Hi, friends – happy Wednesday! Before I share how I was unexpectedly invited into an old classmates 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 heavy 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 painted 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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Beautiful!! How does this paint color and composition compare to General Finishes Lamp Black? And what do you use, if anything, as a protective clear coat over RubnBuff?
Hi Emily! GF Lamp Black is one of my favorite blacks as well! Because it’s acrylic paint (although they market it as Milk Paint because of the colors) I find it’s not as easy to get a sheer or blended look. LOVE spraying with it and for solid opaque finishes though. RubNBuff doesn’t need a topcoat. It dries and cures super durable. 🙂
Thanks, Denise. I agree. lamp black functions best as an opaque finish although I’ve done multiple washes to have sheerness and build opaqueness as well with it with various pieces. Also restored an old piano inside and out and used GF lamp black with gloss ArmRSeal as a top coat. Gave it a lovely luminescent glossy finish. Have always been a little hesitant to use chalk paint; just worried a little over durability in general. It is lovely though. And, of course, highly respect your work. You are a creative genius. Just another quick question. For your famous faux pottery barn dresser, what made you decide to use GF lamp black instead of chalk paint? Best wishes to you! Keep up the great work! You are an inspiration to so many!
Thanks so much!! For this Faux Potter Barn Dresser, I chose GF Lamp Black because I had half a can left…hehe.😉 Plus it’s simply gorgeous and applies beautifully!… not to mention super durable.
Best wishes to you as well Emily! XOXO
I LOVED your Fall Flipping Tour !
You are all such talented artists !!! It’s so inspiring – and the detailed processes help sooo much.
Thanks for sharing.
p
Oh I’m SO HAPPY you enjoyed it P! Thanks for letting us know, much appreciated! XOXO
So elegant. You’ve created a soft gently aged finish. Not sure I understand the process, but you surely do. 🙂
I really like the simple details on this dresser. The previous owner would surly have approved of it’s refresh.
I’ve not used DB paint yet, but now am anxious to try this color / paint.
And the hardware…. It’s beautiful.
Thanks for sharing. You do such lovely work.
p
Thanks P! And if you try the Caviar, I’m sure you’ll love it. Caviar and Coffee Bean are my faves!
A great and subtle job – well done. I spotted a chair, similar to the one half shown next to your dresser, in the depths of my garage. Yours looks charming and I hope to copy it + strategically placed flowers. Having cleaned it, what process would you recommend please.
Thanks Audrey! The chair is all original so if you’re looking for this original wood look, once it’s cleaned you can add your florals! Are you using a transfer or hand painting the florals on?
I compare this dresser to the little black dress. Classy! You can never go wrong with this look. It’s simply gorgeous, Denise. xo
YES!… the classic little black dress, I love it. Thanks my friend! XOXO
I was so inspired by this piece I found a similar dresser on Craigslist. I love what you did with this. It’s gorgeous. After your second coat of paint did you wax the entire piece with the blacj Wayzata?
Thanks, Diane! And yes, I applied black wax. 🙂
Hi Denise, I want to paint my bedroom furnitures with chalk paint and I was wondering if I can use the technique you used for this dresser? It is melamine furniture. Thank you for your answer. Have a good day.
Hi, first you are very talented and this cabinet looks amazing! Do you have a video or youtube channel that demonstrate how you painted it? Thanks
Hi Rhea and thank you! I wasn’t making video at the time I did this dresser but I do have my painting techniques on Youtube here.
Hi! I love this 🙂 I have some regular black paint (wall/trim/door…I’m not exactly sure what it is, but it’s not chalk board). Do you think that would work the same?
Thanks!
Thanks, Rebecca! If it’s a flat sheen you may get a ‘similar’ look but I would try in an inconspicuous area before attempting the entire project to make sure you like the look and how the paint is interacting with your piece. 🙂
Beautiful! Did you have to sand the piece before applying paint?
Hi Christina and thank you. No I didn’t do prep sanding but I did sand the paint finish lightly before applying the topcoat.
Hi Denise, This is absolutely stunning! I have a beautiful old sideboard that I’d like to use this technique on but unfortunately it’s already primed white (DOH!) and ready for the “next step”. Do you think using something like a Dixie Belle Chocolate chalk paint over the primer and then the technique you used in this post would work? Thanks for any input/insights you might have. 🙂
Hi Kat and thank you! hmmm, well the wood gives it really nice variance underneath the Caviar which I believe is part of the charm. If you were to paint Chocolate over your primed piece and then add the Caviar technique, it would look a little more two dimensional. That could look very nice, but I don’t think it would look the same. Hope that makes sense.
