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Save An Ugly Dresser: A Chic Dresser Makeover

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Watch This Project in Action

 

Creative people like you and me have this thing for taking furniture when it’s offered to us and hoarding it until the perfect opportunity to pull it from the dungeons of our furniture stash (otherwise known as THE GARAGE) for a beautiful makeover!

This is exactly what happened to me and this ugly dresser. It sat in my mother-in-law’s house for eons, mostly taking up space, until I swiped it.  I had no idea when and where I would use it, but I knew it could be beautiful!

It started in such bad shape, especially the damaged top!

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It has really pretty feet, though!

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AFTER!

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BEFORE

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AFTER!

I used Shabby Paints Cali Taupe and Coral Paradise.

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I didn’t plan on sanding and re-staining the top. But that’s usually how my projects work: I get started, then something inspires me, and I go in another direction. That’s what so awesome about DIY!

I had started on the body first only because I used wood filler to fix a chipped corner and needed time for it to dry first. But after I finished a coat on the body and saw how it looked with a wooden top, I fell in love with the look! (See my vintage buffet makeover with a painted body and stained top, too. I love that look!)

Inspiration for top

 

I use my Ryobi orbital sander for smoothing out surfaces. If you’ve got a small surface like a dresser top, using an orbital sander is definitely an alternative to stripping it with chemical stripper. Just make sure to use a 3M respirator mask like this one, and not the little paper one! (FYI: This respirator will also block odors from spray paint, too! I hate spray paint smells!).

Proper face protection when sanding furniture

Look at that fresh and clean top!

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I love Rub n’ Buff for changing the color of hardware. When it’s tarnished and you want something a little more “cleaned up” or to change the color to a golden color instead of tarnished, or to give it some depth, Rub n’ Buff is a great option. I decided to keep the original hardware. I loved the teardrop shape. (See just how Rub n’ Buff can change hardware and how it’s awesome with crafts).



 
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I used a foam brush to apply stain (can’t remember the color!–just whatever I had on hand), and then wiped off the stain with a lint-free cloth. Watch my video on how to strip and stain furniture.

Apply stain and wipe with lint free cloth

If you want your piece to feel smooth, use 220 grit fine sandpaper to smooth it out. I’ll admit that I don’t usually complete the last steps of sanding or waxing or protecting furniture, unless it’s going to be heavily used. I just hate these steps! Is that a lazy DIY’er or what?? I don’t recommend doing as I do. Better to do as I say: sand and protect your work. LOL

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Here’s another look: BEFORE

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AFTER!

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Have you ever rescued something ugly lately and brought it back to life? Tell me all about it in the comments section!

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54 Comments

  1. Rozlin Hurdman says:

    I purchased a 9ft farmhouse table from a family nearby and gave it a facelift using an oribital sander and some fresh coats of stain. The legs were particularly challenging, their dog had chewed one each one, probably every day, for several years. I finished the piece with a poly coat so it has a nice protective finish. It’s now a centerpiece in our open floor plan home!! I love your site, getting SO inspired!

  2. Nice makeover! I’m so glad you kept the original drawer pulls. Thank you for sharing at Party In Your PJ’s!

  3. Great post! Making over furniture is such a nice way to save old furniture from being thrown away. 🙂 Turned out awesome!
    Jenna ♥
    Stay in touch? Life of an Earth Muffin

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