Easy Chalkpaint Revamp – One Dresser Two Ways and how to take a dresser from blah to fab!
I love Chalkpaint and how versatile it is. For that matter, I love all paint for this very reason. Today, I want to talk about how I painted and finished this old dresser.
This baby needed some TLC for sure. Here is what I did to bring her back to life. Yup, my furniture pieces are either a he or a she… just the way this mind of mine works.
The first thing I did was clean her up. I just used hot water. I wanted her to be a mix of wood and paint.
So, the next thing I did was remove the veneer and sand down the fronts of the two larger drawers. Then I sanded the top.
To remove the veneer, I used a scraper to gently lift off the broken and cracked veneer.
I used my round circular sander with 120 grit sandpaper.
Once the dresser was all sanded, I gave her a good wipe down to remove any dust. I use a dust free shammy.
I wanted to use a specific colour on this dresser the first time I painted her. I decided to go with Americana Chalkpaint in Relic
Once I got the base and two small drawers painted, I added Americana cream wax to the painted section and the top to seal it all. It is my favourite wax as you just brush it on!!
I added some brown wax to the two larger drawers to tone down the yellow. I used Old Barn Milk Paint Dark Wax. You need to apply and rub it in until you get the look that you want. You’ll get your arm exercise in for the day!
Once she was all dry, I decided I wanted to add some decorative details to make her completely mine. I used some stencils from Michaels for this part.
I also thought it would be nice to add some personalization to the sides of the drawers, so I hand-painted some birds on them. However, there are stencils at Michaels that would work beautifully for this. Such a pretty surprise when you open them up. How cool was it to have this piece featured on Country Home Magazine’s Instagram page.
This dresser has been one of my favourite pieces that I’ve redone and I’ve worked on a lot of pieces. But, after 3 years, my space was changing so this piece changed with it.
I decided I would paint out the Relic with my home-made chalkpaint in Cloud white by Benjamin Moore. Here is my Chalkpaint Recipe.
Here is what you will need:
1/3 cup of plaster of Paris
1/3 cup of cool water, stir until completely smooth
1 cup of latex paint.
Mix plaster of Paris with water until completely smooth, then simply add to the latex paint and blend thoroughly.
Here is what she looks like now.
It was easy, I just mixed the paint and applied it. No sanding needed.
If I missed anything, leave me a question below in the comments and do let me know which colour is your favourite (I love them both).
Thanks so much for stopping by!
I really liked the relic, but once I saw the cloud…😍! I think it is my favorite! Thanks for the recipe. Can you use it over anything without sanding? And how does it hold up? Could you use it on kitchen cabinets? Yes, I am a complete novice when it comes to painting!😳
Both ways . Gorgeous!
Thank you!
I’m sure it will end up being a different colour one of these days.
It is such a great piece.
karan
Beautiful!! Love it both ways! Was it solid wood underneath the veneer? I was hoping to refinish an oak pedestal table that’s been in my husband’s family for years. It’s solid (heavy) and gorgeous pedestal base. Solid wood on bottom but veneer top! Was thinking I can’t refinish the veneer top…
Hi Samirah,
Thank you! It was. It usually it solid underneath just not always the nicest wood. I added some dark wax to the drawer fronts so they would coordinate with the top. You can lightly sand veneer, just don’t be aggressive with it and it should be okay. I usually strip it fist then lightly sand it.
karan
Hi Kirsty, thank you so much for this tutorial. Could you tell me which range of Benjamin Moore paint you use (Regal / Ben / Advance etc) in your recipe, or can you use anything? Thanks so much?
Hi jacqueline,
i use any paint I have on hand. my personal preference for walls however is the behr line of paint although I tend to use Benjamin Moore colours.
for chalk paint recipe you can use whatever paint you have on hand.
hope that helps.
karan
xxox
They are both very cool, but I like the one painted relic.
I really like the design around the edges of the drawers.
Thank you.
With my recent living room changes I’m thinking thisnpiece will change yet again. The beauty of paint.
