Hello amazing friends and welcome to Furniture Fixer Upper Day! I’ve got a fabulous painted empire dresser to share with you today! It was far from fabulous when I got it though…definitely a fixer upper!
Be sure to look out for three more furniture flips from my friends at the end of this post!
Painted Empire Dresser
Here is how this beast of a dresser started:
Over a year ago, one of my dearest friends reached out to me to ask if I was interested in this dresser that her boyfriend was getting rid of.
In the picture, it looked to be in decent shape and it didn’t look nearly as large as it is in person. I rarely turn down free antiques, so I said of course!
When she was getting ready to deliver it, she mentioned that he was asking $75 for it.
Oh. Y’all know I’m cheap, right?
I’m not a huge fan of empire style furniture, so had I known it would cost me, I probably would have declined, but seeing how it turned out in the end, I’m glad now that I bought it!
The Trouble with this dresser
This dresser had issues that cannot be seen in one cell phone photo. It had missing, loose, and cracked veneer all over and the lovely aroma of a 100 year old musty dresser.
I’ve included a few affiliate links so you can find the products I love.
Don’t shy away from a piece like this. All the issues do have solutions. You just have to take it one step at a time.
Remove/Repair Veneer
The first thing I did was tackle all the veneer issues.
The drawer fronts appeared to be gorgeous wood, but it was just veneer and was warping and splitting across the larger two drawers:
There was no real way to save that, so it had to go.
The same goes for the smaller drawers across the top…
Some of the veneer came off easily, but to remove the more stubborn areas, I laid old towels on those places and poured water over the towels until they were soaked.
I left them to sit like that overnight…
The next morning, I was able to pull the veneer off in large pieces.
The side panel was just loose, and I was able to glue that back in place with wood glue. I clamped it to secure it until it was dry:
Clean
Next up was a good cleaning!
This thing was so dirty, especially inside the cavity of the dresser which was filled with dust. I vacuumed that up with my shop vac before cleaning the rest with White Lightning using a terry cloth pad:
Just look at that water!
I mixed one TBSP of White Lightning with a half gallon of warm water to clean, and then swapped out the water for clean water and wiped everything down once more. It preps your furniture beautifully!
White Lightning is a degreaser and deglosser so gloves are recommended.
Fill the holes
Next up, I filled a couple of areas that needed filling and the holes where the original knobs had been since they were huge compared to what I would need for the new pulls I found.
To do that, I enlisted the help of Dixie Mud:
I let that dry overnight to be sure it was good and dry.
Sand
Then I sanded using my rotary sander, starting with the top:
I had plans to stain the top.
Then I moved onto the drawers until everything was nice and smooth where the veneer once was.
I vacuumed up all the sanding dust with my shop vac and wiped everything down with a clean soft cloth.
Tackling that wonderful musty aroma
Next, it was time to tame that smell.
To get rid of that musty odor, I got out my clear BOSS and got to work brushing it onto every surface of the inside cavity of this dresser:
BOSS works SO GOOD on odors, y’all! But you have to cover all the surfaces that won’t be painted. It will seal in all those nasty odors.
This is water based, so NO STRONG ODORS like shellac. The clear BOSS likes to separate over time, but just give it a good shake before using.
Paint
I chose Dixie Belle’s Caviar for this piece which is a true, perfect black that I applied with my Dixie Belle Mini brush (although the mini angle is my favorite!):
I gave everything two coats.
I stained the top originally but I had a change of heart once it was done. I chose Walnut stain, but wanted a much lighter look than what I got:
It doesn’t look too bad here but, it is actually much darker and more red in person. It just felt way to heavy and masculine for the look I wanted and definitely not enough contrast against the black.
I ended up letting it sit for three days and then painted over it in the Caviar. Good thing I started this thing early!
Sand
Chalk paint has a bit of texture to it, but just the lightest sanding with 220 grit sandpaper all over will make it super smooth. I like to wrap it around an old foam sanding sponge to make it easier to handle.
I did that here being sure to hit the edges a bit more as I love the look of wood coming through the black.
