I just might love thrift stores more then Target ….. (GASP).
Ok, really they tie in winning over my money. Over the weekend I finally had the chance to paint this pretty french dresser that has been sitting in my garage for the past few months. I searched for a before picture. I usually try take a photo at the thrift store, I must have deleted it trying to add more storage to my icloud. Imagine a dirty white dresser full of marker drawings… must have been in a kids room.
Thrift stores are the best place to find furniture. I have been looking for a french dresser for awhile. While skimming Craig’s-list ( a nightly ritual while watching the news) I found they are pricey, usually starting way over $100, so when I found this beauty for $20 at good-will it didn’t take long to claim it. Oh, and I had a coupon from donating. Don’t forget to donate and use your 20-30% coupons.
A few painting tips:
- Buy sample containers in FLAT finish ( under $3) I was able to paint this entire dresser with one sample container
- If the knobs are in good shape, keep them. With a little white spray paint these original knobs look great. I used a little sand paper to give them a more rustic look which allowed some of the metal to show through.
- Sanding, hardly do I ever sand before painting. The only time I do is if there is something that needs to be smoothed.
- Wax. With the flat finish you can use any kind of wax to create a smooth finish. I used both clear and dark by Annie Sloan. If you don’t want to buy dark wax you can use a dark stain to create a dirty wash around the edges .
Painting has always been very therapeutic for me. As a child I would beg my mom to take me to the paint store to pick out paint in which I would spend my weekend repainting and decorating my room. My mom soon embraced my love for painting and went along with all my crazy ideas.
Any project with a pink paint brush is my favorite.
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Stephanie - This turned out really gorgeous, I really love that pink you chose! With the painting, do you never sand your furniture first? I have stayed away from painting furniture because I always thought that you had to sand it first! I can’t believe I have missed out on so much great furniture because I was worried about how it would turn out without sanding it!
[email protected] - Hi Stephanie,
Usually I never sand. A nice damp white down to get the dust or dirt off. The wax application really helps seal the paint so you dont need to sand.
m.margarita - very beautiful color and a great result!!
Julia - This is so gorgeous. I WANT IT! 😀
Sara - First- SO jealous you found a French Provinicial dresser!! I’ve been looking for awhile (with no luck other then spending big bucks on one someone else had refinished) and my need for storage was greater then my patience to contine waiting, so I gave up. It is gorgeous!!!
Second- what color is that?! I’m in love. And is there anything else you can put over the top to substitute the clear AS wax?
Janna - GORGEOUS! ;)Do you happen to have a tutorial or link to how you paint it all with a sample size? I would love to try this!
Kelli H. - Amanda - The more I read your blog, I think I’m falling head over heals for you! Haha! Alright, enough creepy MN Girl love
I am such a fan, and took your advice to head to Hunt & Gather in Minneapolis last weekend (love it and wish not everyone’s last name started with an H), so now I was wondering if you have any paint tutorials on the blog that I’ve missed. I’m trying to learn what I can about chalk paint, I just got a dining room table I’d like to tackle… but I’m curious about chalk paint and those round brushes I see all over your blog. What’s up with the round brushes?
Nola Pirog - could you give me the specific name of the paint and the brand you used? Thanks!