Karan
This is beautiful! Did you stain the wood drawers or just add creme wax to the raw wood?
I just added cream wax to the wood.
It just warms them up and protects them.
Karan
What did you use to apply the stencil? Do you dry brush it? Roll it? Any tips are appreciated!
Hi tara,
I use a stencil brush and dab it. I’ll try to get a post up in februarybgoing over each step if you’d like.
Karan
I love them both as well. I needed to know what kind of wax or paint you brush on the brown part of this white dresser? And how did you apply the stencil on the other one? I’m worried about how not to touch it with the dark chalk paint with the dark wood? Thanks so much. Love following you.
I used the Americana cream wax. It works great for lower traffic items and an poly acrylic for higher traffic like tables.
Karan
Is the acrylic paint the one that is the colour for the chalk paint?
I always use latex paint. I use a poly acrylic on the top of my pieces that get a lot of wear.
Karan
I love the stencil edge. Can you tell me what brand the border stencil is? I can not locate anything like this at Michaels.
Thanks
I wish I had more information for you. I picked it up a while ago from Michaels. It had five other stencils in the package and are stick on ones.
karan
I love the border stencil on the drawers. Can you be more specific about it. I’ve tried to locate this at Michaels and am unable to find. Thanks so much!
Hi Natalie,
I picked it up at michaels a couple of years ago. I no longer have the packaging. I wish I had more information for you. It was a stick on stencil and had 5 border stencils in one pkg.
Karan
I love your piece. Can you tell me how well do you like the Americana chalk paint. Does it work well over unsanded pieces? How do you compare it to other brands. I do like annie sloan, but it’s too expensive. How does homemade chalk paint compare to to these other ones?
Thanks Karen,
I’m a huge fan of the Americana chalk paint. I’ve found that it adheres so well. It covers beautifully and is well priced. My homemade chalk paint recipe is my favourite as your colours are limitless and coverage is wonderful! It adheres beautifully. I use it more then any other chalk paint. I do not sand any of my pieces and have had no issuers at all.
Karan
Quelle bonnes idées! Je vais les mettre en pratique. Bravo!
Merci beaucoup! Je suis content que tu les ais trouvés utiles!
Xox
What happened to the mirror. It was so beautiful.
I agree! I have it hanging on my wall in my dining room. You can see it on my Instagram page. @designsbykaran
Tastefully done, both colors are beautiful. Thanks for the recipe
Thank you!!
Karan
Hi Karen, beautiful work. I love your idea with the stencil it brings a nice touch and stands out but not too much.
I’m going to start my first project with a little inspiration from you. Would love to share the pics with you. Thank you, Kat
Hi Kat,
I’ve always just referred to it as decorative trim. Sorry I couldn’t be more help.
I’d love to see your progress!
Karan
i am curious what you do with the beautiful mirrors these antique dressers have attached to them…i have found many old pieces and that has always been my thought is where are the mirrors that was once attached…its so nice to restore a piece with all its original pieces…
[i came across your site looking for how to clean antique pull handles … ( hardware)
I still have it. It used to hand in my sinking room on the wall. I haven’t found a space here yet but will.
Karan
I loved them both, kind of loving the white a wee bit more now lol. I also make my own chalk paint. I work in a paint store and have been doing this for years now, the possibilities are endless using the Plaster of Paris.
What you do is amazing Karan, thanks !
Oh lisa, I’d be creating new colours all the time! What fun.
Thank you so much.
karan
xxox
Hi, Love this dresser. I am currently revamping a dresser too and was wondering where you got the patterned stencil from?
Thanks,
Kim
It was from Michaels. They had it locally yet the last one I was in.
Karan
To be honest with you, I really liked the way you painted this piece of furniture the first time…but, then again, I’m new to this chalk paint finish idea..I’ve believed that you never, ever, PAINT antique or vintage furniture , you sand and refinish it to the wood’s natural beauty…but, I bought a sideboard that’s had been well used and I believe it has a veneer on the wood…so, for that reason only, I’m going to learn and attempt to “chalk paint” it, after I research & learn the best method…keep your fingers crossed for me..there are so many different ideas & ways to do it by so many different people & sites!!!