I sanded the drawers also and then vacuumed up any sanding dust with my shop vac once again:
Don’t be scared that your finish now looks like a gray nightmare!
The sealer will make it sing again, I promise!
I wiped the surface again with a clean, soft cloth to remove any lingering dust.
Transfer time
Y’all know I had to bust out a transfer for this dresser and I found just the one!
This is Flower Collector:
Because my dresser was super wide, I cut the transfer apart and used it a bit differently than it is laid out just to make it a bit wider at the top.
See all those marks left from burnishing the transfer? Those will all disappear when you seal.
After adding this transfer, I pulled out another…the White Magnolia Mini Transfer:
You can keep adding and layering these any way you like! I ended up using one whole set and about a half of another on this large piece.
Seal
Finally, it was time to seal this thing!
With darker pieces, you can get a “ghosting” effect when you rub you finger over the final surface.
To prevent that, I added a just a drop or two of the Caviar to my Satin Clear Coat. (I actually dipped my stir stick into the Caviar a bit and then stirred it right into the Clear Coat, but that would be equal to about two drops…just enough to tint the Clear Coat.)
I used a blue sponge applicator to apply it…
Cutting one edge of the sponge makes it easy to get right up against flat edges like the tops of dressers.
Are you ready to see how this heavy, masculine empire dresser turned out??
Much better!!
I have been putting off this makeover for so long because I knew the work involved, but I am so thrilled to finally have it done!
Looking at it now, it was a steal for $75! I really need to stop being so dang cheap!
And although this isn’t my favorite style of furniture, the curvy details are so striking in this sleek black…
One thing I love about this white magnolia transfer is that I was afraid the white magnolias wouldn’t be so white over the black, but they stayed nice and bright…
And how about that gorgeous hardware?
The top didn’t have pulls originally, but these glass ones were just perfect and really fit the style of this dresser:
They were originally more of a dark bronze color, but I wanted gold.
Gold Gilding Wax to the rescue!
For the larger drawers, I needed something very large and these were just what I was looking for!
I found both styles of pulls at Hobby Lobby.
The Drawers
The drawers rarely go untouched and these needed some love, so the smaller drawers got painted in Silk Endless Shore:
I did get bleed through after the first coat.
Silk paint is supposed to have a built-in primer, so I tested it by applying another coat and leaving it to dry overnight on just one drawer.
The other two, I applied white BOSS, and the next day, I painted all three again. The two with the BOSS did great, but the one with three coats of Silk still had slight bleed-through. Next time, I’ll stick to what I know works!
I used some of the White Magnolia transfer on the larger middle drawer:
Silk paint is awesome for the insides of drawers. They are usually raw wood, so no sanding needed and it does not require a topcoat.
The two larger drawers were painted in Caviar and I used some of the Flower Collector transfer on one of them:
I love this transfer!
I sell this one a lot and so I’ve been wanting to try it myself.
I still have a few lines of it left.
I hope you enjoyed this one! What do you think about painting the stained top black instead? Was it the right decision?
Don’t forget my friends have more makeovers for you to see today!
And I am SO excited to cross this one off the list!!!
See anything you might have missed at these links:
Neutral Rocker Makeover
Pink Painted Night Table
Mass-Produced Shelf Makeover
Repurposed Cabinet Door
Oak Drop-Leaf Table Makeover
Child’s Rocker Makeover
Vintage Banker’s Chair Makeover
Terra Clay Paint Case Makeover
Tea Kettle Makeover
Tray Update with Stencils
Painting the Smalls #18
How to Turn a Spindle Bed into a Bench
Dated Shelf Makeover
80’s Clock Repurposed
Stenciled Demilune Table
DIY Fabric Lamp Shades & $5 Thrift Store Lamps
Thrift Store Dresser Makeover
If you enjoyed today’s makeover, you’ll enjoy this one too:
I’ll be back this weekend with my inside Halloween tour mwah ha ha!
UPDATE: Join our skeleton dinner party HERE now!
If Halloween isn’t your thing, jump to my next thrifty makeover HERE!
