Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Drexel Dresser in Creme

I've painted all kinds of stuff over the last 3 years.  From the lowliest of pieces (particle board and doggie steps) to the best the furniture industry has to offer.  This dresser happens to be in the second category.  I don't see Drexel come through my garage doors very often, but I was salivating (that's actually a pretty gross image, huh) when I saw what was on the trailer that pulled into my driveway.  I couldn't wait to get started on this beautiful piece!  My client wanted it cream with dark hardware and a wood top.  One of my favorite combos!  And, it is so suited to this classic beauty!
 
 
 
 
 Before
I don't get very many pieces where everything works the way it should, so I was absolutely thrilled when I opened all the drawers and they slid so beautifully!  Thank you, oh thank you, Drexel!!



 
  I almost always sand the top down on a piece regardless if I'm painting or staining.  I am a sucker for a wood top and even if I'm painting I just have to know what's under there! In this case it's a beautiful piece of mahogany veneer.  So pretty!  I have been burned by doing this--once I sanded down the top and it was a solid piece of cherry.  It was so beautiful, but my client didn't want the top wood so I had to paint over it!   I think I cried a little. ;) 
 
 It really was a privilege to work on this piece!
 
 
 
 After

 
I just want to lick touch it.  It is seriously so pretty.
 
 
 
 I mentioned in my last post that I used a modified latex from Sherwin Williams (ProClassic) for this set.  Even though it levels out so nicely (I love watching it melt) I still sand between every coat.  It just feels wrong not to.  I know, I'm strange.
 
 
 
 Again, the hardware received two coats of Oil Rubbed Bronze from Rustoleum.  I always prime my hardware before spraying it as well.
 
 
 



 Here's that gorgeous top.  When I sand a top down I use 150-180 grit.  I used to use a more aggressive grit, but it left marks in the top and it was just more sanding to get them out.  150/180 is tough enough for most finishes (although it may take a few more sheets) and fine enough where I can buff out any swirlies with it.  I always look at the top at an angle in the sun to see the fine scratches so I can sand them out.  Then 1 coat of Java Gel from General Finishes and 4 coats of Minwax Polycrylic in Satin.
 
 
 
 Hyndrangeas from my garden.  I normally don't like to cut my flowers, but I couldn't stand the thought of these turning brown on the bush!
 
 
 

Look at those curves!!


 I love this warm white for fall too!
 
 
 
 
Custom: Not for Sale
 
 
 
 

14 comments:

  1. Gush, drool...sigh...Yep, that about names what I'm feeling right now! Gorgeous! And it's a DREXEL! :)

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Robin! I really am a little envious of this one. :o

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  2. This is a beautiful piece. Love the curves.

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  3. AWESOME, just AWESOME. Salivating here!

    La Verne@hopeandsalvage

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    Replies
    1. Lol, you and me both....standing in a puddle of drool! Thank you. :)

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  4. You did such a gorgeous job…….but…..I have the tall bureau to go with this dresser and I can't bring myself to even think of painting it. When I was much younger, after a 1950s -60s paint everything in sight period, I used to strip paint of beautiful pieces of furniture. The best was walnut and it drank up the vinegar/turps/oil formula then very popular, and I cursed the people who slapped on a coat of white paint. The best piece had holly and other wood inlaid with some whatchamacallit that looked like the inside of an abalone shell. (Someone will know the world i can't dredge up from this old brain). All covered in white paint.
    Now I can admire the beautiful finish you have put on this piece, and yet, I still squirm at the thought of a potential antique being painted. Am I evil? Or is there a time for everything and still enough unpainted to leave as a legacy for future generations if the warming climate doesn't take them all out?
    As I said…beautiful job…..but i'm still torn……maybe I think too much?

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    1. Marje, I understand what you're saying, but this is how I see it. So many women, right now, do not like the look of old wood furniture. I can't tell you how many of my clients have told me they've had a family piece sitting in their basement or storage unit and won't use it because they think it's ugly. I say bring it out, paint it so you think it's beautiful, and enjoy it! It's an object. It's value is determined by the enjoyment it gives. I think grandma would much rather see a piece of hers painted and used then vice versa. As a favorite lady of mine says, "It's just paint!" And, paint is beautiful too! I do love a nice piece of wood though. ;)

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  5. OMG, I just lost my whole comment, and it was a long one. Anyhoo...LOVE the dresser! I was just at my mom's and she has almost a twin to your "depression era hutch" you did in June. I showed her what you did and she loved it! Most of her pieces are unpainted because they're in pristine condition. I did snap some pics of her buffet for you because it has tons of detail and I know that's right up your alley. :) They're on their way up to Rhinelander next week and I just told them to drop me at your place on the way. :P

    xoxo
    -andi

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    1. They're going to be in Rhinelander?! You should come with and pay me a visit!! I'm glad she liked the painted piece. :)

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  6. Ohhhh the wood top, ahhhh I love it.

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    1. I don't think I ever get tired of a wood top.... :)

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  7. I'm so glad you're back! I hope you had a great summer, but we've missed seeing your wonderful creations. I love love love this color! I'm doing a pretty vanity right now and would love to use this color. Is it named Creme as you had mentioned? Thanks so much!

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