Dressier Dresser
You guys didn’t think that we used an entire gallon of paint on our new bed, did you?
Oh no. We are much too thrifty to let perfectly good paint go to waste. That is why hours after we finished our new farmhouse bed, I frantically walked the rooms of our house looking for something else to ‘brush up’. When I didn’t find anything…well, color me frustrated.
Then a couple days went by. And I made my weekly visit to my local Goodwill. That’s when I saw this beauty:
I remembered the piece that my girl Holly redid that I posted about long ago in an ironic how-to about Goodwill shopping tactics. Here’s Holly’s dresser after she got her amazing paint-spraying-mits on it (prayin’ for you girl as you recover from your surgery!):
Looks pretty close to me! You know…except the color and knobs and overall condition. It’s like the ugly sister.
But every ugly sister can get a makeover and then turn into the gal that Prince Charming wants to marry forever and ever. All you need is a little magic and a fairy Godmother (in this case, her name is True Value because that is where we scored the paint, the wood filler and the tools to make over this ugly duckling).
Here is how we did it.
First, I assessed the situation. It’s like lifeguarding…you don’t just jump into a lake if someone is drowning. First, you check for alligators in the water.
It had quite a bit of damage on the sides to the veneer and especially at the bottom.
After my assessment, I took off all the hardware.
Then I decided to sand the entire thing lightly. Since it was veneer and I have primer that sticks to just about anything, this step isn’t always necessary but in this case, I thought it was a good idea. You see, it was plagued with sticky stuff. Some visible. Some not so much.
I could tell some of them were leftover stickers. Like the fully intact chicken sticker. Nothing jazzes up a dresser like a chicken sticker. You can quote me on that.
Sand sand sand sand sand.
Sanding it would allow the dust to settle onto the sticky parts – making them all visable. Then I used my trusty mineral spirits spray bottle (yes, it is a Pantene Pro-V detangler bottle that says Paint Thinner but it provides the perfect fine mist and that my friends is priceless) and a scraping tool.
Just spray spray spray. Scrape scrape scrape. rinse and repeat till all the chickens are gone.
Then it came to cleaning it up. I just wipe all the pieces down to get all the bits of dust and dirt outta there.
Since the veneer was so badly damaged, it needed quite a bit of patching. Enter Elmer’s wood filler.
I have loads of this stuff because I love it so much. It is perfect for painting projects because it dries fast and it is easily sandable. You just shmear it onto the places you need patching and wait for it to dry. Then you sand it till it’s smooth with the other parts of the wood. I use medium grit sand paper. Nothin’ fancy here in redneckville. I also filled the drawer handle holes but then later I realized I didn’t need to on the one-handled ones. Oh well…live and learn.
After patching, waiting, sanding, you gotta clean up again. This is when I had to assess some of the other damage to the piece. Back to lifeguard analogy – so there was only one little alligator and now you must navigate the waters to avoid the toxic waste floatin in the water 
The bottom of the sides were so badly beat up, I knew that my patch job would never look great. That’s why I decided to raid the scrap pile in our shed. I knew that there had to be a piece in there that would kinda look ok but look way better than the jacked up sides.
I found some leftover trim from a kitchen project that looked very similar to the front piece with it’s little curvy lines. So I just cut a could to the same depth of the dresser and tacked them into place.
I actually did it to both sides. You know…so this girl wasn’t lopsided
Then I had to tackle the bottom left hand side drawer slide rail. It was coming off. I just removed the piece (WITH MY BARE HANDS! I know…I’m such a beast) and then hammered out the old staples before jamming it back into place and securing it with a couple new staples.
Time for priming! I love love love this Zinnser shellac based primer. It’s unbelievable. It dries uber-quick (perfect if your project time is only as long as an 8 month old’s nap) and it sticks to everything.
After priming, I painted it with my semi-gloss Antique White that I had color matched at True Value. At this point I realized that I wasn’t getting the same even coat that I wanted…so I switched to a mini roller. It worked way better. I kept using the brush for the edges and curvy parts…but the mini roller worked great at applying a more even coat. Then came time for hardware. I was torn about the hardware decision but ended up going with the new Martha Stewart line of knobs and handles. I love the worn-in look on the finish.