Also!! I added a bunch more clearance inventory to my ON SALE section in my Etsy shop if you’re looking to save on transfers, stencils, or decoupage paper!
Have a fantastic rest of the week, friends!
XOXO,
Don’t Miss a Thing!
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Meg Habasevich says
Christy
That is one of the most stunning pieces I believe you have ever refinished.
Well done my friend!
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Meg!! XOXO
Denise Cox says
Dang girl!!! You blow my mind with your creativity!!! It’s gorgeous… and I’m a ” color ” person. But, you have a way with that ” Caviar” friend of yours. The drop drawer pulls/magnolia stencil looked great with this piece. And the inside of the drawers looked sooo pretty as well!!
Now, admittedly, I think I would have liked it with the Walnut(?) finish on top as well. Maybe you can find another piece to do that with.
Question: I was surprised to read that there was veneer 100 yrs.ago???
Christy says
I appreciate that so much, Denise! Thank you! Black isn’t a color I normally choose for myself either, but I do love creating with it. It is really fun to bring all the elements together! I’m glad I went with the black, but I am a bit curious how the stained top would have turned out. And yes…veneer goes back to the 1800s and I believe veneer was hand carved back then? XOXO
Sherrie says
I’m just seeing any of Christy’s pieces and I was seriously impressed!
Christy says
Thank you, Sherrie! I’m so glad you found me! XOXO
Robin Stephens says
Christy, your work is simply jaw dropping! I am always amazed at how detailed you are and how meticulously you rework a piece. This is no exception. A couple of complimentary words will not do it. Wow. I’m blown away! 🤷🏼♀️
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Robin! I truly appreciate that! XOXO
Janie Hayes says
Beautiful transformation!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Janie! XOXO
Julie A. Henry says
I WOULD PASS RIGHT BY THIS STYLE OF FURNITURE….BUT THIS IS GORGEOUS!!! I LOVE IT!!! AND PAINTING THE TOP….GOOD IDEA!
Christy says
Right?? Me too! I’m not a fan at all, but this piece might have changed my mind ha ha! Thank you, Julie! XOXO
Janette says
To say I am gobsmacked would be an understatement, I was so worried as to how this would turn out, I am so so glad you kept the style of it and yet gave it new life, its stunning, its so beautiful. I should stop now as I am just so excited by it and wish I was nearer and had room for it.xx
Christy says
Aww thank you SO much, Janette! I don’t know why I took so long to tackle this one, but it was sure worth the effort! I’m so glad you like it! XOXO
Constance says
This is beautiful !!! You did yourself proud,on this one!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Constance! XOXO
Karen Lee Rogers says
Stunning dresser Makeover !
Christy says
Thank you, Karen Lee! XOXO
Kimberly O'Donoghue says
this is absolutely stunning just one quick question I had always thought you had to seal before putting a transfer on? Yours took perfectly, so I guess not necessarily?
Christy says
Thank you so much, Kimberly!! Nope, you can go right to applying your transfer. 🙂 XOXO
Kathy from Jax says
This is beautiful. Definitely no regrets and the transfer really is lovely on it. You’re definitely getting that list checked off! I’m going to check out what your friends are up to today. Have a great weekend. Hope your weather is beautiful. Ours has been a little hot for this time of year.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Kathy! Yes, I am just over the halfway point on this haul woohoo! Enjoy your weekend too…it is lovely here today! XOXO
Elise says
Excellent tutorial. I actually love the lines of empire period pieces, but veneer issues are a common problem.
Christy says
Thank you, Elise! This piece might have changed my mind about this style! XOXO
Mary Beth says
Wow, Christy! This turned out absolutely beautiful.
Christy says
Thanks so much, Mary Beth! XOXO
Janice Holt says
I first thought this dresser was not worth what you gave for it but after you finished with it, I changed my mind. It turned out great. I’m glad you painted the top instead of staining it. The transfers and knobs are perfect. Another great job. My granddaughter enjoyed seeing your Halloween decorations yesterday. Have a great week-end.
