Welcome back, beautiful friends! I’m so excited to be sharing the dressing table with transfer makeover that matches the chair I shared on Tuesday! That was a fantastic find for only $3, and you can see the before and after of it HERE if you missed it.
Redesign with Prima launched some brand new goodies this week, and I was really excited to use one of the transfers! This project was just perfect for it!
Let’s start with a look at the before of this dressing table:
It was $49 at the thrift store. I am always feeling cheap when it comes to furniture, but it appeared to be hand-built, judging by the unfinished wood on the back, and I just loved that!
Perhaps it was made with someone special in mind?
I knew paint would do wonders for those pretty lines.
Clean
As always, I started with a good cleaning using White Lightning, mixing one TBSP into a half gallon of warm water:
I love using these terry cloth applicator pads to wipe my pieces down. They are like a sponge covered in a washcloth. White Lightning is a degreaser and a deglosser, and gloves are recommended.
Be sure to swap your water water out for clean water and give everything another wipe down to remove any residue.
Paint
I chose Fluff for this set as I knew it would be the perfect backdrop for the transfer I’m using.
I’m always amazed at the coverage of Fluff. This is after one coat…
Two coats is usually all you need.
Sand
Once that was dry, I sanded to smooth all over using 220 grit sandpaper so I could distress just a little while I was at it…
Transfer Time
This is a BRAND NEW Redesign transfer called Pastels Artistry:
It comes in this large size as well as the smaller Middy (three 8.5 X 11″ sheets) and the mid-sized Maxi (two 12 X 12″ sheets) sizes as well:
Find all the newly released items listed in my Etsy Shop HERE. I’ll keep them on the first page through the weekend.
One thing I love about this particular transfer is instead of there being a blunt line down the center where the pieces meet, it has been created to match up at slightly different points, so you can’t see a seem down the center:
I love that!
If you haven’t applied a transfer before, it is really pretty easy, especially on flat surfaces like this.
HOW TO APPLY A TRANSFER:
- Remove the white backing
- Position the transfer where you want it
- Use the burnishing tool included to burnish (rub with pressure) the transfer to your surface
- It is best to start in one corner and pull the clear plastic layer on top away from the transfer as you go.
- If you get any pieces that stick to the clear plastic layer on top, lay it back down and burnish some more
- Once the image is transferred, the top should pull away.
- You can burnish it more by rubbing a soft cloth or a finishing pad over the surface to make sure it adhered well all over.
Seal
Once I had the transfer applied, I sealed everything with Clear Coat in Satin using the blue sponge applicator to apply it:
**TIP**
It’s hard to tell, but in the photo above, I am standing on the left side of the table, facing it as I drag my sponge across the surface from the other side. I find that my application is much straighter when I pull the sponge toward me like this. We have a natural tendency to arc a bit in our application when going from side to side. Having straighter strokes will give you a nicer finish in the end. I hope that makes sense!
Dressing Table with Transfer Reveal
Here is how this set looks together!
Isn’t she sweet?
Without even seeing all the pretty on top, paint alone did wonders for the lines of this dressing table…
Do you spy something else pretty on the front??
How about that backplate behind the knob in the center?
It’s one of Redesigns brand new moulds!!
I used the Soho Fusion mould for this piece, but the Soho Haven one is cool too!
And do you know what the best part is??
I didn’t have to fill the holes underneath! This piece was wide enough to cover them right up!
I used Amazing Casting Resin to make the back plate. It could not be easier to use.
How to use Amazing Casting Resin
- Mix the liquids 50/50 in the desired amount
- Pour the liquid into the mould
- Find something to do for 15 minutes while it cures
That’s it!
Here it is fully cured:
The mould is rubbery, so you can easily pop out your new resin piece. (All Redesign’s moulds are also food safe for use on cakes, etc.)
This piece adds SO much charm to the back of this otherwise simple knob:
I painted it in Fluff to match the dressing table.
Let’s see that pretty top now…
I did have to cut a bit off the bottom to make it fit, but it pretty much covers the whole top.
The chair and the dressing table legs are very similar which made this $3 thrift store chair a lucky find!