It was at this point I realized that I didn’t have to fill all the holes for the handles. These ones fit perfectly in the existing holes. My bad uglyducking dresser.
Okay…so are you ready for the afters? Here she blows:
We moved it into the kitchen (obviously Katie!) because the other black open shelving unit was…open. And we officially have a mobile baby. So this was the first big step in baby-proofing our first floor.
Now Will can’t get into the breakables PLUS I was able to move in our corkboard (the same one from last year’s advent calendar project) so that we can see our calendar, our christmas cards, and our appointments. And surprisingly, I didn’t lose any storage space. In fact, this white dresser holds everything that the black shelves did and then some. I still have two drawers to fill!
So now for the breakdown – the dresser cost $15. The paint, primer, filler, scrapers, and sandpaper was FREE (leftovers from our master bed building project – curtesy of TRUE VALUE (hollah if you love em – WHOPWHOP!) and the hardware was $28 (Ouch I know). That brings the total to….drumroll for those of you who can’t add quickly….
$43!
Not too shabby, huh?
Or maybe you think so? Maybe you think the hardware was totally overpriced? Or you have a better wood filler? Or you like a different primer? Or you would have fixed the side veneer issue differently? Or maybe…just maybe…you love the transformation? Maybe…just maybe…you think that this ugly duckling got her wings? Maybe…just maybe…you are frothin’ at the mouth to head to your own local thrift shop to pick up your own princess-in-the-rough? I’d love to hear your answers.
And again - a big thank you smooch to our fairy godmother of transformations, True Value.
“I was one of the bloggers selected by True Value to work on the DIY Squad. I have been compensated for my time commitment to the program as well as my writing about my experience. I have also been compensated for the materials needed for my DIY project. However, my opinions are entirely my own and I have not been paid to publish positive comments.”
I love the dresser! I’ve got an old dresser my mom gave me, that she picked up at a yard sale many moons ago. The poor little old thing could use a nice make-over. Thanks for the idea, and the how-to. Love the hardware, I looked at the same set just last weekend!!
I was curious about your advent project you had mentioned. I didn’t see a link to that post. Would you mind sharing?
Thanks!
April
Looks great!
You’re amazing. That is all.
No wait, also, can you come teach me how to do this stuff?
Looks AH-mazing!! I especially love how you switch the bottom and top drawers. Just wondering though… why is it not centered on the wall?? It’s driving me a little nuts.
Well, it isn’t centered because it would block a little too much of the walkway to the bathroom. And since those photos were taken, we shifted the board over to center it all over the dresser. And I think those fake topiaries may exagerrate it too.
xo -kb
Katie, it looks AWESOME! All my furniture/transformation projects have been put on hold, because it’s darn cold here in Idaho, and my garage is FRIG-ID. Brr.
Your STILL so talented!
I have to point out though, he WILL learn how to open up those drawers one day. He’s too stinkin cute to fall for the “outta site outta mind” trick. Just sayin…
Jen
http://www.1creativemomma.blogpost.com
grrr…don’t remind me Jen…
xo – kb
Love it, great job! (I’m singing a little song in my head – “love it, great job, love it, great job” kind of like the nanny-nanny-boo-boo song.)
Two summers ago I got a great dresser on Craigslist and painted it black to go with the gray, khaki, black theme of our bedroom. Now I’m kind of jonesing to redo it in white.
p.s. the nanny-nanny-boo-boo song was just for its tune, not for its taunting nature. I love the dresser, love the hardware, and love that you picked this out at Goodwill (I totally would have passed it by).
Katie,
The dresser looks so amazing!
…you did an amazing job on the dresser! Your blog banter has me lol daily and the pic of Will above in the fur hat is the cutest pic ever.
I’m in LOVE! I’m looking for something similar (maybe a tad smaller) to put in our entryway, and your how-to will show me how to do it! I do love Holly and her blog, and I hope she gets better soon.
