the drawers and the top with three coats of Bit of Sugar by Behr, made into DIY chalk paint (Recipe HERE.) Only because that is what I had used on the rest.
When everything was dry and sanded smooth using 220 grit sandpaper, I went ahead and sealed the drawers using Dixie Belle’s Clear Coat in Satin, applying it with their foam applicator.
The foam applicator makes it SO easy on these flat areas. Apply it in a side to side motion from one edge to the other. Try not to go back over the same area too much. I have a favorite brush that I usually use to apply sealers, but for nice flat surfaces, these sponges are a game changer!
The transfer instructions suggest waiting 48 hours to one week after painting before applying the transfer. I have applied many transfers, and I do not wait more than a day and I have had no issues! 🙂
This transfer came in four pieces. I laid the dresser flat to get a layout for the transfer first. Then I stood the dresser back up to apply it. I wanted to be sure the drawers were aligned properly for applying for the transfer and some of them shifted slightly when I laid the dresser on its back.
Here is how easy it is to apply:
1. Line your first piece up where you want it. You only get one shot as it is tacky and some of it is likely to come off onto the surface if you try to reposition it. (Maybe had I waited the recommended time after painting, that wouldn’t be an issue.)
2. Use the included burnishing tool to burnish the entire section. You can peel it away from time to time to see if you’ve done it enough as you go.
3. Pull the top layer off, leaving the transfer behind. If any comes off with the top sheet, simply lay it back down and burnish a bit more in that area.
4. Voila! That’s it! I used a razor blade to cut the transfer at the tops and bottoms of the drawers.
I gave each drawer another coat of Dixie Belle’s Clear Coat in satin using their blue sponge applicator once again:
They can be rinsed with warm water and used again and again! I poured a little sealer in this bowl I picked up a while back at Target to make it easy to apply:
I used the same hardware, but I gave the brassy looking ones a coat of dark brown spray paint:
Then I followed up with a couple of coats of Bit of Sugar DIY chalk paint, applying it with a brush. It would have been easier to spray paint them white, but the chalk paint adds texture that you just can’t get with spray paint. When they were barely dry, I used my fingernail to scratch the paint off here and there:
Now they have a shabby look that I love, and I think they work so much better with the dresser too:
I kept the glass knobs on the top…
I found those at Hobby Lobby.
These are my faux hydrangeas that I am loving at the moment since I don’t have real ones to cut and bring inside at our new house:
They look so real! I did plant two hydrangea bushes out back though so hopefully next year I will!
The drawers were lined with navy blue fabric previously, so I swapped it out for this more Frenchy fabric:
I used Dixie Belle’s Gator Hide to seal the top of the dresser. It is waterproof and super durable! I used their foam applicator to apply that as well. (Both sealers and the applicator are available in my online shop woohoo!)
I hope y’all enjoyed this redo of a redo!
Don’t forget to check out what my friends are giving a little love to today as well!
We are sorry to say that our dear friend, Larissa from Prodigal Pieces, is no longer part of our Furniture Fixer Upper crew. She has some new projects in the works and has decided to slow down on the furniture for a while. She will be missed, but we wish her luck with her new endeavors!
To fill her big shoes, I am thrilled to announce that Denise from Salvaged Inspirations will be joining us! I have linked to her amazing work before and let me tell you, you are in for a real treat when you see what she can do with paint!
Her project is in the number one spot today. Enjoy!
I’ll be back on Tuesday sharing what I did with these frames that used to hang in our master bath at the old house:
UPDATE: No need to wait! See how I reused these frames HERE now! 🙂
Have a wonderful weekend!
XOXO,
Don’t Miss a Thing!
If you like what you see, there are several ways to follow along!
Email * Facebook * Pinterest * Twitter *Instagram
Päivi says
It’s beautiful! Thanks for sharing your ideas! And greetings from Finland 🙂
Christy says
Thank you SO much, Paivi!! I appreciate the greetings from Finland…how cool! XOXO
Mary Kaiser says
Wow, so beautiful. I bet that sells in your shop now. I will have to get some of those transfers because they are beautiful and easy peasy! Thanks for sharing!!
Christy says
Thank so much, Mary! I am hoping it doesn’t last long for sure! And yes, these are so easy to work with. I’m hoping to add a few to my shop soon! XOXO
Candy says
Christy that is absolutely gorgeous! Wish I had somewhere to put it I love it.
Blessings
Candy
Christy says
Thank you, Candy!! I wish I did too lol! XOXO
Paula@SweetPea says
I remember this dresser’s first makeover and I definitely like this one much better. I predict that this dresser will fly out of your shop once it’s there. It’s so pretty and would look lovely in a bedroom.
