Can I tell you how happy I am that you’re here?? Thank you, amazing friends, for stopping by today! I’ve got a painted pine dresser to share with you that I got for a steal!
Before we get to it, if you received a “Thanks for subscribing” type email from me this weekend but have been with me for years, that was indeed me. When I switched to my current email delivery service several years ago, I created a welcome email that would automatically send to any new subscribers. Except, I realized over the weekend that I never published it, so no one ever received it lol. I went ahead and hit publish to make it active this weekend, and everyone got it ha ha! But just so you all know, I am STILL so happy to have you following along with me, and I appreciate you so much! ❤️
Ok let’s get to it, shall we?
Here is today’s project piece:
And what a project piece it turned out to be!
It looks small like a nightstand there to me, but it is a full sized dresser. They were originally asking $34.95 for it, but it had been marked down to just $24.92:
That was a fantastic deal for this solid wood dresser, but…it had this…
It was pretty much like that on most of the top.
The outside was rough, but the interior was pristine on this well-made American Drew piece, so I chose not to do anything more than clean the inside:
I’ve included a few affiliate links so you can find the products I love.
Clean
I started with a good cleaning with my favorite paint prep cleaner, White Lightning:
This piece needed a good cleaning for sure! it was very sticky in places and although I planned to sand, I didn’t want to grind that into the surface. I mixed one TBSP of White Lightning into a half gallon of warm water and used these applicator pads to do the job.
Be sure to swap out your dirty water for clean water and wipe everything down once more to remove any residue. (I discard my dirty water into the toilet, so that it can be diluted and disposed of properly.)
Sand
I used my orbital sander for this job, starting with 100 grit sandpaper, and finishing with 220 grit…
I was working on our front porch as we had guys working under our house who had to access that area through the garage. To contain the dust, I hooked my sander right up to my shop vac using a little Gorilla Tape:
It worked great at sucking up the excess dust!
Many of the dings and scratches on the top were too deep to sand away, so I pulled out my Dixie Mud and got to work:
I told y’all the top was in bad shape!
Once that was dry, I sanded once more to smooth out the Mud using 100 grit sandpaper.
Vacuum any remaining Dust
I removed any remaining dust using my shop vac, followed by a good wipe down with a clean cloth and prepping this piece was complete!
Prime the Knots in the Pine
The next step in this pine dresser makeover was to prime those knots, so they didn’t bleed through a couple of months down the road.
I did that using Bonding BOSS in white, applying it with my Mini Angle brush:
I went ahead and primed the whole thing because I wanted some white to show through my final paint coat. Then I let it dry for 24 hours so it could do its thing!
Paint
To paint this piece, I chose Yankee Blue by Dixie Belle, once again using my Mini Angle brush:
This color is a great seller!
Sand
I wanted a very relaxed coastal feel for this piece, so I only gave it ONE coat of paint. Then I sanded all over by hand using 220 grit sandpaper wrapped around and old sanding sponge, hitting all the raised areas where it would normally wear:
I tried to use a very light hand on the edges as to not take it too far down. I wanted more white to show through, but I was a bit heavy handed on the side here.
Then, to add a little something to the top two drawers, I added a grain sack stripe with the help of FrogTape for delicate surfaces:
I created the stripe in two stages, starting with the larger stripe inside. Once that was completely dry, I did the smaller two on either side.
Seal
The final step was to seal this dresser, and I did that with two coats of Clear Coat in Satin. applying it the easiest way I’ve found, with the blue applicator sponge:
It comes round, but I like to square mine off.
When applying the Clear Coat, try not to keep going over areas you’ve already applied it. If you miss any spots, get it on the next coat.
Painted Pine Dresser Reveal
Here is how this well-used pine dresser looks now:
Sanding a darker finish will look terrible, but sealing it will make it look pretty again!
There were so many nicks along the edges that I decided to go with this worn feel to help camouflage any imperfections I wasn’t able fill in.
The stripes added to the drawers make it not feel so plain. That and the petite size of this dresser makes it perfect for a child’s room!
Although it is petite for a dresser, what do you think? Is it bigger than it appeared in the before photo?
I thought it looked much smaller in front of our garage, but as you can see, it is a full sized dresser.
The hardware all came from Hobby Lobby already painted like this…
Adding the white stripes and the white hardware will make it easy to pair with solid white furniture.
And here you can see a bit of the top. I wasn’t able to smooth out and fill every imperfection, but it looks much better!
This was a bit more prep than expected, but it turned out pretty cute. And I did plan to line the drawers with a blue and white ticking which would have been perfect, but they were in such great condition that they really didn’t need it.
Let me know what you think of this one in the comments if you have a minute!
That’s another one done!
See what I’ve completed so far below:
Update Lamps with Paint
Give a dated Shelf Vintage Charm
Update a Jewelry Box with Paint and Decoupage Paper
$10 Night Table Makeover
Update a Mirror with Moulds
Update a Flatware Box for the Holidays!
