My first MCM project…

So I must admit that up until recently, I stayed away from MCM projects because I was intimidated by them. The simplicity of Mid Century Modern pieces is much more complex because their clean lines make such a statement! Plus living out here in Texas Hill Country, the preffered look is much more rustic and reclaimed, and less modern. But, after seeing such beautiful restorations by Reeves at The Weathered Door and Christina from Phoenix Restoration, I decided I would give it a shot.

I found this 3-drawer small dresser on a Facebook repurpose page and thought it would be the perfect MCM starter piece. I paid a really good price for it, and to my surprise it was heavy and it was laminate. My first thought was, “uh-oh, I’ve never painted laminate before.” I had to do some research and decided to consult the pros.

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After some extensive research, I found that this blog by Phoenix Restoration helped me the most. I started with the drawers. They were in really great shape with a few dings where veneer was chipped off. I filled them and scuffed up the existing finish. I applied two coats of General Finishes Java Gel (72 hours between coats).

One important thing to remember about staining an existing finish, is to ensure there is 72 hours dry time afterward. I made the mistake of getting impatient and trying to apply poly after I thought it was dry and it completely removed the stain. So after a second attempt, I waited 3 days and applied two coats of General Finishes Wipe-On Urethane. This is an oil-based finish so it also deepens the color of the stain.

I worked on the legs after. They were detachable so I removed them, sanded them, primed them using Zinnser Shellac-based primer and gave them one coat of Ralph Lauren’s Metallic Gold mixed with a little of Van Dyke Brown Glaze. The gold was a little too bright for what I was looking for so the glaze toned it down. After the legs cured for 2 days, I gave them 3 coats of HP Top Coat in Satin.

I also primed the body of this with Shellac-based primer. I used General Finishes “Snow White” since it is a pure and bright white. It took several coats…I think maybe 5 or 6 even with the primer, but I was sanding inbetween for a smooth finish. Then topped it with 3 coats of HP Top Coat in Satin. I should have used gloss but didn’t have any on hand.

I love the contrast between the wood and white! The gold legs just give a little glam from the typical white and wood look.

I lined the drawers with a neutral, geometric lining to keep with the modern concept.

Lastly, I staged this using my 10 month old son’s artwork from daycare. Who knew little babies could be so artistic? Mid Century pieces can come off as masculine pieces, so I wanted to show that they work well with a feminine touch. This little lady went to a great home with fellow MCM lovers.

Well, I’d say that my first MCM piece was successful. Stressful, but I learned alot about working with different materials, and thanks to seasoned pros and their tutorials, they made my life a whole lot easier!