Christy says
Ha ha me too! I was really bummed about having to pay for it, but so glad I did now! Thank you, Janice! I’m glad to hear she enjoyed the spooky tour! XOXO
Darlene says
Awesome work, Christy!!! Lovely piece!!!
Is it OK if I tell you again that this is my absolute favorite blog??? You have truly inspired me over and over again! I especially appreciate the pics and step by step and helpful information… Have a lovely day!
Christy says
Aww I appreciate that more than you know, Darlene! Thank you so much!! XOXO
Diana Cosgrove says
Christie … Absolutely beautiful … I love the gold on black… and those crystal draw pulls are gorgeous! You’re amazing!
Diana
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Diana! XOXO
Deb says
I am so used to you transforming with coastal colors and that is why I am drawn to your work.
But this……..I would have never guessed in a 1000
years how beautiful it would be in black.
You outdid yourself.
I would be curious to see how long it lasts in your booth……please let us know.
Christy says
I’m glad I can surprise you once in a while ha ha! Thank you, Deb! I don’t usually choose black for my own home, but I do love creating with it! I’ll keep y’all posted when it sells! XOXO
Lorri says
Oh my Word!!! This dresser turned out marvelous 😍 There is something about the Caviar paint..it makes the piece so elegant looking. The extra touches in the drawers are beautiful. Someone is going to be very lucky to get this piece. ❤
Christy says
Thank you so much, Lorri! I totally agree…the Caviar adds instant elegance! XOXO
Lorna Carrara says
Omgosh, another winner! I love love the transfer! And the black too is great. Gives the transfers a great backdrop. I think the stained too would have added another visual in the mix, so I like ot black…you did it again!!!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Lorna! I agree about the stained top…I do think it may have been too much! XOXO
Molly Jo says
I liked the stained top and the painted version. With the edges worn the stained top would pop but then with the added transfers the black top did not detract from them. Either way this is a winner.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Molly Jo! I think painting the top was the way to go, but I am a bit curious how the stained top would have looked too! XOXO
Val says
What a beautiful transformation! If I lived close by, I would be the first in line to purchase it.
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Val! XOXO
Peggy says
Gor-geousssssssssssssssssss!! 🎵
Christy says
Thank you, Peggy!! XOXO
Cecilia from Georgia says
Christy! How beautiful! I think your dresser looks perfect with the painted top! I just painted Mirage on 2 small side tables and it is a gorgeous color. I love the silk paint but it did take 3 coats for full coverage; darker colors need more sometimes. It has a bit of a sheen so I will add a top coat for a better look. Have a great Halloween week! XOXO
Christy says
Thank you, Cecilia! I’m glad I went with the black on top. I love Mirage and need to try it myself! Did you ever paint your hutch? Happy Halloween week to you to! XOXO
Jan says
Yep. If I were around the neighborhood shopping well done antiques, that would be one SOLD piece of furniture!
Christy says
Aww yay! Thank you so much, Jan! XOXO
Geraldine Hanrahan says
Beautiful work… good for you getting this accomplished…
Christy says
Thank you, Geraldine! I do feel accomplished for sure ha ha! XOXO
Lisa says
WOW! Just Gorgeous!!
Christy says
Thank you, Lisa! XOXO
Gin says
Stunning!
Did you add one or two drops of caviar to the clear coat?
Christy says
Thank you, Gin! I actually dipped my paint stirrer into the Caviar and then into the Clear Coat and stirred. XOXO
Denise - Salvaged Inspirations says
lovely aroma, eh?😂 I’ve only worked on a few of these empires as I don’t find them around the Toronto area very often but they ARE BEASTS! Kudo’s to you for doing such an amazing job on this one. It’s ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS Christy! XOXO
Christy says
Thank you so much, my beautiful friend! This was a beast for sure and that smell wasn’t playing around lol! SO glad it is done!! XOXO
Mary Smart says
Christy, another masterpiece! This may be one of my favorites that you have ever done. When they came out with these beautiful transfers it just started a whole new way of doing furniture.
