Hi, friends – happy Wednesday! Before I share how I was unexpectedly invited into an old classmate’s home for this piece of furniture, I’m going to jump right in and say I’m in love with this new black. It’s Caviar Chalk Mineral Paint and it’s one of the new colors in Dixie Belle’s Paint line. It’s a perfect match for this vintage dresser makeover.
Have you ever reunited with someone from your past and the timing felt awkward, yet perfect?
A few months back, Dad, Andrea and I were driving home from one of Dad’s doctors’ appointments. There was a house for sale – a big bin in the driveway – and the cutest little buffet waiting its turn into the dumpster. It was this one here… who could I resist, right?!…
I hopped out of the car to see if I could salvage it …. and omgosh, it’s Tracy! – a classmate of mine from back in my high school days.
After a little catching-up, Tracy tells me she’s selling the house and clearing out all the contents because her Dad recently passed away. She has more vintage furniture in the house that she needs gone asap – and if I can haul it out, I can take it. I insisted on paying her a fair price and the next day, MMM and I helped clear out furniture. This reunion was a little awkward due to the sad circumstances but it was also perfect timing. The best part, I got to touch base with someone I haven’t seen in over 30 years!
This vintage dresser needed some TLC but it’s a really beautiful even in the ‘before’.
THIS POST CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS TO PRODUCTS USED. YOU CAN SEE MY FULL DISCLOSURE HERE.
When you first look at Caviar Black in the container, it looks like a blue-black which I mentioned in this post… at least it does to me. Do you see it too?
It’s not though. As you can see on the dresser, this black is a rich, deep-pigmented TRUE black. I used very little for this dresser makeover and it covers like a dream. The finish and color remind me of Miss Mustard Seeds Typewriter Black. A matte black luxurious-looking finish. The perfect fall color choice for this vintage dresser makeover.
SOURCE LIST::
- Vintage Tall Dresser – SALVAGED!
- TSP for Cleaning
- Caviar Black Chalk-Mineral Paint
- Black Wax
- Paint Brush
- Shop Towels for Applying and Rubbing off Black Wax
- Rub’N Buff for Hardware
VINTAGE DRESSER MAKEOVER::
- Repaired dresser drawers
- Cleaned inside and out with TSP
- Painted 2 coats of Caviar Black (see paint technique below)
- Lightly sanded the paint with 320 grit before sealing
- Protected and finished with Black Wax
- Updated the original hardware with Grecian Gold Rub’N Buff
My goal was to update and restyle this dresser tastefully and respectfully. Aside from the repairs, I left everything original including the hardware. I freshened up the pulls with Grecian Gold Rub’n Buff. Now they look like heirloom jewelry against the rich black.
The paint technique I used on this piece was wet distressing using a paintbrush. For this technique, ‘less is more’.
I started painting heavily in some areas and left the wood exposed in other areas. Then for my second coat, I laid the paint on heavy in the opaque areas I already brushed on coat number one, then wet my brush and feathered the paint out. Then wet the brush a little more and paint a wash. I then wiped away the excess wet paint with a shop towel and then let it dry.
This technique provides a beautiful soft distressed look leaving some of the natural wood finish showing through in varying degrees. Super vintage. Super soft. No harsh distressing but instead it looks naturally worn.
Let me know what you think of this new black… or if you’re a fan of black-painted furniture. Feel free to chime in if you have any questions or would just like to say ‘HI’. I always love hearing from you!
Denise x
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I loved your technique of letting some of the original finish show thru and also the fittings which highlighted the lines of the drawers that were a lighter tone than the caviar paint. Subtle and beautiful!
Thanks so much Rita! XOXO
ii am not a furniture painter (yet….) but this result is lovely, I like that it does not require sanding. Saving this one! Thanks.
Thanks for the save Elle! 🙂
I’m just one of many who seem to be captivated by this color and technjque! I personally love black furniture and I have a.lovely antique oak dresser in my bedroom that is begging for this look. I hope you will do a video on this!
Thanks Sharon and when I find a piece that will look good with this finish, I’ll do a video for you. XOXO
Hi Denise!
I am excited that you’ll be doing a video! I’d love to use this technique for my bedroom dressers. I’ll be watching for your video, along with Sharon. 👍🏻
Many thanks!
Lee
💙 💙 💙
Your technique and choice of paint color make this piece look like it was originally this color and it is merely timeworn. I know a lot of people want to save “ real wood” all the time, but this paint job is such an improvement over what it started out life being! Beautiful job, of course! 😉
Thanks so much Patricia… appreciate it and YOU! 🙂
LOVE THIS! It is beautiful! I am a visual person and would love a video on how you do this.
