We're no stranger to saving a great piece of furniture by giving it a little love which in turn gives it a longer life. One thing we've always struggled with however, is brush strokes. For the most part we like to use a foam roller to help out with that, but there's an easier way — and it comes in a magical little orange bottle.
Over at the always lovely home decor blog Centsational Girl, Kate has been busy once again transforming another fabulous piece of furniture. She picked up this dresser and decided it needed to grace her entryway. She mixed up some paint from what she already had on hand and set to work, but not before adding in Floetrol.
In brief, Floetrol is a paint extender that allows your paint a little extra time before it dries. It can be especially helpful at this time of year, because not only does it allow brush strokes to fade away, but it also helps paint acclimate to the temperature of its environment. This can help prevent cracking or peeling and best of all — doesn't dilute your paint (meaning you don't need any extra coats!).
It's a great tip and her final result is out of sight. Check out Kate's full paint process, including tips on refurbishing hardware and filling in unsightly cracks or splits in the wood before she began.
Do you have a project you've been holding off on? Get it done before the holidays and make your place all that you want it to be!
Images: Centsational Girl
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...sounds great - but won't this increase the chances of drips and runs?
...links aren't working???
All the links worked fine for me lizzie, check again!
bepsf - It doesn't make it too thin to work with, but even if there is a drip, running a brush back over it won't leave marks from doing so, so either way you're covered!
looks great but never in a million years would I have painted this beautiful, perfect dresser. I would have lightly sanded it and stained (or not) and varnished it to bring out the wood grains and the natural beauty but.........to each his own!
DD_Oneill I agree that older pieces deserve to be restained, but if you read the post you'll see there were chipped drawers and a badly soiled top. Wood filler and paint to the rescue!
Bepsf: Floetrol is a conditioner for paint but doesn't water it down, so no increased likelihood of drips!
Thanks Apartment Therapy !!
Kate
aka www.CentsationalGirl.com
I follow her blog regularly, and I have to say, I definitely prefer the piece painted that gorgeous grey. That way it has the traditional lines but is updated in a more modern color.
Beautiful redo! I'm moving into an apartment in a heritage building soon. I can't wait to find the perfect furniture pieces to bring out the character in our new digs!
I use Floetrol all the time - can't imagine painting without it. I think Penetrol is the same company's conditioner for oil based paints.
Interesting info - I wish I'd known about it before I painted my kitchen cabinets (which turned out horribly...)
bepsf - I can't even believe that anything you do turns out horribly :) I'm your fan!
Love the Centsational Girl 's. She rocks!
One more gorgeous project.
I'm not usually a big fan of the paint over pieces but this is fantastic, plus the tip to get the paint to go on smooth is extremely helpful (as I am about to embark on a similar project). I really like the paint choice and the new knobs.
Also, love your website, this has just been favorited :)
What's wrong with spray paint? Wouldn't it help solve the "brush strokes" problem, too?
I loves me some Floetrol! It really extends dry time. It's especially helpful in alleviating brush strokes when using paint that has any kind of sheen. (I live in an apartment, with no outdoor space, and thus don't have the option of spray painting.)
this is beautiful!!!
There is nothing she can not do.
The redo turned out great! Usually, I would've thought to leave an old piece alone, but this one looks so much better painted. It fits perfectly in the entrance way. Love the original drawer pulls.
I am absolutely floored: I have that dresser! It was my grandmother's; mine is stained dark (and in desperate need of some sandpaper love) and has different, weird/dangly pulls, but it's the same one. I am thrilled to see it looking so nice! My plan is to work on mine this coming spring (although I think it will just be a restain and revarnish, not a Floetrol/paint job since it's in pretty good shape). Yay for grandma's hand-me-downs!
Stunning! Great job!