Yellow Painted Chair
Trashed $10 Thrift Store Table Makeover
Round Wooden Storage Case
Washstand Cabinet Makeover
I’ll be back with another brand new makeover, another flatware box, on Thursday:
It turned out so pretty!
UPDATE: Whoopsie! It’s actually Furniture Fixer Upper Day on Thursday, so this will have to wait a bit…I’m sharing this one instead:
UPDATE: See how I worked with that broken drawer HERE!
Have a great week!
XOXO,
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Mary Kaiser says
Oh I LOVE IT! I love the color, I love the stripes, love the little bit of worn feel! That is such a great price, this dresser will not last long in your booth! I would buy it if I lied closer! Great job Christy!
Christy says
Thanks so much Mary! It was a fantastic price and such a versatile size!I wish you lived closer lol! XOXO
Terri Joyner says
That is a beautiful transformation. I love Coastal style furniture. The Yankee Blue and stripes were the perfect choice.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Terri! This blue is such a great coastal blue! XOXO
Pauline says
I’m surprised that I like it so much! Given your location and number of vacation homes and rentals it should sale very quickly. Another battered duckling turned into a swan (or should I sub a shoreline bird into the old metaphor!).
Christy says
Ha ha! I’m so glad you like it, Pauline, thank you! Yes, I don’t see it lasting too long around here! XOXO
Jewels L says
Love this coastal feel dresser. You gave this one alot of love for sure! Perfect for a boys room or maybe a foyer area. Stripes are a great look too.
Christy says
Thank you, Jewels! It’s such a great size that it would look great in a foyer too. I hadn’t considered that! XOXO
Linda Gysin says
I love this blue and white dresser! It looks perfect for a child’s room or a kitchen corner!
Christy says
Thanks so much, Linda! Yes, so versatile, right? XOXO
Robin Stephens says
So……..you’re saying your former career wasn’t in IT (information technology)…LOL Hey, mine either!!!! You are so sweet…. And, per usual, your furniture re-do is stellar. Have a good week. (Get out the snow boots!)
Christy says
Ha ha! Yeah…um no! I just want to create and share, but that dang technology gets in the way sometimes lol. Thanks so much, my friend! And yes, I hear snow is on the way this weekend! XOXO
Wendy says
This dresser turned out so cute! I look forward to Tuesday and Thursday so much to read your next painted treasure and get so many ideas from you! Thanks so much for starting my days off so peacefully (along with my cup of coffee🤭)
Christy says
Aww I appreciate that so much, Wendy, thank you! I’m so glad I can be a bright spot in your morning, my friend! XOXO
Cecilia says
Well, that’s much, much better! Not so plain now! I can definitely see that in a child’s room! The drawers being pristine inside is always a great find.
😊Cecilia
Christy says
Thank you, my friend! Yes, I’m always happy to find it clean inside! XOXO
Allita says
That turned out really pretty Christy. I was thinking it might also look great in a hallway or entryway. Isn’t it nice to have drawers so pristine for a change. you don’t have to do anything but clean them? lol
Christy says
Thank you, Allita! I love the idea of putting it in an entryway. And yes! I don’t know how drawers become so gross so often, so to find them this nice is a treat for sure! XOXO
Carla Erickson says
Love this dresser!
Christy says
Thank you, Carla! XOXO
cyndi says
OMG! I was not expecting that, but I love it!!
Christy says
Yay! I’m so glad you like it, Cyndi, thank you! XOXO
Michelle says
Love the color blue! The stripes make the dresser. Is that just white paint or the bonding boss white as a stripe. I do live on the NC coast so yes I will be doing this on a piece I have. Thank you for the idea!
Christy says
Thank you, Michelle! Oops I forgot to share that I used Cotton for the stripes. I love that you are feeling inspired! XOXO
Lisa T says
This piece really transformed and looks great! I think it is a great size for next to a bed as a large bedside chest. I just love the blue!
Christy says
Thank you, Lisa! Ooh yes, it would be ideal next to the bed! XOXO
Jackie C says
I love Yankee blue. I did a tall dresser in that color with gold hardware. It turned out beautiful. I no longer have it but wish I had kept it. Is there anything you don’t have anymore that you wish you had kept?This was a steal of a deal. What a fantastic piece of furniture. I love the grain sack stripes, but there is something about the white handles on the large drawers that doesn’t wow me. (Don’t come at me folks, I know I’m in the minority). 😬 I love the idea of using this in a kitchen corner as someone suggested. I think it was a wise choice not to do anything to the interior of the drawers.
When I got the pop-up about subscribing, I figured it was a glitch in the website, not something you did 😂😂
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve answered someone’s text message and forgot to hit send until they text me again, then I see it sitting there 🤦🏻♀️
Have a fabulous week!
xoxo
Christy says
Thank you, Jackie! I bet this color would be gorgeous with gold! There are many pieces I wish I had kept for sure. And, it’s okay if you don’t love the white pulls…I forgive you lol. I had them on hand and felt they worked with the two round ones. I too love the idea of using this in a kitchen! And yep the glitch was me ha ha! I’ve left texts hanging too lol! XOXO
Gail Frye says
I have to admit, I wasn’t quite sure about the color and stripes in the beginning, but once again you worked your magic and I absolutely love it once completed! Another great inspiring project from you – thank you!