Enjoy your projects very much.
Thanks, Janice! And if/when I find a piece that would look good in this finish, I’ll be sure to do a video for you. 🙂
I agree–would love to see how you achieve this look! It’s beautiful!!
Thank you Pat! xo
Ditto! This is my favorite look by far. Love the “soft” distressing. Such a beautiful piece. Please do a video on this technique.
Thanks Tava and when I find a piece that ‘fits’ with this technique, I’ll do a video for you. 🙂
Dead black is a no-go for me. Always looks better with some hunter green or th like mixed in… this “caviar” is a beautiful color to my eyes and i like the thin areas over what could be frequently rubbed high spots. So glad you retrieved the piece…obviously made by a craftsman.
Thank you Olivia! 🙂
This make over is just beautiful in the Caviar Black, you do a great job!
How do you refinish a laminated piece of furniture? I also have an
old hutch that has an Oder, I tried cleaning the inside but it still smells, what do you suggest?
,
Hi Lucille and thank you! I have an amazing post (there are a TON of great ideas in the comment section) on Getting Rid Of Furniture Odors here and a full post on How To Paint Laminate here. I hope they help. 🙂
Hi Denise, Cheryl here. Your daily blog stalker. I live the look of this dresser, but I cannot, for the life of me, understand whT you did. I get that you wer the brush several times but what do you mean you fanned it? You heavily painted some areas and then you went and heavily painted the other areas and then you “fanned the brush” . Can you show me or explain please? I have enough of a hard time trying to jus copy you. It’s not happening g. 🙂
Hi Cheryl! Picture and old fashion fan in your hand and it’s hot as heck out. Your fanning your face (fast!) to try and cool down…lol… now do that same motion with a dry paintbrush on freshly laid paint. It spreads and blends the paint beautifully. Hope this helps. 🙂
Hi Denise, I have a dresser that is light pink and I would love to do this project. Since it is light pink, do I need apply three coats of the black to get this look? Or sand certain areas where I want the distressed look to appear? I have never done anything like this before so any help would be greatly appreciated.
I agree,..I couldnt understand what she did either! 😊
This is absolutely stunning – one of my favourite makeovers ever! The black-over-brown done this softly is really classic looking! Very beautifully done!
Thank you, Janina!!! XOXO
Beautiful piece. One question: My foyer table pedestal leg is stained but the top is painted. Do I have to strip the paint on the top and stain it before applying your technique? Any other suggestions to simplify that process? Thanks for your help. I am hoping to avoid a bunch of steps
Hi Denise,
I love the way you painted this beautiful piece. I read your technique but I didn’t quite understand it. You painted with a wet brush and just wiped some off on the second coat? How did you put on the first coat. You know what you should do??? You should start going live on You Tube. I would watch you all the time. There are quite a few of Dixie Bell paint Ambassador’s on You Tube. Please??? Help me. 🙂
Hi Cheryl, thanks! Yes, the first coat was applied full coverage in some areas and lighter in others. The second coat was applied with a wet brush and a thinner coat of paint and then wiped back in some areas. This gives you a natural worn look rather than a sanded distressed finish. And yes, maybe Facebook live. 🙂 Even though I’m technically not a DB Ambassador, I do use a TON of their products! 🙂 🙂 Hope this helps.
Did you ‘ wet the brush’ with water?, or freshly dipped into the paint?
Hi Doris! Yes I ‘wet the brush’ before dipping into the paint with this tool here. The water mister helps control the amount of water on the brush so its’ not soaking wet like it would be running it under a top for instance.
I love it. I have a vintage dresser that I have been wanting to paint but wasn’t sure what color etc. But.. now I can’t wait to get started. One question, where did you buy this paint ? Never heard of that brand. Thank you so much,absolutely beautiful!
Thanks Susan and have fun with your vintage dresser! Dixie Belle can be purchased online here or you can check out their retailers here.
Ok Denise, I am doing it! Wish me luck. Hope it turns out ! So excited I found your post to paint my vintage dresser. Exactly what I was looking for.
Wishing you luck Susan! I’m cheering you on and I’d love to hear how it turns out. 🙂
Hi Denise,
I know this is an older post. I just did this to an antique drum table, and I’m seeing brush strokes on the top of the piece. I have not used the black wax yet,. Any suggestions before I do? I love what you did! Definitely inspired me to give it a try!
Colleen
Hi Colleen! So glad you like the dresser and you gave it a go!!! 🙂 I like sanding between all my coats which make a HUGE difference. Also, slightly thinning paint with a little water also makes the paint go on much smoother.
