I've had an idea brewing for a while now that I wanted to do on a dresser, but I was just waiting for the perfect piece to come along. When I picked up this empire dresser I thought it was the one, but it sold right away (pre-paint) and I ended up doing it black. Then another dresser came along and same story, just not black (hopefully that will be a post next week). I was a little disheartened until this little beauty popped up on my local classifieds page. I was so glad I didn't have the opportunity to paint the other two like I wanted because this one was so much better for my idea! I absolutely believe there are no coincidences! :)
I know I've said before that I do a lot of black (and white) because that's what sells the best, but I told myself that for my birthday I was going to do a piece exactly how I wanted. :)
*pic heavy post (sorry, couldn't help it)!!
Before
She was actually very lovely as is, but the top was really worn.
After
I love this deep teal color (it's actually a little greener than the pics)! Such a pretty jewel tone and so lovely with the dark top. When I saw the dark finish (just LoVe a dark finish!) on the dresser I knew I wanted to really distress it.
I love the chippy look so I took my paint scraper to it! I'm telling you, if you have the guts, it's so much FuN!! :) It works best if the paint is very dry (doesn't haven't to be completely cured though). Just gently run the paint scraper along the flat surfaces to "test" how the paint is going to come off. If it seems like it's not coming off easily then you will need to use a little pressure. It all depends on what kind of finish was on the dresser prior to painting and what kind of paint you are using. I didn't scuff sand or prime this piece because I wanted the paint to come off easily. It still was a little difficult and I had to use more pressure. Make sure your scraper is sharp and start at about a 20 degree angle. If it seems like you are "gouging" the wood then lay the scraper flatter.
Like anything else it takes a little practice, but you will quickly get a feel for it. For me distressing really is an art. Some people like a lot and some people don't. You aren't going to please everybody. Do what you like and what makes you happy and (most) other people will love it, too! :)
I love the chippy look so I took my paint scraper to it! I'm telling you, if you have the guts, it's so much FuN!! :) It works best if the paint is very dry (doesn't haven't to be completely cured though). Just gently run the paint scraper along the flat surfaces to "test" how the paint is going to come off. If it seems like it's not coming off easily then you will need to use a little pressure. It all depends on what kind of finish was on the dresser prior to painting and what kind of paint you are using. I didn't scuff sand or prime this piece because I wanted the paint to come off easily. It still was a little difficult and I had to use more pressure. Make sure your scraper is sharp and start at about a 20 degree angle. If it seems like you are "gouging" the wood then lay the scraper flatter.
Like anything else it takes a little practice, but you will quickly get a feel for it. For me distressing really is an art. Some people like a lot and some people don't. You aren't going to please everybody. Do what you like and what makes you happy and (most) other people will love it, too! :)
The mirror was missing from the frame when I purchased it so I had my husband cut a piece of 1/4" board and used chalkboard paint (after two coats of primer) on it. I like it so much more than a mirror! Just think of the fun things you could use it for (think in an entry way as a memo board).
<3 the finial
I saw these knobs on a dresser that Chrissie from Chrissie's Collection had done and fell in love with them. Seriously, so pretty!
Is it possible to be in love with a piece of furniture? Hmmm...
Such a simple, but great detail!
My heart skipped a beat when I saw this beautiful top. I stained in Espresso (Varathane) and gave it 4 coats of a satin poly.
I happened to have enough of this pretty fabric left to line the drawers. It's just perfect!
I am so thrilled with this one!!
*This sold an hour after I listed it and I was a little sad!! :( But, I just keep telling myself I don't have a place to put it anyway and I can always paint something else this way if I want to, right??
This dresser was featured by:
Clydia @Three Mango Seeds
Rita @ Suburbs Mama
Rachel @ Maison De Pax
Stacey @ Embracing Change
Kristen @ Wonderful At Home
Maryann @ Domestically Speaking
Molly @ Just A Little Creativity
Becca @ DIY Vintage Chic
Thank you!! :)
*This sold an hour after I listed it and I was a little sad!! :( But, I just keep telling myself I don't have a place to put it anyway and I can always paint something else this way if I want to, right??
This dresser was featured by:
Clydia @Three Mango Seeds
Rita @ Suburbs Mama
Rachel @ Maison De Pax
Stacey @ Embracing Change
Kristen @ Wonderful At Home
Maryann @ Domestically Speaking
Molly @ Just A Little Creativity
Becca @ DIY Vintage Chic
Thank you!! :)
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