A DOG-BITTEN DRESSER GETS A GORGEOUS MAKEOVER USING DIXIE BELLE’S ENGLISH IVY COTTAGE PAINT **GIVEAWAY ALERT** | YOUTUBE VIDEO
Hi sweet friends and welcome back. Today I’m sharing a salvaged dresser makeover with a new to me English Ivy Cottage Paint Color. I’ve also found my new favorite tool to stencil with. Last week I mentioned I bought an airbrush to use on my wreath – but I didn’t end up trying it. Well, I had so much fun with it this week. Just wait until you see how amazing this airbrushed stencil looks!
I’m also sharing –
- How To Remove Rusted Castor Wheels
- How To Repair Dog-Chewed Furniture
- How To Stencil With An Airbrush
- And more
And, I’m joining four super-talented bloggers for a FUN DIXIE BELLE GIVEAWAY FOR YOU!!! Be sure to read until the end of this post on how to enter. Then visit my furniture painting friends for an opportunity to enter 4 more generous giveaways!
A BIG thank you to Dixie Belle Paint Company for sponsoring today’s post!
Here’s the salvaged three-drawer dresser I started with. I found it selling at my local Restore. I paid $70 for this dresser thinking it was in pretty good shape. Wait until you see the doozie damage that I missed… I still can’t believe I didn’t see it.
The dresser is solid wood and very well built but had a few scratches that needed filling. But that was nothing in comparison to what I saw once I brought it home.
Check out these dog scratches or bites. How did I miss this????!!!! 🤦♀️ I can’t even say it was because I was lazy and didn’t pull it out from between two pieces of furniture before buying it. If you look at the before pic, this dresser was at the end of the row and this side was the one that was totally exposed. Please tell me I’m not the only one who’s ever missed something like this…lol.
THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY DIXIE BELLE PAINTS/CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS TO PRODUCTS I USE. YOU CAN SEE MY FULL DISCLOSURE HERE.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
$70 Thrifted Dresser – SALVAGED
White Lightning Cleaner
2 in 1 Pry Bar
All Purpose Bondo
Bosch Sander (25% OFF as of writing this!)
36″ Wood Clamp
BIN Shellac Based Primer
Dixie Mud Filler White
English Ivy Chalk Mineral Paint
Gold Moonshine Metallics
2″ Flat Paint Brush
Gator Hide Topcoat
Brushed Brass Hardware Knobs
Enchanted Garden Stencil
Timbertech Air Brush Compressor Kit
ENGLISH IVY DRESSER MAKEOVER
Challenge on to fix this doggy-damaged dresser up and make her pretty again!
PREP
To prep this dresser for paint I started by removing the hardware. I used plyers to twist off these old square nuts. Then using a Pry Bar, I pried up the finishing nail holding the hardware plate on. These prybars are SUPER handy for so many applications when restoring furniture.
I cleaned the dresser with White Lightning. I made sure to use a brush to get the dirt out of the grooves and all those dog bites. Then I rinsed the sponge and gave the entire piece a wipe-down with clean water to remove any residue.
HOW TO REMOVE CASTOR WHEELS
There was one castor wheel missing on this dresser. I originally thought of replacing the wheel. I have some antique wheels in my inventory but then I reconsidered as I wanted a more modern look. To take all four castor wheels off, I used a pry bar and hammer. I’ll have the full how-to on the YouTube video below – but the basics are to pry the plate away from the bottom of the wood leg. Position the pry bar against the plate and then wack the pry bar with your hammer until it pops out. Depending on how rusted the castor wheels are will dictate how easy or challenging it will be to remove.
HOW TO FIX DOG-CHEWED FURNITURE
So as I mentioned, I have NO IDEA how I missed this in the store or loading it into my car. But it stuck out like a sore thumb when I brought it down to my studio! To fix these dog bites or scratches I used Bondo. It dries fast. It dries super hard and is durable.
Here are the steps to fix dog-damaged furniture –
- Flipping the dresser, I secured a board and created a ‘frame’ along the bottom of the damaged side. This allowed me to create a straight edge for the Bondo fix.
- I mixed up a good amount of Bondo and spread it onto the damaged wood making sure to cover and fill all the bite/scratch marks.
- When the Bondo was semi-dry (5-10 min) I removed the board.
- After it dried (about 20 min) I sanded it down smooth.
- There were still a few spots that needed building up, so I repeated steps 2 and 4 until it was perfect.
SAND & PRIME
After I was finished with the repair, I gave the entire piece a scuff sanding with my Bosch Sander which is 25% OFF as of writing this post! I gave the top of this desk some extra sanding to smooth out the large scratches and used Bondo to fill any other divots and imperfections. I primed with two coats of BIN Shellac Primer to cover all the bleed-through. I have a full tutorial on How To Use BIN Shellac Based Primer HERE.
PAINTING WITH ENGLISH IVY
Now for the fun part! I chose to paint this dresser in this English Ivy which is a beautiful earthy forest green with gray undertones.
I applied two coats using my two-inch flat brush.
Then I let it dry overnight.
HOW TO STENCIL WITH AN AIRBRUSH
Using an airbrush is all new to me but let me tell you, friends, this is FUUUUNNNN! It’s my new favorite ‘toy’ and I can’t wait to learn and create different finishes with it. I was surprised at how little paint it uses and how precise and thin coats of paint it applies. Perfect for stenciling as it dries really fast and is ready for another coat within minutes.
Here’s how I stenciled with the airbrush –
- I diluted a little Gold Metallic Paint with water and added it to the airbrush cup.
- I connected my airbrush to the compressor and turned it on.
- Then I positioned my Enchanted Garden Stencil in place using painter’s tape and airbrushed a thin coat onto the stencil.