LOVE LOVE LOVE this piece. I have a honey oak bedroom set and would love to paint it like this. I see where you painted it, and then sealed it. After reading a previous comment, “sealing” means using the black wax, correct? So you don’t have to use a clear wax on it before you put the black wax on it? Again beautiful!
Hi Tammy…thanks! That’s correct. I just used black wax to seal/protect. Have fun with your bedroom set. Great project. 🙂
Thank you!!!!
Hi Tammy I am looking to redo a bathroom vanity and need a rich dark brown color. This dresser looks to be the right color I am looking for. although the color says its black? Help
This turned out absolutely stunning! I just love black painted furniture. Great job.
Thank you Karen! I love classic black too! 🙂
Hi Denise.first time on your site and I absolutely love it , I just recently retired and I am looking forward to my new hobby-job ,where do you get your furniture ? I have looked around and is very expensive to find a good piece of furniture .
Hi Theresa…welcome! I get my furniture from all over. Thrift Stores, ReStore, Flea Markets, Garage/Yard sales, estate sales, Craigslist, Kijiji, family, friends, neighbors, and curb shopped. Good luck and have fun! 🙂
Denise, your work is absolutely beautiful. This dresser makeover is just perfect. You used the same hardware, did you not? Do you have a special way to clean it. I have dropped hardware in boiling water to remove paint, etc., but the ones on your dresser are like new. Great job.
Thanks Joyce! I haven’t tried boiling hardware but I’ve heard it works amazing! If I remember correctly, I used Rub’n Buff on these ones. But they also clean up nice with Brasso.
Is it the color of the wood then that gives this piece that richer expresso-like color? When I look at this, I don’t really see black black, I see a richer coffee color. Hmmm. Is it just me? I have a piece i’d love this color, but the wood beneath is much lighter, so I’m wondering if there is a combo of colors and I can use to get this same hue.
Thank you
It is. The original wood was warm with golden/red undertones so where the paint is applied lightly, it shows through to create the richer tones you see. With a lighter wood, you could stain it a dark warm walnut or java before painting.
Hi Denise. Need your help. I have painted a waterfall dresser in caviar. What is the secret to applying wax over this dark color to achieve a nice finish.? I have tried to apply the wax in a circular motion and edge to edge. Can not get the constancy that appears you have obtained in your piece. Any suggestions?
Hi Susan! If you’re seeing any inconsistency, it could be that the wax is applied heavily, or heavy in some areas and light in others. I used the wax sparingly (used black wax – not clear) and applied and worked it in in small areas. Then gave the entire piece another buffing. Hope this helps.
I would love to see a short video showing this technique you described. It’s very beautiful.
Thanks, Amanda! 🙂
I’ll second that about the video. Can’t write grasp the technique by description. It’s just beautiful!!
Oh my gosh, you did such an amazing job on this dresser! And, it works so well with the updated hardware. Beautiful work!
Thanks so much Shelley! 🙂
Love this look! I just read through your steps for the Vaseline green/black desk. Do you think this step of using the 320 grit cans wet distress could be combined with the Vaseline effect?
*I have a 150yr old armoire I’m chalk painting for a little girl’s room. Ideally I want 4 colors (3 peeking through randomly lightly distressed ivory color top coat). Not sure how to best achieve the look I want.
Hi Kelly… thank you! Yes, if you applied both these methods and/or one or the other, various colors will show through nicely. For a beautiful finish, sanding all your layers at the end will provide a uniform and smooth (ie no thick paint buildup) professional finish. Hope this helps and have fun. 🙂
Love the way the imperfections/checking in the original finish show through this technique. It is now totally updated, timeless and very classy. Great job. I’m now on the hunt for a dresser like this one…can’t wait to try this one.
Thanks Cherrie! xo
Black painted furniture is my all time favorite! and this came out gorgeous! Pinned
Thanks Kandice… and thanks for the share! 🙂
I love black painted furniture and I love Dixie Belle paint products and so Caviar has been added to my Must Try list. How sweet is that to not only reacquaint with a high school friend but acquire beautiful furniture as a result! I love the dark wash against the light wood, such a lovely combination. The gold hardware is the jewelry on the little black dress with champagne wishes and caviar dreams (sorry, couldn’t resist). Pinned
LOL… omgosh…I forgot about that show!
I am in love! It is absolutely beautiful! I have gotta try it!
Glad it’s inspired you to give it a go Jen! Have fun. 🙂
What a perfect little dresser! Love the colour and I do love black furniture! Look forward to seeing the rest of your salvaged pieces! ❤
Hi Cynthia!!! I like black too. Black and white are always a classic. Look forward to sharing the others with you… they are all beautiful pieces.