Oh wow, I love what you’ve done!! It’s incredible, really. You’re so inspiring!!!
Awesome job! It looks GORGEOUS! I didn’t know about wood filler! Happy to have a new trick. And I feel your pain on the chicken sticker… my boyfriend and I made over a desk recently that had fabric cut outs of birds and flowers glued to the top and then lacquered over.
It was an interesting look, but not for us. Here’s the before and after if you’re curious!
http://trimmedandtaylored.blogspot.com/2010/10/working-home.html
WOW!! Looks Awesome!
I have a VERY similar dresser sitting in my garage! So…that would mean $43 – $15(cause mine is FREE) = $28!! Now, I just have to do a little WORK on that thing! Thanks for the inspiration!
Hi! We have old white dressers from the 80′s that have a laminate (?) type top that is smooth and super shiny. Have you ever painted any like that? I just always do a new coat of white, because I don’t think any paint will hold on the shiny top part. Any ideas??
Hi Amanda,
I’ve had no trouble with painting laminate…as long as you get the right PRIMER. The Zinnser shellac based primer literally sticks to anything. You might want to try to do a protective finish though if the dressers are going to get lots of action
xo – kb
Will give it a try, thanks!
Katie, I’m so glad to hear you say you love the Elmer’s wood filler. I just picked some up to finish up this project that I am working on. It is pretty similar to yours actually. It needs a little more TLC, but I think there is hope! http://www.ourhouseonpender.com/2010/10/buffet-in-making.html
I hope I have the same outcome!! The dresser looks GREAT!!!
Hi katie! My fiance was at the local liqour store this evening and told me about this: http://www.geekologie.com/2009/04/24/bakon%20vodka.jpg it gave me quite a giggle and then I recalled your love of bacon and wanted to share!
P.s. your dresser is quite lovely!
What a transformation! Love it!
I would have walked right past that puppy. You are a miracle worker on this one. Gorgeous. I’ve been thinking about trying to find something like this for our dining room storage. I need some more storage and some buffet top space.
(PS – I totally printed off your bed and put it on the counter with a note that said, “All I want for Christmas…” I’m sure hubby LOVED that. You know, he doesn’t have an entire house to finish or anything.)
Oh gosh I love this. I want to be you. Jealous alert. I would never in my life buy a random crappy dresser at a thrift store, but you, my friend…..you have rocked my socks off.
Looks awesome! Did you put a clear coat or anything on to avoid chipping? I’m inspired to try this myself!
I didn’t Rachel. I used multiple thin coats of semi-gloss paint and have already had to wipe stuff off of it…with no problem. If I did feel inspired, I would apply a couple coats of Verathane.
xo – kb
Katie that looks AMAZING!! Congratulations!
BEE U TI FULLLLL!! Great job!
That is sickeningly gorgeous!
Awesome transformation! I think I would have added two more knobs on the blank drawer fronts. Or do you think that would look too busy? They look a little like they are waiting for knobs…
I considered that Kim but in the end, I did what made sense to me. Afterall, why would someone need four nobs to open a drawer? Unless they were a four-handed person, right?
xo – kb
Fabulous job on your makeover – she definitely found her wings!
Thanks for the how-to instructions as well. My hubby and I are off today to start sanding/priming a dresser we got at Habitat Re-Store that will eventually end up in our baby’s nursery. We are expecting in March and the countdown is on to getting the nursery ready! Will write a post about it soon! ~Iris~
Had no idea you could paint veneer. My cabinets are venner in my kitchen… they need an ugly duckling make over too. BTW did any of the under side of the drawers have issues with their track or was it just that one piece?
Well, the ‘track’ was only messed up that once…but some of the drawers could use those guide glide thingies. I’ll have to pick up a couple next time I’m at the store.
xo – kb
Katie, it is gorgous! I think I have the exact same dresser. I painted mine black. I will have to send you a photo!
How can I add a photo?
Katie, what a lovely transformation. Your hard work paid off. It looks fantastic in your kitchen, and you’ll love having that board above it now you’ve started your family, it will be so handy. Thanks for sharing.