The Inside
Here it is with the mirror in the center compartment up:
This is what the inside looked like before:
I kept it simple inside by painting it and adding a small transfer detail:
I didn’t overdo it with the chair. I added just enough to tie these two together nicely.
That piece on the chair seat is from the Middy Pastels Artistry transfer.
This dressing table is ready to be loved for many more years to come!
This was a really enjoyable makeover to work on. I hope you got some joy out of it too!
I am whitling this haul right on down!!
If you missed the before and after of the chair, see it HERE!
I’m hoping to be finished with my spring outdoor chores so I can be back on Tuesday with this round of smalls!
UPDATE: These smalls are done and ready for their big reveal HERE now!
Have an amazing weekend!
XOXO,
Don’t Miss a Thing!
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Mary Kaiser says
Oh my gosh, it is so beautiful! I LOVE how this set turned out. I was like they were made for each other. I love the colors in the transfer with the fluff! If I lived in Virginia this set would so be mine—-Sold!
Christy says
Thank you, Mary!! Ha ha and I would sell it to you! Have a fabulous weekend, my friend! XOXO
Jackie C says
wow! Love this! The chair and mirror hanging above it looks fantastic with this piece. In one of your staging photos, at first glance, I thought you tossed popcorn on top. 🤦🏻♀️
Christy says
Thank you, Jackie! Ha ha…I can see that with those flowers lol…now I want popcorn! XOXO
Jackie C says
I may need to schedule an eye exam or go back to bed, just realized that “mirror above it“ is not a mirror at all 🙄🫠
Christy says
Ha ha I just figured you misspoke…story of my life! 😀
Janice Redden says
Christy, your “Ta Da” moments are always amazing. You took that vanity from chunky to cheerfully chic!
This new transfer is so fresh looking. Another “unlovely” piece saved!
Have fun digging in the dirt…..
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Janice! Unlovely is a great way to describe these pieces before lol. We have had such nice weather to be doing outdoor chores, so it has really been nice! XOXO
Kathy says
Christy – Dressing Table and Chair…are BEYOND BEAUTIFUL!! Simply GORGEOUS!! Love the transfers.
Christy says
Aww thank you, Kathy!! I’m so glad you like how they turned out!! XOXO
Valerie says
I absolutely adore this set. You always do an amazing job, but the colors on this one are just beautiful.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Valerie! This one was so enjoyable to work on! XOXO
Cecilia says
Oh Christy! This turned out so beautifully. I love the transfer – it’s so soft and pretty. I’d love to sit at this sweet table while I got ready for my day. The chair was a great find too! You wouldn’t know they never went together before. Love this!
❤️Cecilia
Christy says
Thank you, Cecilia! I really loved this transfer when I first saw and knew I had just the piece for it. And yes, the chair couldn’t have worked out better! Have a great weekend! XOXO
Sue says
Such a lovely transformation in white, the transfers make this dressing table and chairs timeless!
Christy says
Thank you, Sue! Can you tell I really enjoyed this one?? 😀 XOXO
Charleen says
That is GORGEOUS. Love this makeover esp,the wildflower look of the transfer. You always do a lovely job on whatever you do. Have a blessed day.
Christy says
Aww I appreciate that so much, Charleen, thank you! I really enjoyed this one! XOXO
Denise Zdziennicki says
This set turned out super sweet Christy! Pinned XOXO
Christy says
Thank you so much, my beautiful friend! XOXO
Mariah says
All I can say is what a difference! And a beautiful one at that. Loving the new transfers too. Also excited for Tuesday to see the smalls, I think they are my favorites, until I see something like today’s makeover. Thanks for sharing.
Christy says
Thank you, Mariah! I’m getting started on my smalls today woohoo…they are fun for me too! XOXO
Mary Smart says
Wow, this set turned out beautiful! Any girl would love that in her bedroom.
Christy says
Thank you, Mary!! XOXO
Marcie Lovett says
I definitely would have kept walking past that Early American vanity but you knew that paint, decal and knobs could turn it into something special, Christy. That chair definitely was a lucky find to pair with it!
