Hey everyone! I feel like I’m finally getting into a groove of balancing customs with my own furniture line and I’ve been rocking out customs for a client here back to back. I’ve been so fortunate to find clients that believe in a shared vision and appreciate that refreshed furniture is not just a trend. Luckily my client brought me this chest of drawers in excellent condition, it just needed a bit of an uplift to compliment it’s masculine lines. She picked Country Chic Paint’s “Pebble Beach” to transform this dresser.
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This dresser was beautiful as it was, but it was very dark and heavy. It needed something that would compliment the dresser well, but not take away from the beautiful oak that was there. So my client decided on a gray base, while keeping the top and drawers stained. While this dresser didn’t have any major damage, it did need my usual prep. Here is a consolidated list of how I prepped and what products I used.
The Prep:
- Removed original hardware with a butterknife.
- Vacuumed with Shop Vac.
- Sprayed Raid Bed Bug Insecticide.
- Lightly scuff sanded the base with 150 grit sanding pad.
- Stripped stain and finish off drawers and top using CitriStrip.
- Rinsed stripper residue with Mineral Spirits.
- Sanded top/drawers with various grits finishing at 180.
- Clean with Simple Green and hot water.
- Light spray of shellac to prevent bleed through.
After prep, I sprayed 3 coats of Country Chic Paint in “Pebble Beach” on the base and drawers. I love spraying CCP because the paint levels so well and dries super quickly. It makes painting a breeze, especially with these summer temps. After my final coat of paint had dried, I took my favorite zip sander to lightly distress the edges.
The original hardware was in great condition minus one pull that was broken. We made sure to give them a good cleaning with Bar Keeper’s Friend to bring out some of that copper shine and set them aside until they were ready to be installed.
Since I knew this was oak and it takes dark stain well, I applied only one coat of Varathane Dark Walnut stain. I noticed before applying my topcoat that the drawers and top had taken the stains differently, leading the top to be lighter than the drawers.
Pressed for time, I knew I had to come up with something quickly, so I used General Finishes Van Dyke Brown Glaze to add some depth to the top. I just brushed across and DID NOT wipe back to leave the color. I was so stinking surprised at how well it evened out the tone. Its nearly matching to the drawers now! It made me thankful that I keep glaze lying around even though I don’t use it often.
After the glaze had dried, I was able to apply 4 coats of Varathane Crystal Clear Polyurethane in Satin for protection. Now I know for sure this piece is going to be well loved in her new home across the country. I’m so glad we were able to take this dresser from heavy and masculine, to clean and stately without being overstated. The paint makes all the difference.
By the way, make sure to use this coupon code for 10% off your next order of Country Chic Paint and don’t forget to check out their Insta for more inspiration!
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