Suzy xxx
Thanks for the inspiration!
I visited a local thrift store today and found the coolest sewing table that looks like a desk. I immediately thought “Ohhh BowerPower”! I’m so excited to have project next week!
I have a couple questions:
1. Where can I find those drawer pulls?
2. If my desk is veneer and wood, can I just prime it and paint it or do I need to sand, prime and paint?
Gracias!
Hi Meg,
Martha Stewart hardware is sold at Home Depot.
There are also some other online dealers, I think. Maybe just google it
xo – kb
Thanks!
Stunning transformation!!!! I love it!
I LOVE seeing furniture transformations! LOVE IT. I always have the itch to head to the thrift store and find a princess-in-the-rough…
That looks amazing! I have been looking forever for a dresser that I can use as storage in my foyer and let me tell you…our thrift stores have nothing as good or as cheap!
wow katie – well done and totally inspiring!
Katie that is amazing! Well done you, it looks like a lot of hard work but it seriously looks great. Thanks as ever for taking lots of detailed photos and writing out the -whole- process. So many bloggers just skip over steps and when you’ve never done a project before you need the full thing broken down, not just being told to sand it, but being shown how it should look afterwards. I love Bower Power!
Love it! So beautiful!
I love it!! Looks so good. The one suggestion I have {not that you are asking for it} would be to put 4 more knobs on the bottom of the top drawers. Then it would look like 8 small drawers. But seriously, looks great now!
Katie Bower…that is AMAZING! You inspire me, seriously! Thanks for sharing all the details to help those of us out that might be hesitant to attempt this DIY project.
Looks like there’s a broken link (or something) to the picture of Holly’s dresser? (The picture’s gone.) I want to send someone a link to this post, but it has so much more impact with your before and Holly’s after right next to each other.
Beautiful! I am loving the True Value series all over the blogs. Thanks for a fabulous installment, I’ll be spreading the word.
Love the dresser! You have just given me the motivation to fix up a dresser for my son instead of buying a new one! Off to Sally Ann I go!
Love, Love, Love the job you did here! I’m just starting to tackle furniture refinishing and painting, and I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you breaking it down into simple everyday language. Thanks for posting pics through the process! Good Job!
Your chicken sticker is(was) a pokemon… circa 1998. Seeing it totally took me back to 5th grade.
Your post totally inspired me! I bought a desk with similar finish & hardware off of CraigsList, purchased new hardware, and had my husband do the dirty work. We forgot to take before pics (I know, rookie mistake), but the after pics are here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/48245580@N06/sets/72157626229804378/
Awesome job Michele! I love that punchy color!
Thanks for sharing!
xo – kb
Wow, I love it, saw one (small chest) the other day at the thrift store, and now I am inspired, right now working on redoing my dining room table.
Hey there! My husband just built a wood desk from scratch. We already primed it with an oil-based primer and I’m getting ready to paint with a white water-based paint (haven’t bought it yet), but I’m wondering if you ever use some type of finishing coat on your painted furniture projects. This dresser looks amazing, but did you ever put something over it for protection? If so, what would you recommend using?
Thanks!!
I have used a lot of different stuff. If you use white I recommend Verathane…it doesn’t yellow like normal poly but it still gives a protective finish
xo – kb
Thanks so much! You have inspired me to tackle my kitchen cabinets. Wish me luck!
It’s a Pidgeot sticker. It’s a pokemon.
Love it! My parents have what I believe to be the same dresser in their shed. We used it as kids. They have agreed to give it to me, so -$15 and my husband has most of the supplies needed minus the primer and paint. I think this is going to be a pretty inexpensive project. It is going in my kitchen as well. I will get to it just as soon as a finish the coffee table project I have going. A $32 dollar Bassett 48″ square table from the local Salvation Army.
WOW, great job. My wife and I are in the process of moving. We plan on doing a few projects like this. Great inspiration.
Cheers!
I have been refinishing “wood work” of all types and your detailed step by step was lovely
30 years of refurbishing houses and hobby furniture good job