Christy says
I’m so glad you like how it turned out in the end, Gail, thank you! That’s why I like to share from start to finish instead of revealing the after at the beginning…it’s fun to watch it evolve! XOXO
Laura J. says
Love the blue!!! The grain sack stripes add such a nice touch. What a beautiful relaxed coastal look!!! As always, well done Christy!!!
Christy says
Aww thanks so much, Laura! I’m so glad you like it! XOXO
Christina says
I absolutely love this dresser! I love the color and the stripes. What a wonderful transformation!
Christy says
Yay! I’m so glad you love it, Christina, thank you! XOXO
Geri Davis says
I love this! You always have the best ideas, this one is so me!! I have done grain sack look on a little bench and an old potato bin but love love love it on this dresser!! I’ll have to order that color all I have is the Nautical blue on hand right now.
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, my friend! I just love a simple grain sack stripe too! XOXO
Janina says
Nice transformation. These smaller dressers can work well for extra storage too, in tight spaces.
What I do to ensure I don’t go too deep,when sanding to show the under-colour, is to use fine steel wool. It’s not as harsh, goes a little slower, and so is easier to control. I remember the first time I ever did this – I think it’s the favorite piece I ever did. In those days there was only Annie Sloan Chalk paint, and I painted this lovely hall table with spindly legs with Emperor’s Red, then covered it with a combination of Olive Green and Graphite, did it was an ever-so-slightly green-tinged black, and I used the steel wool in areas to let the red show through. It was gorgeous. I had a shop then, and it sold quickly, and I think of it all the time because it was so striking!
Happy 2026, and continued happy DIYing! 💝
Christy says
Thank you, Janina! Great tip about the steel wool. Your piece sounds fantastic! It sounds like it was the one that got away! XOXO
Debra Hubbs says
You seem to always have the right vision for every piece you get. I’ll often try to predict what you will do with a piece and I’m usually wrong and think why didn’t I think of that? lol. This is so sweet, could really be used in any room. Love it. I have that color to redo a Hope chest in my lake house. Hopefully the paint is still good as I bought it a few years ago. I know, I know lol. Decided to wait til the room was redone and then a tree hit the house so we’re just now getting back to that room now that the damage was fixed. I just might have to add a stripe or two and white hardware lol.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Debra! The size of this one made me think it could be great in a kid’s space, but it really could go in any room of the house! Hopefully, your paint is still good. You might just need to add water to bring it back, if not. That stinks that a tree fell on your house, but I’m glad you now have it fixed. Have fun with your chest! XOXO
Lizzy says
This is beautiful. I like everything about it! I’ve done grain sack stripes the same way on a few pieces, and I love the look.
Christy says
Thanks so much, Lizzy! I really love them too! XOXO
Caye says
Christy, I really love this small dresser–the color, the grain sack stripes (I usually hate wide stripes) are perfect, and the knobs are good too. All in all, it’s a win-win!! Good job.
Christy says
Yay! Thank you, Caye! It’s such a great size! XOXO
Michele M. says
That is adorable!!
Christy says
Thank you, my friend! XOXO
Colleen says
Hi Christy. I looked on the American Drew website and they call that size/shape dresser a Bureau. I really like the shape of it. I love what you did and it definitely looks nautical! Another great project. 🙂
Christy says
Thank you, Colleen, and I appreciate the info! It is such a versatile size! XOXO
Cheryl B Acampora says
Ahhhhh,
The magic of paint and tape! I absolutely love it!
Christy says
Right?? Always ha ha! Thank you, my friend! XOXO
Jeanne says
I LOVE it!
Christy says
Thank you, Jeanne! XOXO
Rose LEFEBVRE says
I love the color. Your special touches gave it personality.
Christy says
Thanks so much, Rose! I sell a lot of this color, so I had to see what all the fuss was about ha ha! XOXO
p says
Such a cute casual look. Great blue. I always enjoy your signature stripes. Just the right touch. This is a great storage piece that can go so many places !
I always love your painted / deco boxes. Guess I’ll have to wait a bit for your next one 🙂
I really need to try using the shop vac on my sander. I’m sooo messy.
Christy says
Thank you, P! This dresser actually sold today, so that was a nice surprise! I’ll have a box for you tomorrow, so you don’t have to wait too long, my friend. And yes, the vacuum trick works great! XOXO
Kathy from Jax says
So cute. So much you can use this smaller piece for. Very whimsical. Love the white hardware. Don’t you love Hobby Lobby? They have great hardware. Well, I’m a little behind in commenting so I’m sure you’re iced in by now. Enjoy your quiet time and the beautiful scenery while it lasts.
Christy says
Thank you, Kathy! I do love Hobby Lobby, especially for their hardware, and I actually found the long pulls on the clearance, so that was a bonus! We did get snow, followed by ice, but that was quickly followed by rain, so we didn’t end up with much left over lol. Probably for the best! XOXO