Christy says
Thank you, Paula! I loved this dresser when I did the first makeover, but now when I look back, I think blah haha! And, this would be so sweet in a bedroom! Have a great weekend! XOXO
Christina in SW FL says
Christy, I did not see this coming and it is stunning! Really pretty makeover. I bet it gets snapped up in a hurry from your booth!
Christy says
Thanks so much, Christina! I hope so! XOXO
Janice Holt says
It is now a beautiful dresser. Love the transfer. You made the right decision.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Janice! I think so too! XOXO
Cecilia from Georgia says
Beautiful job! Is it recommended to seal the Pra transfer? I wondered how durable it would be with normal use. They are so lovely and you are truly an artist with how you use them. XOXO
Christy says
Thank you! The instructions don’t specifically say you have to seal the transfer, but I did just to protect it. Being on the drawer fronts, I think they should last very well. I might not use them on the top surface of a piece though. 🙂
JamieK says
Well that will be gone quickly! Breathtaking ❤️❤️❤️
Christy says
I hope so, Jamie! Thank you!! XOXO
Carla says
Wow! I love it!
Christy says
Thank you, Carla! XOXO
Gin says
On Christy this dresser is beautiful! Love, love, love how you transformed this dresser. You are inspiring.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Gin!! XOXO
Marcie Lovett says
I love those transfers, and this dresser was the perfect opportunity to use one. I think it’s going to sail out of the booth now, Christy! Who could resist all the beautiful details? Good call on making over the makeover. What are the chances you’d offer decals in your etsy shop?
Christy says
Thank you, Marcie!! I think this was a great piece for a transfer as well. And I am working on adding some to my shop very soon! Stay tuned! XOXO
Tracey Levengood says
Oh my goodness! When I scrolled to the “after” pic, the image literally jumped off the screen! It really caught my eye—absolutely beautiful and feminine.
(…and I really liked the first makeover, too. BTW)
Let us know how quickly this one sells!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Tracey!! I sure will! XOXO
Mariah Beaney says
What an update! It’s really gorgeous. I just love looking at your makeovers. Keep up the good work!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Mariah! I really appreciate that!! XOXO
Tina Garrett says
Where do you find your dresser pulls?
Christy says
Hi Tina! I find my pulls mostly at Hobby Lobby. If you have one near you, their pulls are 50% off every other week. I also have luck sometimes finding them at HomeGoods/TJ Maxx. The glass knobs on this dresser are from Hobby Lobby, but the others were original to the dresser. XO
Cheryl Atkinson says
Hi Christy! I for one liked the first redo but this one is so sweet!! I thought you weren’t supposed to put a top coat on before the transfer? You didn’t seem to have any problems though. Hmmm. I love the way this looks. I just started using transfers and i love them lots. Thank you for your blog. It makes me smile every time.
Christy says
I’m so glad you liked it before, Cheryl…I did too! But yes I agree, I think the more feminine vibe fits this style so well now. I know you aren’t supposed to wax before adding a transfer and if you do, you must wait until the wax has fully cured…about 21 days before you add a transfer. I don’t know about a regular clear coat though. It worked like a dream. I will test adding a transfer to a painted surface that hasn’t fully cured yet (without the topcoat) just to see what happens and report back. I just have a hard time waiting up to a week before going forward ha ha! 🙂 XOXO
Cecilia says
I have to admit I like this version better. I bet it sells fast now. So pretty!
Christy says
Thank you, Cecilia! I do too and I hope so! XOXO
Annie says
I love this ‘redo of a redo’! It’s a good lesson to know that not everything we create is marketable (even though we love it) and that it’s ok to go back and create a new vision ????
I’m sorry to see Larissa is leaving the group, she’s amazing and will be missed ????
You’ve got an awesome addition with Denise from @salvagedinspirations! I’ve been a fan of her work for a few years now. She’s uber talented and always willing to give advice when asked ????
Christy says
Thank you, Annie! Absolutely! We all have different tastes! We will miss Larissa too, but she will still be doing makeovers on her blog and in our Trash-to-Treasure Tuesday group! Denise is amazing and we are so thrilled to have her!! XOXO
Denise V Cox says
Absolutely gorgeous!!!! I want it!! Darn.. can’t I persuade you to ship to the Eastern Shore.. ????????????????????????⚓⛵????⛱️????… Lol?????
Christy says
Thank you so much, Denise!! Ha ha! It will be in my shop if you want to take a day trip! 😀 XOXO
debra says
I liked it before the makeover but it is so gorgeous painted with the decal on it. Great makeover.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Debra! I want to decal everything now ha ha! XOXO
sharon austin says
Amazing, love it! Gonna have to check into this transfer idea 🙂 Maybe I’ll finally get the dressers sitting in the pole barn done. LOL
Christy says
Thank you, Sharon! These transfers really are so easy to use!! XOXO
Denise Zdziennicki says
I’m in LOVE with this dressers new look Christy! That floral transfer is to die for! Thanks for the great tutorial and for the kind intro and warm welcome! So thrilled to be part of your ‘crew’!! ????