Stunningly gorgeous! Wow!!
Thanks so much Suzanne! x
I love the color of the wood showing through and the black paint is lovely. Almost all the furniture in my flat above the shop is black. It was always black and I couldn’t sell it during the first years of my opening so it was moved upstairs. Have you ever seen Victorian cottage furniture in black? I could move it back into the shop…I know it would sell now. I bought some black paint that has a purple tint to it…a mistake, but your black is really good. I should try Rub and Buff. I’ve been half-polishing brass pulls, just the parts that are the highest, I like that look, but I’m heard good things about Rub and Buff from other dealers and you’ve mentioned it. I agree that your styling is perfection.
Ginene
I’ll bet your Victorian Cottage pieces would sell in a heartbeat Ginene. If it’s the style I’m thinking… the furniture that has the tall detailed backboards and headboards, I’d keep them! 🙂 As for the Rub’N Buff, it took me forever to try it but now I’m hooked. I used to hand polish the original hardware with Brasso. I even tried all natural methods too. But I have to admit the Rub’N Buff looks pretty impressive and it’s a time saver for sure. It’s cost effective too. The tiniest amount goes a long way so the small tube lasts forever!
Gorgeous! I love distressing technique and like how natural yours looks. I love black too! My favourite is General Finishes Lamp Black MP but maybe if I ever get around to buying some Dixie Belle I’ll give this one a try.
Hi Annie!!! Yes! GF Lamp Black is another beautiful ‘true’ black for sure. I’ve used it on a number of pieces too…. no undertones like the purple Ginene (previous comment) encountered with her black.
This is gorgeous, Denise! I love furniture painted black. It has been a super long time since I have done a black piece, but you make me want to! As always, love the styling! XO
Thanks, Christy! And huge compliment because I always love your styling. xo 🙂
EXQUISITE ! You brought More value to that piece than it’s original ,as it was looking very tired,shabby & now reborn! Alleluia !
Awwww, thank you Mary!!!! This dresser was a little tired and needed some repairs, but overall, a beauty regardless. I feel so lucky to find vintage furniture like this. It’s a pleasure to work on. 🙂
Absolutely beautiful! I love it!
Thank you Beverly! xo
Love it! It is absolutely gorgeous. Thanks for the inspiration.
Thank you Debra! xo
Beautiful to the max!! I would be afraid to attempt this. I understand and thank you for sharing your technique. Would you consider doing a video tutorial on your blog sometime? I would love to see you in action.
Hi Maggie! Have you and Beatriz been chatting today? 😉 I was telling her in an earlier comment, I may give video a try in the future. But for now, furniture makeovers, custom work, the SI Blog, and most importantly family are keeping me busy.
Love this! I picked up a set of three very similar and looking to do this too while leaving a bit of the beautiful wood exposed. I will add a fresh stain to it. Thanks for sharing!
Three pieces…that’s great! They look great when some wood is left peeking through! Have fun, Karin.
WOW!!! That is gorgeous!! Beautiful job. I think this is my favorite piece that you have done. This is to die for!!!
I like WOW’s…lol. Thank you Tamara. xo
Denise, Love the look of this dresser. I’m getting ready to paint one very similar. I will flag your instructions. Hopefully it turns out like yours.
Thank you, Kathy! And thanks for bookmarking and good luck and have fun with yours. xo
Absolutely stunning! But, since I’m still new at this, I’m not sure how to accomplish this finish; how about a video tutorial? 🙂
Oh Beatriz, I love video as much as you… and maybe in the future, I’ll consider it. But it takes time to shoot, edit, upload ect and that’s time I don’t have right now. If you have any questions, ask away though. I’d be happy to walk you through it. 🙂
Denise, This made my heart go petty-pat! I so love dark colors and black is my favorite. This is awesome! It’s making me rethink that dark blue I planned for my Road Side Treasure.
Oh no, I’m causing color confusion…lol. Whatever color your pick for your roadside dresser, I’m sure it will be beautiful. If you’re still thinking of spraying, Dixie Belle sprays beautifully. I hope Larry is well and talk to you real soon. xo
Normally I cringe and click away quickly when I see that a lovely chest like this is about to be painted. Buttttttttttt……………the technique you used on this piece is lovely. I love it. You did good. There was a time when I would have already been on the road to pick up the chest and the buffet.
Huge compliment Carol, thank you! xo
Stunning! Will be copying this re-do on a piece of my grandfather’s!