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Mary! I’m so glad you like it! And yes, transfers opened a whole new door! XOXO
Sharon L Austin says
That turned out cool! And that clear coat looked blue when you photographed it-I was like WHAT is happening here!? Then it turns out completely black when dry; mind blown. I would want it back now if I was your friend! LOL
Christy says
Thank you, Sharon! Ha ha yes…it does appear blue as it is going on. I don’t know if she’s seen it yet, but she just might! XOXO
Amanda says
Wow! This transformation is totally amazing!! Great work, Christy!!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Amanda! XOXO
Cyndi says
GOR-GEOUS! And thanks for the tips on what works and what doesn’t. I know I’ll be referring back to this post as I work on my own pieces!
P.S. How’s your back now???
Christy says
Thank you so much, Cyndi!! I’m glad this was helpful. And thank you for asking…my back is great! I was even able to play tennis today yay!! XOXO
Cyndi says
👏👍
Michele M. says
Oh my word, Christy!!!! It is absolutely stunning now! You worked so hard to make it THAT perfect. Oh, it is fabulous in every way. Love love love it.
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Michele! It was definitely worth all the effort! XOXO
Fran Blunt says
Christy – once again you hit another out of the ballpark! This is so inspiring. I have a black piece that has been in limbo due to structure issues. This makes me want to get back to it.
Christy says
Aww I appreciate that so much, Fran! Yes, go tackle that piece lol! You’ll be glad you did! 🙂 XOXO
Karen Moore says
That is gorgeous!!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Karen! XOXO
Gloria Stage says
Wow! I love that dresser. The black paint did the trick. It brought out all those magnificent details and the transfers were exactly what it needed to dress it up a bit. Like you, I would have passed this piece up had I seen it at a thrift store. But you brought it back to a beautiful piece and I know someone will be proud to have it in their home.
Christy says
Thank you, Gloria! I might not be so quick to pass another up, but I’ll have to forget all the work involved first lol! XOXO
Cyndel says
Every time you go with Caviar I’m blown away by the result. This is a beautiful piece! Question: How much of what shade of paint did you add to what quantity of Clear Coat to eliminate the ghosting effect without tinting the white magnolias? P.S. Very gracious handling of the “He’s asking $75” surprise.
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Cyndel! I just dipped my paint stir stick into the Caviar and then into the small bowl of Clear Coat and stirred it up. It doesn’t have to be much at all, just enough to tint the Clear Coat. And ha ha…I’m just so dang cheap, so I wasn’t expecting that lol! XOXO
Niki says
Wow! I really like this one Christy! That caviar color is one of my favorites, and magnolias are one of my favorite flowers as well. I wish I had the time and money to put in a big paint order……😔.
Christy says
Thank you, Niki! Caviar is one of my favorites to create with for sure! Stay tuned because I am having an Etsy shop giveaway for my TEN year blogiversary starting Tuesday!! XOXO
Meredith Gesterkamp says
Oh my. Really worth buy. It turns out beautiful. You cover the old very well.
I love your work. Very inspiring.
Keep on the good work.
Lots of love
Christy says
I appreciate that so much, Meredith, thank you! It really was worth the money in the end! XOXO
MrsSW says
Good morning, Christy – to my eye everything you did to the dresser is perfect. Solid black was a great choice, as were the transfers. Even though it’s a heavy piece your update keeps it from appearing clunky.
Its hard to get a feel for the size – about how high is the dresser?
This piece should sell quickly.
Sheila
Christy says
Thank you so much, Sheila! Its 35″H X 56″ long X 25″ deep, so it is quite large. Hoping for a quick sale, but if not, it will be pretty in my booth lol! XOXO
MrsSW says
That is large.
Probably a good thing I don’t live close – this one would really tempt me in spite of the fact I’m a “pastel” person.
Sheila
Christy says
It is very large! It would make a gorgeous buffet for a dining space with a huge mirror above! XOXO
Rhonda Storey says
Oh Christy! This dresser is STUNNING!! I wish I lived near you, cause I would be bringing it home with me. Lol! You are so good at all the detail work!! Can’t wait to see what you do next. 😁😁
Christy says
Thank you so much, Rhonda! Aww that would be awesome! I appreciate your kind words so much! XOXO
Tetesa says
The piece turned out beautifully, but with the addition of the flowers, I wouldn’t call it “masculine”. Nice work on a labor intensive piece!