Christy says
Thank you, Denise!! I love that transfer so much…I wanted to cut it apart and use parts of it on so many things lol. Glad I saved it for this dresser though! I’m so genuinely thrilled to have you joining us! XOXO
Marie says
It’s stunning Christy! I have no doubt this one is going to fly out of your booth. Love the pretty French transfer you used!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Marie!! I sure hope so! I was just telling Denise that I wanted to cut that transfer up and use it on a bunch of different things, but I’m so glad I didn’t lol! XOXO
Mary says
Ooooh if you were in my area that would be mine in a hot minute! It is one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen. And I actually liked your first redo of this piece!
Christy says
Yay! Thank you so much, Mary!! I really appreciate that!! XOXO
Teresa Sole says
This redo is the bomb!!! It is absolutely awesome! I love it!! You did a great job!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Teresa!! XOXO
ANISSA says
did you consider leaving the top dark when you added the transfer to the front? i’m thinking i might have kept that dark, both to maintain a bit of the beautiful restoration and also to balance the dark bits of the transfer. it’s beautiful with the floral design!
Christy says
I sure did. I left the top till the last to see if I liked the stained top, and it felt off to me. I do love the contrast of wood and paint, but I think it was just too much going on in this case. Thank you, Anissa! XOXO
Kimberly says
This dresser was very pretty in all three iterations, but WOW, it is a stunner with that transfer.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Kimberly! It really helps to have a pretty piece to start with! XOXO
Robyn Wright says
WOWZERS! Let us know how quickly it sells with the makeover!
Christy says
Thank you, Robyn! I sure will! Hoping to drop it off tomorrow before the long weekend! XOXO
gwen says
oh my! Christy this is so beautiful! and yes, very girly! i bet this doesn’t stay long in your booth now. please keep us posted when it sells!
i just bought the perfect dresser at our local H4H Restore and i’m determined to paint it and use a transfer after seeing this one! Thanks, as always, for your inspiration!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Gwen!! I hope you’re right…I’ll be dropping it off tomorrow before the long weekend! These transfers are so easy to use and I’m working on adding some to my shop! 🙂 XOXO
Glyniss McDaniel says
I really liked it as you bought it and would have left it that way but since your clientele are into painted furniture, which I like as well, this latest update, rocks. Sometimes that pause about not going forward may mean you should just stop, lol.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Glyniss! And yes…good advice ha ha! XOXO
Catherine Cone says
Oh yes, this will sell in about 2 minutes. So pretty!
Christy says
I hope so lol! Thank you, Catherine! XOXO
Larissa ~ Prodigal Pieces says
Just a beautiful job, Christy!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Larissa!! Did you miss us today? We missed you!! XOXO
Cindy Hathaway says
Wow!!! This is absolutely stunning!!! I am definitely going to have to try those transfers! Just beautiful Christie!!! What a lovely job!!!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Cindy! They are incredible and so simple to use. You could do wonders with them! Working on adding a few to my online shop! XOXO
Matt Roberts says
Hi Christy, I love your design and transfer. I have a preference for the first transformation you paid $99 for at the thrift store over the second. But they are all beautiful. I’ll be obliged to visit the makeover link. Thanks.
Christy says
Thanks, Matt!
Heidy says
Sooooooooooo, beautiful! This is definitely a favorite for sure. I love it. Such beautiful work! Perfection!
Christy says
I appreciate that, Heidy, thank you!! XOXO
Lizzy Leff says
I LOVE it! I must try my hand at transfers!
Christy says
Thank you, Lizzy! Yes…they are very simple to do! XOXO
kandice kullmann says
Er ma Gawd! hehe . It came out GORGEOUS! I love it
Christy says
Ha ha you crack me up, girl! Thank you!! XOXO
Carolyn says
ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS!!!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Carolyn!! XOXO
Sue H. Mellette says
Love, love how you transformed this chest of drawers! I agree the transfer is the perfect touch. You are so talented! I thoroughly enjoy seeing your transforms some very ordinary items into beautiful pieces of furniture and art! Thanks, too, for the tips. I have found them very helpful!
Christy says
I appreciate that so much, Sue, thank you!! I love that you have found what I share to be helpful. Keep on creating! XOXO
Susan tidwell says
I’m a new subscriber and love everything you do. But this dresser has to be the BEST makeover to date! I wish I lived closer and could snatch this up! But if I were you I’d keep it!
Christy says
Welcome, Susan! I’m so glad you found me, and thank you so much! I sure wish I had a place for this one! XOXO
Kira M Sayler says
Christy, I love the dresser! I just redid a dresser with chalk paint. What do you suggest for a top coat to keep the top in good shape? Does the gator hide work over chalk paint/sloan wax?