Copy away, Linda! 🙂 This caviar black is perfect for a vintage piece, which I’m assuming it is if it’s from your grandfather. 🙂
I love how this turned out! I just picked up a dresser just like this minus the fancy stuff on the front, and now I know what to do with it! Thanks for sharing this project!
Glad it’s inspired, Debbie! Have fun with your dresser. 🙂
It’s gorgeous!! I love everything about it!!
Thank you Katherine! xo
OMG, I love it, I love the finish of this paint, I am not a fan of chalk paint particularly but this dresser looks so natural. I love all your projects, thanks for sharing!
Hi Allie! Thank so much. I’m loving the finish too. The finish looks rich and velvety… new yet old…if that makes sense…lol.
Elegant…………………..
This dresser is so lucky that you found it. I don’t know that I would have been brave
enough to try black, but this piece is really beautiful. I’m going for it ! Thank you so
much for sharing the details as I am still a little new at this chalk paint restoration.
Again, beautiful !!
Elegant and classic is what I was aiming for so thank you! 🙂 And if you give this black a try, feel free to let me know how it goes for you. It’s lovely to work with. 🙂
LOVE this ! Even more, I love that you were invited to “take it all!” What a lovely piece of serendipity. Sad for your friend though, because losing my dad was very difficult. You have done a glorious job on this and can’t wait to see what else you got!
Hi Patty! Sorry about your Dad. It’s so very difficult. I lost my Mum back in ’96 and not a day goes by that I don’t think of her. Because of the circumstances, it was an awkward interaction but SO nice seeing her again. And yes, it was very generous of her to offer to “take it all”! There’s a china cabinet, the little buffet I showed, a vanity, another dresser that matches this one, and an empire dresser and the bed. I think there was 6 pieces in total so I might be forgetting one. But I’m looking forward to sharing all the makeovers with you guys. 🙂
OHMYGOSH what a stunning makeover and Oh, so rich looking.
Absolutely Love this piece.
Love your enthusiasm, Colleen! Thank you… so glad you like it. xo
Denise!!! You couldn’t have chosen a more perfect color for that salvaged chest of drawers. I love it!!! And you worded it perfectly. “The cleaned up hardware looked like heirloom jewelry.” All I can say is wow. You’ve inspired me. Thank you for sharing.
It does, doesn’t it! I’m glad you like it Cindy. xo
Absolutely fabulous job. I love it. Everything about it is perfect. I am sure it will make someone very happy to own. I have several dressers in this style, and I am now looking forward to doing some of them in this way. Thank you for sharing.
Denise what are some of the others colors you like in “Rub and Buff”? thx
I’ve only tired Gold Leaf and Grecian Gold but I LOVE Rub’N Buff! Amazing stuff! 🙂
Hi Julie!!! Thank you! These dressers are beautiful, aren’t they. Fun to work on too. 🙂
Dear Denise,
I think the dresser is really beautiful.. I’m still considering painting my 1990’s faux mahogany bedroom furniture. After seeing/reading this post I may take the plunge ( yikes- I’m such a novice).
Questions: You listed sanding before sealing. Is the wax the seal you are referring to?
The Rub and Buff looks like it comes in a paste texture. Does it dry like a paint? In other words will it rub off? My handles/pulls will be used daily. Thank you!
Hi Piper! 🙂 Thank you and I’m glad the posts are inspiring you to consider updating your own furniture. A little paint can make a world of difference! And yes, exactly. I lightly sanded before I sealed with the black wax. As for the Rub’N Buff, once it’s 100% dry, I’ve never had a problem with it rubbing off. 🙂
Another beauty. Great job.
Thank you, Tracy! xo
I love the black color just wondering how much paint would I need for a 5’ x 2’ dresser. Also could I used a different brand of black wax? I already have valspar (Lowes) or do you recommend the same brand.
Thanks in advance and by the way I love all of your post. I leaved in the Midwest for 15 years and antiques were always around. I recently moved to Arizona and so far I haven’t found any😞.
Thanks again,
Cynthia
Hi Cynthia! DB paint has great coverage so for a 5′ dresser, a 16oz would be plenty…especially if you were doing the same type of paint technique I did on this dresser, you’d have plenty left over. And I HOPE you end up finding antique in Arizona!… they must be hiding out somewhere. 😉
Pretty color!
Have never used Dixie Belle paint before….do you like it?
Yes, I really like it! You can see examples of a few past projects I’ve used it on here, here and here.
Wow….another gorgeous piece. I love the new black and how you restored the hardware. Beautiful styling and photos too!
Thanks so much Monique! I’m always trying to improve my styling so this put a big smile on my face…thank you. 🙂