Christy says
Thank you, Marcie! Sometimes you just never know, but I had high hopes lol! I’m tickled to pieces that they worked out well! XOXO
Cyndi says
This is such a pretty update to both pieces! I LOVE this transfer (and have ordered it from you. 🙂 And I agree with you about wiping on the sealer from the side, pulling it toward you. It helps! I did want to ask about the fact that you didn’t use BOSS before painting this. How do you know if it’s a bleeder or not???
Christy says
Thank you, Cyndi! Yay! It is such a pretty transfer…I love that it adds so much but is still kind of neutral. And yes, it tool me years to learn that tip about the sealer lol. As for knowing when to BOSS, it is generally the older pieces with red stains/woods like cherry and mahogany that will give you trouble. Also, the really old oak pieces also. If you are unsure, just start painting. The great thing about BOSS is that after you start painting, if you get the dreaded bleed through, you can then add a coat of BOSS. Let it dry at least 24 hours and then paint again. XOXO
Hannah Reyor says
I would buy that it a heartbeat! Love the decal and the way you used it in various areas! Great work!!!💕
Christy says
Aww yay! Thank you, Hannah!! I will use this one again for sure! XOXO
Kim Wollmer says
The desk and chair turned out amazing! The transfer is beautiful and adds just the right touch. Another great job!
Christy says
Thank you, Kim! I’m so glad you like it! XOXO
Janice Holt says
I knew this dressing table would turn out so pretty, especially after seeing the chair Tues. Somebody will be lucky to get these. Have a great week-end.
Christy says
Thank you, Janice! The lines on the chair were just perfect for the table. Enjoy your weekend too! XOXO
Nana Diana says
It’s absolutely perfect!!!! xo Diana
Christy says
Thank you so much, Diana! XOXO
Caye Cooper says
Oh my gosh Christy, this is just stunning in its simplicity. That’ll go out of the booth as fast as it came in, for sure! Great job as always! pinned
Have a stellar weekend. OOXX
Christy says
Thanks so much, Caye! I hope so! You as well! XOXO
Connie Ridley says
I always love your work – basic but somehow elaborate too. Do you have the name of the mould you used for the back plate? I have the perfect place to put one : )
Christy says
Thank you so much, Connie! The mould I used is called Soho Fusion and you can find it in my shop here: https://theserialdiyer.etsy.com/listing/1723045013/soho-fusion-redesign-decor-mould XOXO
Robin says
Such a breezy floral set. It should get snapped up in a heartbeat!
Christy says
Thank you, Robin! I always welcome a quick sale! XOXO
Geri says
Absolutely beautiful!! As always you seem to bring back the beauty of a piece! Thank you for sharing your finished pieces.
Christy says
Thank you, Geri! I appreciate that, and I am so glad you enjoy them! XOXO
Michele M. says
Love love love love loooooooove this set. It’s absolutely gorgeous. Oh what a lucky gal to get this set. I am already jealous of her. (Or him I guess but seriously it’s going to be a she.) WELL DONE, Christy.
Christy says
Thank you, Michele! I wish I could keep it, but I will enjoy it looking cute in my booth while it lasts lol! XOXO
Jeanne says
Great job! Vanity looks so much better painted. I’ll have to try the molds. It was a nice addition.
Christy says
Thank you, Jeanne! It was also awesome not having to fill the hardware holes since the resin piece covered them right up! XOXO
Karen Moore says
Beautiful dressing table. It took me down memory lane. As a teenager in the 60’s I had one that was similar.
Christy says
Thank you, Karen! I always wanted one! XOXO
Shelly says
I was shocked when I opened my email with this dressing table. I have the exact dressing table that I bought years ago at a yard sale. I’ve almost gotten rid of it several times, because I didn’t know what to do with it. I love what you’ve done. It’s pretty and sweet. I can’t wait to try this.
Christy says
Oh yay!! I’m so glad you didn’t get rid of it! Paint alone did wonders for it. Thank you, Shelly! XOXO
Josee says
Just lovely. You have outdone yourself!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Josee! XOXO