Christy says
Thank you so much! I agree…I think the flowers give it just a touch of femininity! XOXO
Lizzy says
This is a gorgeous piece. Beautiful work.
Christy says
Thanks so much, Lizzy! XOXO
Lily says
Wow! What a beauty!! Ty so much. Quick question please, does putting a couple of drops of the paint to clear coat affect the look of the transfer at all? I would think it blurs it a little bit looking at it close? TIA!!
Christy says
Thank you, Lily! The paint didn’t affect the transfer at all. You are only adding enough to tint the Clear Coat. 🙂 XOXO
Denise says
I can’t believe it is the same dresser! The work you put into that piece of furniture is truly amazing and the results are stunning. How you envisioned the end product is unbelievable. Thank you so much for sharing your hard work! That dresser is beautiful!!
Christy says
Right?? I can hardly believe it myself ha ha! Thank you SO much, Denise! XOXO
Hilary says
Christy, when you say to add a drop or two of paint to the sealer do you mean the black paint? I’m confused by the picture of what looks like blue? Maybe I read that all wrong!
Beautiful piece for sure
Christy says
Thank you, Hilary! Yes…I meant the Caviar. I actually dipped my stir stick into the paint a bit and stirred it right into the Clear Coat…just enough to tint it. It does look a bit blue lol. XOXO
Tracy says
Absolutely gorgeous! If that doesn’t sell in your booth right away I will be surprised. Stunning!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Tracy! Hoping for a quick sale…it’s huge lol! XOXO
Linda says
Beautiful! Really like how this turned out!
Christy says
Thank you Linda! XOXO
Laura F says
Amazing transformation! That is a show-stopper for sure!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Laura! XOXO
Marcie Lovett says
What a lot of work, Christy! Especially since you weren’t expecting it. I wouldn’t call it cheap, you have to make a profit after all you do to make it look so good.
I prefer all paint, not a huge fan of the wood/paint combo, but it looks like it would have been nice either way. Of course, you’re seeing the actual color, which might be very different from the photo. It turned out to be a beauty, a far cry from the hulking behemoth it started out as, and would look great in so many rooms.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Marcie! And appreciate you making me not feel like such a cheapo lol! But yes, when you’re trying to make a profit, every bit counts! I’m glad I went with all black also. Have a fantastic weekend! XOXO
Caye Cooper says
Oh my goodness, that is just simply beautiful! I mean, EVERYTHING including the drawer pulls is just simply lovely! BUT, what a huge job that was to fix and then clean and treat before getting to the fun part! Wow. He should have paid you to take it off his hands!! That was a hot mess for sure. But of course, you made it gorgeous in the end which is what you do.
Christy says
I appreciate that so much, Caye, thank you!! I am so glad you like how it came out. It was a lot more work than I anticipated, but maybe that made the end result so much more worth it! XOXO
Lani says
That turned out fantastic! It caught my eye as I have a piece similar in my daughter’s old room that needs to be refinished. It also has a mirror attached to it. We’re moving in a couple of years, so am going to wait until we do so to try my hand at painting it. I’m sure going to remember this post!
Christy says
Thank you, Lani! I was curious if this piece originally had a mirror. Glad I could give you an idea for yours! XOXO
Ellen Shook says
I think this one is your magnum opus! I would have to keep it if it were me.
Christy says
Aww I love that, Ellen, thank you so much!! I am trying hard to find a place for it lol! XOXO
Anita says
What a fitting way to describe this incredible piece of work!
