HOW TO CREATE A GORGEOUS FINISH USING A COFFEE BEAN PAINT WASH ON YOUR FURNITURE | YOUTUBE VIDEO
Hi beautiful #sifamily! Today I’m sharing a fun way to update your furniture on this 1960s dresser. I created a gorgeous natural modern textured finish using a Coffee Bean Paint Wash. It’s a fun technique and I can’t wait to hear what you think!
*As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. There may also be affiliate links in this post to other companies/products I use and love as well. You will never be charged extra when you purchase through these affiliate links. To see my full disclaimer, click here!
Here’s the four-drawer dresser I started with. My Dad bought this dresser years ago. Since his passing back in 2018, it’s been sitting unused. I’ve been thinking a lot about him as his birthday was yesterday. I thought giving his old dresser a fresh new look might be fun. If he was still with us, he would have LOVED me working on one of his pieces.
They don’t make furniture like this anymore. It has a veneer finish with a solid wood frame. It’s heavy. I believe from the 1960s but possibly even a little older as my Dad thrifted it years ago.
Here’s a close-up of the finish. I’ve worked on similar pieces. It’s fun to highlight all this grain!
THIS POST IS SPONSORED/CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS TO PRODUCTS I USE. YOU CAN SEE MY FULL DISCLOSURE HERE.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
1960s Dresser – SALVAGED
Heat Gun
Bosch Sander (10% OFF as of writing!)
White Lightning Cleaner
All Purpose Bondo
Paint Brushes
Water Mister (60% OFF as of writing!)
Sand Bar Chalk Mineral Paint
Coffee Bean Chalk Mineral Paint
Woodubend Appliques/Designs
Satin Clear Coat
COFFEE BEAN PAINT WASH DRESSER
Here’s how it all came together…
CLEAN
This dresser was pretty clean as it’s been stored in my sister’s house, but I still started by cleaning it with White Lightning.
FILL DRAWER HARDWARE HOLES
All the old hardware was removed. My Dad must have replaced the original hardware because there were extra holes that needed filling. I filled all the holes with this Bondo. It dries within 10-15 minutes and then it’s ready to sand.
SAND
Using my Bosch sander and 120 grit sandpaper, I sanded the Bondo flush and then gave the entire dresser a scuff sanding.
I also sanded the finish off the bottom of this dresser. I originally thought I wanted to keep this piece of wood all-natural. But as you’ll see, my plans changed after I applied the paint wash.
ADDING WOODUBEND DESIGNS
Now for the fun part! I busted out my Woodubend and started playing around with different designs. Smaller designs can be joined together to create larger-looking appliques. These wood appliques bend with heat and are so versatile. They can be stained, painted, sanded, cut, and joined together. I love getting creative with what I have on hand. The best part, if you don’t like what you’ve done, they can be removed and REUSED! You can check out all the Woodubend Designs here.
How I applied the Woodubend –
- I heated the Woodubend applique with my heat gun.
- Then I applied some Titebond Wood glue to the back.
- Placing the design in the area I wanted it, I press it down into place.
- Then I apply more heat with my heat gun while still pressing it in place.
- If there is any glue ‘spillage’, I like to use a toothpick to remove it.
TIP – If any glue seeps out after applying the applique, I wait until the glue is semi-dry, then I use a toothpick to remove it. (I’ll share more in the YouTube video below)
PAINT BASE COAT
Once my Woodubend designs dried, I painted a basecoat of this Sand Bar Chalk Mineral Paint. I didn’t bother with a primer. My textured finish would hide any bleed-through if there was any. I just made sure to pounce my paintbrush in all the details of the Woodubend.
HOW TO ADD A COFFEE BEAN PAINT WASH
To add my Coffee Bean Paint Wash I mixed a 50/50 mix of this Coffee Bean and tap water into a cup. I applied this watered-down paint wash onto the dresser working in sections. Using this water mister spray bottle, I sprayed the wet paint then using a shop cloth – dabbed the wash up. This removes the excess while getting the dark wash into all the crevices to create texture. Once I’m happy with it, I smooth it out with the shop towel. Then move onto the next section.
DRY BRUSHING
Once my paint wash was dry, I dry-brushed Sand Bar onto the Woodubend. I lightly dry-brushed the drawers and body as well. This highlighted all the appliques and the dresser’s textured look.
HARDWARE + TOPCOAT
To protect this dresser’s new look, I added a Coffee Bean tinted Satin Clear Coat using a sponge.
Then I added these pretty handles I had in my inventory. I bought them from Hobby Lobby a few years back.
THE FINISHED LOOK…
Here’s the finished look…
And here’s a closer look at the textured finish.
Check out the Woodubend designs on these drawers. I LOVE it!
And remember I had sanded off the finish on the bottom feet? I decided this dresser was too dark to have natural wood feet so I ‘stained’ them with the Coffee Bean Paint Wash. They look perfect for this piece now!
PIN FOR LATER 🥰
YOUTUBE TUTORIAL
Here’s the full step-by-step video. Our #siyoutubefamily is already a community of 45.3K so don’t forget to subscribe if you haven’t done so already! So exciting, thank YOU!
Here’s another look at my dad’s dresser before and after. I hope it inspired you and gave you some ideas for your upcoming furniture painting projects.