Please share what you end up doing.
Good luck.
Hi Karan,
The Old Barn Milk Paint Dark Beeswax no longer seems to be available anywhere. Can you recommend a similar product to “remove the yellow” from the wood as you mentioned? There are so many types of waxes out there it’s hard to figure out! Thank you.
You can try the Behr dark wax. I have very much enjoyed working with it.
Karan
I’ve been told you can’t paint over a previously waxed surface. Obviously you can! Any special tips on doing it?
This is where I would sand, just lightly. Create a surface where the new chalk paint will adhere.
Karan
I love both looks, but the white & wood is my absolute favorite! So my question is When you went to redo it in white what about the wax or topcoat you did when it was grey, do you have to sand that down or just go over the wax or poly?? Also after painting it white you never said how you sealed it or what with? I use to redo antique furniture when I was younger & stripping was dangerous (so in my late 40’s…) And continued to redo furniture as an Interior Exterior Decorator Designer and Personal Organizer for many years. Then got a lovely disease and became disabled (I don’t recommend it 😉) So now I’m ready to refinish many pieces I’ve been collecting & holding onto for years, but there’s all this “new chalk paint & waxes” and it’s hard knowing which to use & what products is best for paint & waxes???🤯 And of course after so many years of being very ill, I’m now on a very fixed income & have to learn how to do things without all the money I “use” to make & have🤔❣️❣️ Thank you for all you do & share. Sincerely Lori K 💕
I am so glad you like them both, me too! My chalk paint recipe will go right over top. I made sure the surface was clean and then painted on top of the the last look. I usually use the americana cream wax. It is so easy to apply.
I’m sorry about your health issues and pray you are doing better each and every day.
Karan
Karan
Hi Karan, just looking back on this as I’m finally going to try your homemade chalk paint! Two questions: is it 1 cup paint with ⅓ pp and ⅓ H2O or ⅓ c paint? (here you said 1 cup but I saw ⅓ on a different post I believe. Also, which do you prefer to protect, Americana Decor Creme Wax or Polyacrylic Minwax?
Thanks for your help!
I usually do 1/3 1/3 1/3 of each. This covers more I have found.
I love the Americana of the surface isn’t going to get a lot of abuse. I usually use polyacrylic (non yellowing) on things such as table tops that get used a lot. Hope that helps.
Karan
Where did you get the sheep painting? Love it! 💕
We found it at a local shop called Coyles country store on tillsonburg, Ontario.
Karan
Hello, I have the same stencil for the boarder. Mine came out blotchy in some areas, how did you apply your paint? Yours truly looks beautiful! Thanks in advance,
Dmari
I used a stencil brush and just ok my time. Made sure the stencil adhered firmly as well.
Love this!
So –
I’m a beginner. I’ve removed the veneer from the top of the dresser. Whew! DONE!
But I’m having trouble getting the old finish off the edges of the top. How did you do that – Old fashioned elbow grease and patience? The face of the dresser is also curved. Hard to take a sander to…
Can you help? Tell me what to do! Please!
I used a mouse sander and hand sanded. You could also use stripper. I love the mouse sander for finer areas.
Hi! found this post on Pinterest and just love the dresser makeovers! What is your go-to for stenciling? I am failing miserably and yours is spot on.
I like the ones that have an adhesive. Michael’s has a good selection.
Wow!! I realise I’m pretty late to the party here but wanted to thank you for sharing these lovely designs and the details on how to get started with something like this.
I’ve never tried anything like it but am going to use an old chest of drawers as a test and see if I enjoy the process and the results.
Thank you for the inspiration, I wouldn’t have ever thought of using stencils but it seems less daunting than hand painting, and there seem to be many beautiful stencils out there so I’m excited to choose something.
Will definitely be following you for more design ideas!
Please share what you do!!