Homestead House Series: Cathedral Taupe

With the new year coming to a close, I have had a lot of time to reflect on lots of business decisions and goals I have for 2019. It’s definitely no easy task running a business with a full time job and a family. But at every turning point there is always one reason that I continue to push forward with motivation and hope…the future. Not many of you have heard me talk about where I want to be after my retirement from the military, especially if you are just here for the photos of this pretty Cathedral Taupe dresser.

The truth is I have always had the end game in my sites, and I’m working hard everyday to make sure I end up there, even if it takes a little sacrifice on my end right now. And now more than ever Im ready to make 2019 my best year yet. So without getting too much into detail, I can tell you I have some changes for this blog. One of them is to really show you what it means to join this world of furniture painting and restoration by really documenting and engaging the work that goes into it. Another is to give you the tools you need to help you go from hobby to business. If you’re ready to follow along on this journey with me, make sure you join my email list (bottom of the page) to get the latest updates from this blog.

So without further ado, lets get to the details about this pretty dresser. This post contains affiliate links.

I have been working on a lot of milk paint projects with Homestead House the last two years. Their milk paint line is some of the best I have used and their color palette really is a beautiful array of bolds and neutrals. Working on these projects has really pushed outside of my comfort zone, especially when it comes painting with color. But milk paint is no walk in the park either. At least it wasn’t when I first started. It can be unpredictable and if you’re like me, giving up control of the finish isn’t easy. 

This dresser won my heart when I first saw it on Facebook Marketplace. It had these beautiful masculine lines and sturdy columns that just spoke to me. I new I had to have it but it needed a lot of work and it also weighed over 100 lbs, so moving it was a challenge. Once I got it into my workshop, the vision for it just appeared to me. 

Prep and Supplies:

1. Remove all hardware from drawers and remove drawers from the base. Carefully inspect the piece and document all repairs needed on a separate notebook.
2. Vacuum interior with shopvac. Use Raid Multi-bug to de-bug. 
3. Clean surface using Krud Kutter and a scrubby sponge. Rinse with hot water. If you suspect oils or wax on this piece, follow up with a Mineral Spirits cleaning.
4. Scuff sand using 220 grit paper. Wipe dust with a tack cloth. 

Finishes:

• I painted two applications of Homestead House Milk Paint in “Cathedral Taupe.” Lightly sand with 320 grit paper to smooth out the surface.
• After distressing, I applied one coat of Fusion Mineral Paint Hemp Oil over the entire dresser, top and upper drawers included. After 15 minutes of saturation, I wiped away the excess with a clean rag.
• I let this piece dry overnight and polished with my favorite wax of all time, Fusion Mineral Paint Beeswax. 
• Install your hardware. The knobs on the top drawers are original to the piece, but I used these brass pulls from Hobby Lobby on the bottom drawers.

 

The hemp oil really hydrated the wood on the top and on the upper drawers. While this piece wasn’t in the worst shape, years of climate change and wear and tear can take a toll on a finish. Adding hemp oil will penetrate and hydrate the wood from the inside out, making it a way to naturally seal and protect your wood. Just look at the shine the hemp oil and beeswax combo makes!

Hope you all enjoyed the transformation of this dresser. It’s amazing what a little paint and elbow grease can do. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them in the text below.

Cheers to 2019! Happy New Year!