I’m guessing this wouldn’t be my Dad’s style, but he sure would be happy I created something with it. I don’t really have much space for this piece but I just can’t sell it. I’ll be holding onto this one for a while. 💙
I’m wishing you a beautiful day and thanks for joining me today. Let me know what you think of this dresser makeover or feel free to ask any questions you may have. I always love hearing from you, it makes my day! 🙂
Happy painting my friends!
Denise x
RELATED POSTS::
HOW TO MAKE PAINT LOOK LIKE WOOD
DIY BOHO NIGHTSTANDS
22 SALVAGED FURNITURE FLIPPING IDEAS
DECOUPAGE ART ON NIGHTSTANDS
HOW TO CREATE A RAISED STENCIL DESIGN
HOW TO APPLY STENCIL TEXTURE TO FURNITURE
PIN AND SHARE! 💙
Tracy says
Love this look, perfect update! Nice to keep a piece you grew up with too.
Denise says
Exactly and thank you. My Dad would be so happy. Have a super weekend my friend. XOXO
christy James says
I just saw this in my FB feed…you made it gorgeous! I definitely think your dad would approve. Happy belated heavenly birthday to him and big hugs to you, my friend! XOXO
Denise says
Aw thanks my friend! He wasn’t a scrolly kinda guy but you’re so right, he would have been soooo happy I created/gave some love to his old dresser. Have a super weekend! XOXO
Caye Cooper says
Denise, just WHERE do you come up with these ideas!?? Honestly, you are amazing and this piece is no less. Well done!
Denise says
I have NO idea Caye🤣 … I just play around until I see something I like! Thank you so much. This puts a huge smile on my face!💙
Suzy B says
I love how you LAYER finishes to come out with something unique, Denise! I’ve always been a fan of “staining” (especially whitewash/pickling) but honestly hate how work-intensive it can be to use “real” stains; doing a paint wash gives all the effect of staining without the tedious work! ~ and I look forward to using this technique on some of my own projects. Will send snaps when they’re complete 🙂
Thanks so much for graciously sharing your creativity with the DIY community: you’re a national treasure!
Denise says
Thanks so much and I’d LOVE to see some snaps when your complete Suzy!!!😃
Monique says
Hi Denise. This dresser turned out beautifully. I love the woodubend accents and neutral shade you painted it.
Denise says
I love the Woodubend too! Thanks so much Monique! XOXO
cheryl atkinaon says
Very pretty!
Denise says
Thanks Cheryl!🤗
Annie says
Hi
This has certainly encouraged me to paint my grandfather‘s dresser. Who is from late 1930s to early 1940s. And I said very dark finish. I would love to do something like this, but I’m not sure how to get started. Any information you could give me would be certainly appreciated. thank you Annie
Denise says
I’m so happy it’s inspired you Annie! And my best advice is to take it step by step. If you focus on the baby steps, it will all come together beautifully in the end. 1. Clean 2. Scuff Sand 3. Primer 4. Paint 5. Topcoat Those are the basic steps but if you go back into any tutorial or watch my Youtube Videos, there is a wealth of information for you. You can do it!!! I’m cheering you on from this end Annie!😊
Nicki says
This dresser is beautiful! The woodubend with the coffeebean makes it pop!
Denise says
Thanks so much Nicki! So glad you like it! 🤗
Cheryl B Acampora says
U R Amazing!
Denise says
Aw, thanks Cheryl!🤗
Val says
This dresser is really beautiful! I love the idea of the paint wash. I’m about to begin updating a vintage Bergere chair with a very outdated finish. I definitely want to highlight the carvings. Would you use a paint wash or glaze?
Thanks 😊
PS – if I top coat over moonshine metallic, will it lose its shine?
Denise says
A paint wash gives more ‘drastic’ results where as a glaze can give more subtle results but either or can be manipulated to look darker or lighter. You can always add more water to a paint wash or pick a color a few shades darker than the base. And for the glaze, you can start with one coat and wipe it back and then add another coat of glaze to darken it up. I would use whichever one you have on hand (to save some money) or whichever you enjoy working with. As for the topcoat on moonshine metallics, no it won’t lose its shine. I would stay away from a flat topcoat tho. Hope this helps and thanks so much Val! Glad you like the dresser. 🙂
Val says
Thanks! I truly appreciate your help. It’s always so fun and inspiring to see what you do!
Do Dodson says
Sooooo good! Dark, elegant and mood vibes with this one. I love it a lot. Coffee bean was a great choice for this look. Well done as always. 🙂 😘
Denise says
It does have a moody vibe, doesn’t it!? Coffee Bean is one of my faves. Thanks so much my friend. XOXO Big hugs!
Allison Wade says
MIDCENTURY MODERN TURNED VINTAGE BEAUTY….LOVE IT…SO MUCH BETTER!!
Denise says
I’m so happy you like it Allison, thank YOU!
gwen says
Beautiful Denise! You really do the best written instructions, and I always enjoy your follow up videos too! Your dad would be pleased and I guess you come by thrifting honestly! (As do I!)
Denise says
Ohhh yaaa my thrifting friend! Both my parents were huge thrifters. I used to be so embarrassed by it but look at me now.😂 Thanks for the lovely compliment Gwen. I’m so happy you find the tutorials written/videos helpful. XOXO
Lizzy says
This is gorgeous! I love the wood-u-bend embellishments and the new color. Pinned!
Denise says
Woodubend is so darn F*U*N, I love it too! Thanks my friend and thanks for the PIN!! XOXO
Laura says
Beautiful! I really like the appliques.
Denise says
Thank you Laura!💙