Christy says
Aww thank you, Anita! XOXO
Constance Colvin says
Oh my gosh Christy! This is soooooooooooo beautiful! 🤩😮😍
Christy says
Thank you so much, Connie!! XOXO
Jen @ Girl in the Garage says
So gorgeous, Christy!! I love a sexy stained wood top, but that would’ve totally changed the style of this dresser and made it masculine. It looks perfect now. 🖤
Christy says
Thanks so much, my dear friend! I was afraid the wood would be too masculine…glad I went with paint! XOXO
Vicki says
You truly turned this beast into a beauty! I think the black top looks great and the hardware and transfer is gorgeous! Curious since you didn’t prime before painting, is bleed through not usually an issue with darker colors in general or just black? I have a very old drum table that is stained dark reddish brown and I’m thinking of painting it Antebellum Blue. I would like to also distress to reveal some of the stain. Do you think it’s dark enough or should I use clear boss first?
Christy says
Thank you so much, Vicki! I’m glad I went with paint for the top for sure. I can’t speak for all dark colors, but for sure with black there are no issues with bleed-through since you can’t see it. IF I were you, I would go ahead and paint since you can always clear BOSS over the paint if you see bleed-though. Then just wait overnight before adding a second coat of paint. I hope that helps! XOXO
dodie says
MY, MY, MY!!! Is that incredibly high-end gorgeous!!! WOW!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Dodie! XOXO
Carroll Xavier says
Gorgeous! Love the curves, the color, the transfer, and the flowers…total perfection. Awesome job 🙂
Christy says
Thank you so much, Carroll! XOXO
Mary says
Finished piece photo took my breath away! Just beautiful! I, too, would be first in line to buy if I didn’t live across the country! Well done, Christy! Well done!
Christy says
Aww I love that reaction, Mary! I’m so glad you like it! Thank you! XOXO
Addie says
From nightmare to beauty!!!! I always love the black pieces. I am hoping next week’s is also black with lettering!!!
Have a good weekend……they keep coming faster!!!! xoxo
Christy says
Thank you, Addie!! I’m a sucker for the black pieces too! Happy weekend! XOXO
Jodena Beale says
Just gorgeous. Sooo pretty.
Christy says
Thank you, Jodena! XOXO
Cheryl Atkinson says
Hi Christy! I have never painted an empire but I think they are beautiful. Black was the perfect color and the transfer looks great. I didn’t know that you put on your transfers before sealing. Black is a hard one to seal for me. I usually use hemp oil so yes, I would put the transfer on first. I think the only black dresser I did didn’t have a transfer. It was a beautiful piece. It took a while to sell though.. great job!!
Christy says
Thank you, Cheryl! I have done one previously many years ago but I usually pass on them. I do think the black really highlights the pretty curves of these pieces though! And yep, I put my transfers right over the paint. A light hand withe sponge really helps with sealing and applying in nice and straight even lines. Hemp oil does a lovely job though! XOXO
Rose Lefebvre says
Okay girl, you have done it again! I would have dismissed this piece as a lost cause! Definitely improved, vastly!
Christy says
Thank you so much, my friend! I would have definitely passed on this one if I saw it at the thrift store lol! XOXO
Cecilia says
Oh my, what a huge difference! Painting the top was a good decision. I actually like it now; like you I’m not a huge fan of that furniture style but you managed to tame the beast and turn it into a beauty. The transfers and pulls are perfect!
😍Cecilia
Christy says
Thank you, Cecilia! I agree with you…the paint and transfer combination gave it a really pretty new look and feel! I’m still not sure I would take on another in the future unless it was free ha ha! XOXO
Chantal says
Such beautiful work! I always enjoy your creativity and how you bring out the unique character of a piece. Thanks for sharing and inspiring with your amazing ideas. Can you share with us where you sell your pieces? I have checked out your shop but I know that is a bit different! x
Christy says
Thank you so much, Chantal! I’m so glad you enjoy what I share! I sell all my finished pieces in my booth here in Virginia Beach in a local antique mall. XOXO
Teri Ronk says
Gorgeous makeover!!!! Love ❤️ ❤️ ❤️
Christy says
Aww thank you SO much, Teri, and thank you for stopping by my blog…what a nice surprise!! XOXO
Mara says
Do you think the gold transfer will show up on a white dresser? (It looks gorgeous on black.)
