Before & After: Salvaging a DIY Dresser Gone Wrong

This dresser is a telling reminder that DIY efforts to improve older furniture are nothing new — though viewing this wallpaper application as an improvement may be a stretch! Despite the poor finish, the waterfall dresser itself is a solid piece, one Sarah knew deserved a makeover.

Sarah stripped off the green patterned wallpaper only to discover thick layers of paint underneath. With the paint removed, the veneer was revealed; Sarah had to break out the iron to remove all the damaged veneer on the base of the dresser and then use wood filler to create a smooth surface. The base was painted using Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Graphite and then treated with both clear and dark waxes. Sarah was able to save the beautiful wood grain on the drawer fronts, staining them with Minwax Dark Walnut after all the paint was removed.

Looking at the lovely patterns in the wood, it is hard to imagine anyone covering them with that green wallpaper in the past; thankfully Sarah was able to reveal the beauty beneath that long ago DIY decision!

See more: Imperfect Patina: Waterfall Dresser

(Images: Sarah/Imperfect Patina)