Thanks for your help!
kira
Christy says
Thank you, Kira! You could use either, and either would work well, but you cannot apply a water-based sealer over a waxed finish. You can if you remove the wax first using mineral spirits. I am loving the Gator Hide! Hope this helps!
Kaycee says
Hi Christy, I have to say, I am surprised that the dresser didn’t sell with the first makeover, it was so versatile?? But, I’ll think she will sell very quickly now, great job! I am sad to learn that Larissa from Prodigal Pieces won’t be here, but welcome Denise!
Christy says
Thank you, Kaycee! I was surprised as well that it didn’t sell. I really liked the first makeover. This gave me the opportunity to play with this pretty transfer though! And yes, Larissa is just slowing down on furniture, but she’ll still be joining us for trash-to-treasure Tuesday and sharing makeovers in her blog! XOXO
Lorri says
Oh my this Dresser is absolutely beatiful.I love the colors and wish I had somewhere in my house so I could look at it .????The tranfer is lovely and oh so romantic.
Christy says
Thank you, Lorri!! I wish I had a place for it too! XOXO
kathy says
I have to try one of those transfers. I liked the chest of drawers with the four drawers not painted but I like this too!
Christy says
Thank you, Kathy! I liked the first version also… I thought it could match painted furniture or stained furniture, but oh well. Yes you need to try these transfers! They are super easy to do and fun! XOXO
Wendy Howell says
Love love love it!!! You have the greatest ideas 🙂
Christy says
Thank you so much, Wendy! XOXO
Colette says
Gorgeous! I would love this piece in my home ????
Christy says
Thanks so much, Colette! XOXO
Mikki says
Oh, my goodness! I’m old school, back when transfers used to look cheesy… boy have they changed! That piece is absolutely BEAUTIFUL. I love seeing what you do. Thanks for sharing.
Christy says
Ha ha thank you, Mikki! They sure have come a long way! XOXO
Jen @ Girl in the Garage says
Christy, this turned out so pretty – I’m sure it will sell quickly this time! I’m a little jealous because I ordered a transfer weeks ago and it’s been on backorder! Too popular I guess. 😉
Christy says
Thanks, Jen! Oh that stinks! Hope you get it soon! XOXO
Sandra says
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the redo! Great call!
Christy says
Thank you, Sandra! Hope you are enjoying your weekend! XOXO
Cristina says
Oh my, SO pretty!!!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Cristina! XOXO
Robin says
Well, I agree with Glyniss. I loveed the original finish and where I am it would’ve sold in a NY minute! However your location seems to prefer a more decorative detail. I liked your second iteration as well. The transfer (aka decal) is beautiful. It is appealing a narrower segment of the market. I think this Is your second piece with a very large design on front? Let us know how long it takes to sell.
Christy says
Thank you, Robin! I loved the first rendition as well, and I thought it would appeal to a wider audience. Hoping it doesn’t sit another seven months now. And yes, I added a printed transfer to the drawers of a dressing table recently! XOXO
Esther says
That dresser turned out so beautifully, it is second to the cobalt shelf you did. I am going to order the rose decal and just do it on my vacation.. I’m. So. Excited!
Christy says
Thank you, Esther! Have fun with your project… it’s going to be gorgeous! XOXO
Patricia says
You are such an inspiration to me. Seeing your works of art transformation have helped me come out of my slump (Depression). What are the dimensions of this piece of furniture? I want to order this specific transfer but need to make sure it will fit my dresser. Thank you so much and I look forward to seeing your posts.
Christy says
Wow thank you, Patricia! Being creative is so good for the soul! This dresser is in my shop so I’m unable to give you a measurement right now, but the transfer is 27” wide by 30” tall. The dresser is pretty narrow and the transfer worked well, just about an inch wider than the drawer width and I just let it run over a bit. I’m excited for you to try it out!! Good luck! XOXO
Patricia says
Yay!!! the transfer arrived today and it will fit the antique dresser I have just fine. Thank you for sharing your talents. Continued success and many blessings to you.
Christy says
Awesome!! My pleasure and thank you so much! Have fun creating! XOXO
Holly says
Oh Christy, je l’adore!! So romantic and beautiful – sigh…..that transfer – Wow!!! oxox
Christy says
Thank you, Holly! It does have such a romantic feel with the transfer! 🙂 XOXO
Jackie C says
I can’t IMAGINE someone not snatching this up in a HURRY! This is gorgeous! I liked it before, but this re-do sent it over the moon!
Christy says
Thanks so much, Jackie! Hopefully it will go quickly! XOXO
Linda Clark/ Inside Etc&Design says
Love the antique dresser,
I recently got a identical one free
Someone had painted it Forrest green and put green plastic knobs on it, but it was free
I hope to do your transfer look, just love it
Thx for post and idea
Christy says
Thanks, Linda! Best of luck with your freebie!! XOXO