Christy says
Thank you, Mara! Absolutely! They will both be stunning on white! XOXO
Val says
Hi Christy, this is stunning! I´m not a empire style fan neither, but this dresser turned out absolutely awsome! a statement piece! and the dark color was a bold choise that worked out perfectly! Enjoy the week end!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Val! It’s funny how paint and a few embellishments can totally change the look of a piece! Happy weekend to you as well! XOOX
Kathy Owen says
Christy, You always go all out on a project and it’s worth it. One of my favorites, Kathy
Christy says
Aww I appreciate that so much, my friend! I hope you are on the mend! XOXO
Donna says
Like everyone else here, I am blown away by how gorgeous this turned out! Wow. I have a question though, about the “ghosting” you mentioned with black, and how a little blue paint helped that. Can you clarify a little? Or maybe show it sometime on another piece of furniture. 😊
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Donna! I did go back and clarify in the post as a few others had questions also. I apologize for not being more clear. I actually just added a little of the Caviar. It does appear blue in the bowl, but that’s because I only added enough to tint the Clear Coat. I hope that clarifies things! You can see it better on this piece: https://www.confessionsofaserialdiyer.com/antique-night-table-makeover/ XOXO
Mary Haney says
This piece is exquisite. Normally I think it’s a sin to paint solid wood furniture (even though it had veneer). My father did woodworking and built many pieces in our home. We all have a great respect for wood. But this piece is so classic. You have excellent skills.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Mary! I definitely have less guilt painting wood when it is in very poor condition ha ha! XOXO
susan says
Christy, it’s absolutely beautiful!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Susan! XOXO
Robin says
Well, it clearly is no longer an ugly duckling. I just can’t believe ‘are you interested?’ turned out to be $75 as an “after thought” from a good friend???? Even though you did a fabulous makeover – for that price…nah. P.S. my ‘good friend’ would have heard my after thought, immediately. Just sayin’.
Christy says
Thank you, Robin! I hear ya…I was pretty bummed about paying for something in such poor condition for sure, but the end result definitely made up for it lol! XOXO
Karen says
I do not have the words to express how much I love this piece!
Christy says
Aww I love that reaction, Karen, thank you!! XOXO
Anita says
Just fabulous, Christy! Right down to the very last detail. When you first pulled out the magnolia transfers, I thought that was going to be too much, until the reveal. The brightness of the magnolias really make this piece so special and add a perfect counterpoint to the black. And the pulls/knobs are perfect. I love everything you do, but I really love what you do with black! Thank you for sharing!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Anita! I am so glad you love the final result! I hear ya with the magnolia transfer…I myself took a leap of faith there because you just don’t know how it will look in the end lol. Glad it worked out though! XOXO
Stormee says
This transformation is by far my favorite! I really appreciate your attention to details, from painting the inside of the drawers (and the transfers there) to sealing the inside of the dresser to get rid of the 100 year old smell.
Fantastic job. This is a piece that I wouldn’t think twice about purchasing if I lived in your area. I would be very surprised if doesn’t sell quickly.
Christy says
I am so glad you love this one, Stormee! Thank you so much! I wish you were closer! XOXO
Cheryl says
OMG Christy! This is my favorite piece you’ve ever done. And I have a LOT of favorites! You are unbelievably talented!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Cheryl! I truly appreciate that! XOXO
Jeanne says
I loved your other black dresser so much, I didn’t think you could top it. Well, since I also love empire dressers (sorry), this is my new fav. It came out fantastic and you have given me the boost I needed to attack a “lion” buffet I have had waiting to work on. Thanks and keep up the inspiring work. It doesn’t go unnoticed.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Jeanne! I’m so glad you love the outcome of this one! And this piece seriously made me think twice about the Empire style…it paints up so nicely! Good luck with your buffet! XOXO
Carolyn Nared says
Hi I luv everything about the furniture and projects you do. Your talent and creativity is amazing. Thank you for sharing with us.
Dr. Nared
Christy says
I appreciate that so much, Dr. Nared, thank you!! XOXO