Projects & Improvements

Before & After: 1 Weekend, 1 Dresser and 1 Fabulous DIY

published Nov 13, 2014
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(Image credit: DeaAnna Beaty)

DeaAnna found this dresser at a yard sale for $35. It had some fun details and the drawers were all in working condition so she decided to give it some much-needed love. It turned out so well she couldn’t stand to hide it in the bedroom anymore.

(Image credit: DeaAnna Beaty)

DeaAnna and her husband recently swapped out their formal dining room set in favor of a more casual table and chairs but they were still missing storage.

From DeaAnna:

I decided to repurpose it as my dining room buffet. I loved the existing color of the wood and and wanted to show off the pretty grain on the drawers, but the top was in really rough shape. I decided to do a two tone finish —paint the top and sides (where most of the wear was) and leave the drawers the stained natural wood. I also wanted to put some vintage style brass apothecary handles in lieu of the southwestern style handles that were on it to give it a bit more of a vintage look.

I bought Americana Decor Chalky Finish paint in Primitive and the Creme Wax to put over the finished paint to seal it. Since chalk paint has a very flat finish, sealing it with creme wax or polycrylic extends the life of the paint job. I wiped down the dresser with mild soap and water, then finely sanded the top of the dresser. I applied 2 coats of the chalky finish paint to the top and sides of the dresser, and also the exposed drawer style and the feet. I applied a generous coat of the creme wax the next day and buffed it out to make it really smooth and give it a bit more sheen. I found some great brass apothecary handles on Etsy that would be large enough to cover the existing holes.

The whole project cost me about $70 (including buying the dresser) and took me a weekend (once I had my handles delivered). It ended up being so much less expensive than buying something similar new or refurbished at a store, and we are super happy with the outcome.

See more at Salt Design.

Thank you DeaAnna!