What a wonderful technique for distressing. It does look very natural. Love the black color as well. I have a piece in mind to try it on.
Thanks Jeri! I’m glad it’s inspired some ideas for you. 🙂
Love the story behind this dresser, Denise. Really love the paint color, it’s perfect for lighter wood pieces, especially vintage and antiques that need a refresh. Caviar is now on my Must Try list. The makeover is stunning and I’m curious if Tracy has seen her Dad’s dresser now?
I’m hoping she has (because I mentioned my blog) but I couldn’t say for sure. It was one of the chance meetings and it might be another 10 years before I see her again.. one of those fluke blast from the past situations. 😉
This is beautiful! I’ve never tried Dixie Belle paints before and wonder if it leaves that grainy, rather rough finish that chalk paint leaves? I love a smooth, no brush marks finish. Love MMS milk paint and would like to try Mineral paint o compare but don’t want to waste money on a paint that I won’t like. What are your thoughts?
Thanks, Crystal and no… in comparison to AS or some other chalky paints I’ve tried, DB feels more like thick latex paint. There’s not as much of a learning curve when using it. Not grainy at all. Lays very nicely. The coverage is excellent. And it can be manipulated easily with water or other paint techniques. The cost is also very reasonable in comparison… and I’m pretty thrifty lol.
Denise! You really scored with this one! Sometimes knowing when to be simple and elegant is the perfect choice!!
Thank you Ann!!!
First of all it I turned out gorgeous!! Like all your projects. I was just wondering about sanding lightly with 320 grit sand paper., was that actually 320 or did you mean to say 220 cause I don’t believe I have seen 320 before. If it is 320 is that a finer grit than 220?
Thanks Rosie! XO And yes, a 320 is finer than 220 and perfect for a finish sanding. 🙂
Denise- Love the black! It is fabulous.. I’m also a visual person and I would love to see a. video of your painting technique. Hears hoping you find the right piece of furniture to paint black:) Let us know if you do👍 Thank you😊
I would love to find another piece like this too… they are fun to work on. 🙂
Yes! A video PLEASE! I have a grandfather clock that is yellowy-oak. I’d love to give this a try, but I’m not sure I understand your process.
Ooops! Just found your video tutorial on Wet Distressing. You should add a link to the paragraph where you mention the technique you used! Awesome!
I really like the overall look of the dresser. The up close pictures look like the old finish was really alligatored. Why did you just paint over it and not sand it or remove the old finish before you painted?
Thanks, Annie! With chalk/mineral paints, sanding is not required unless there’s a super glossy finish, or scratches/gouges you’re trying to get rid of. This piece didn’t have either and I wasn’t at all concerned about taking away the texture because I really like the look. 🙂
The caviar and dark wax are just lovely. I especially like the gold rub and your description of the pulls as “jewelry”. Can’t wait to see the buffet! I have 2 that I need some inspiration for getting them painted so I can sell them. Your always inspire me!
Thanks so much, Cecilia! Hope you’re having a great week. XOXO
Love it! And the color choice was perfect.
Thanks Kathleen! 🙂
You were right Denise, even the before is gorgeous but the “after” is beautiful and ready for another 50 years. Never really been a fan of flat color of anything….always seems to look dusty and faded to me. I don’t think there is anything wrong with a little “satin” in the world!
Another great save……love that hardware, drooling here in Arizona!
Aw, thanks Mary!! It sold really quickly but this is one of those pieces I kind of wish I had kept. 😉
Perfect! Exactly the idea I needed for a project still sitting, waiting for the right inspiration. Thank you, as always, for creative ideas and exquisite results!!
I’m so happy it sparked some idea,s Susan. Have fun! x
Denise, you are truly an artist. Everything you do is beautiful and I love that you kept, yet updated, the vintage character of the piece. And…reunited with a classmate. How wonderful to rekindle with people from our past. Some call it fate. You were there for her and she for you! How nice
Thank you, Kathy! And I totally believe in fate or the ‘universe’ working in mysterious ways. 🙂 Have a super week! x
Beautiful! I love the simplicity of what you did. Just the perfect amount of bling and distressing.
Thank you, Barbara! 🙂
Hi Denise. I love the Caviar Black color on this dresser. Perfect, upscale, and so rich looking. The hardware looks fabulous all cleaned and shined up. This has got to go on my favorite furniture makeovers Pinterest board:)
Aw thanks my friend! And thanks for the PIN!🤗