- I dried the metallic paint for a few seconds with my heat gun.
- Then repeated airbrushing another coat… super fun and easy!
TOPCOAT AND PROTECT
The next morning after everything was dry, I spray-top-coated this desk with Gator Hide.
NEW HARDWARE
I bought these brass knobs off Amazon and they worked perfectly with the metallic stencil design.
FINISHED ENGLISH IVY DRESSER
Here’s the finished look.
And here’s a closer look at the airbrushed gold metallic stencil design against the English Ivy.
What do you think? When the light hits it just right, it shimmers and glows!
YOUTUBE TUTORIAL
Here’s a step-by-step tutorial on YouTube. If you have any problems viewing it below, feel free to watch it on my YouTube channel HERE. Our #siyoutubefamily is already a community of 40.9K so don’t forget to subscribe if you haven’t done so already! So exciting, thank YOU! 🙂
AND NOW FOR A FUN GIVEAWAY!
Here’s a chance to win $250 worth of Dixie Belle Products. To enter, follow the prompts in the Rafflecopter box below.
The winner will be randomly picked and announced on Tuesday, September 26th here on the blog. The winner has 48 hours to claim their Dixie Belle Giveaway before another winner is selected so be sure to check back. Good luck everyone!!
Want four (4) more chances to WIN! 🙂
Below are the BEFORE photos of my talented bloggers and their Cottage Paint makeovers. Visit the links underneath to see the amazing AFTERS and learn how they did it! Then enter their giveaways as well! x
1. CONFESSIONS OF A SERIAL DIYER
2. SALVAGED INSPIRATIONS (HAPPY YOU’RE HERE!)
3. PETTICOAT JUNKTION
4. A RAY OF SUNLIGHT
5. REINVENTED DELAWARE
Here’s another look at this salvaged dresser before and after. I hope it’s inspired you and given you some ideas for your projects!
LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK OF THIS DRESSER MAKEOVER IN THE COMMENTS BELOW 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
Debbie says
The dresser is beautiful what a gorgeous combination
Cindy B says
Great makeover and so pretty! I think I would like to try the Green Dixie Belle cottage colors. Or maybe the pink? Or cobblestone? It is so hard to choose because they are all so pretty!
Great giveaway!
Brenda Haines says
We just started revamping furniture. I would love some of their paints!
Denise says
How exciting Brenda! Good luck to you!
Nan says
Didn’t think I would like the finished product when I first read what color you were going to use, but it is fabulous! What a beautiful piece! Great job!
Denise says
Aw, thanks so much Nan! xo
Colleen says
Your piece turned out great!! I absolutely love that color too! Have a great day 🙂
Denise says
Thanks Colleen, and you too!
Donna says
WOW!!! what a difference! Looks GREAT!!!
Denise says
Thank you Donna!
Pam says
I have been a fan for quite awhile. Your creativity inspires me. The air brushing on this project was ingenious. I can’t wait to see what comes next.
Denise says
Thank you so much Pam! Good luck in the giveaway!
Anita says
You knocked that out of the park! Wow! I absolutely love it! Everything about it. Truly genius.
Denise says
Awww, thank you Anita! Good luck to you!
BEVERLY MCANULTY says
Love the green dresser!
Denise says
Thanks Beverly! I’m loving this green as well!
Sharon H says
Oooh, so pretty and fresh looking! I love that ivy color and that stencil is nice! Dixie Belle rocks
This turned out so pretty, but you always have the most gorgeous looking stuff!
Denise says
Dixie Belle does rock…lol. Thanks so much and good luck Sharon!
Sherri says
Oh, if the Restore employees could see this dresser now! They would be gobsmacked! What a glorious result! A feast for the eyes! You have inspired me to try more stencils on furniture. Thank you for all of your hard work and for sharing all of your steps in the process.
Denise says
My pleasure Sherri! The fun part is SHARING with you so thank you! Good luck in the giveaway!
Suzy B says
Once again, Denise: you are the BOMB!!! Seeing you airbrush the drawers on your YouTube video brought back a funny memory for me: watching my mother some 20 years ago when she used to apply her foundation with an airbrush lol!!! (How over the top is THAT haha?!???) Anyway — you did a fantastic job with your airbrushing of the stencil — love the gold on green: gorgeous! As always, thanks for sharing every detail of the process and inspiring us with your boundless creativity and adventurous spirit!!!
Denise says
Omgosh… this is too funny because my sister asked me if I can use this airbrush to apply my makeup with.😂 Apparently she’s watched TikTok vids on this and it looks AMAZING! That said, who has the time, right?!?🤣 Thanks so much Suzy and best of luck to you in the giveaway!
Rebecca Clark says
Love it! Great update.
Denise says
Thank you!
Annemarie Salisbury says
It’s beautiful! Although the stencil reminds me more of hosta!
Denise says
Hi Annemarie! Yes, English Ivy green and hosta-like Enchanted Garden stencil… it’s a gardeners delight!😆🌿 Good luck in the giveaway! XOXO
Laura Megard says
Another stellar furniture save by the very talented young woman at Salvaged Inspirations. I’m so amazed at your creativity, Denise!
Denise says
Hi Laura!!!😃 … love seeing you here! Thanks so much and all the best in the giveaway! XOXO
Jennifer Lavallee says
I would love to try a piano but I’m not that brave. I’ve seen others paint old pianos and they looks so nice!
Denise says
Ohh I LOOOVE this idea. I’ve seen some gorgeous painted pianos as well. Good luck to you Jennifer!
Robin says
Sophisticated in a mod way
Denise says
Yay! Thanks Robin!
Sandra says
You did such a grand job with that dresser. What a huge difference!
Denise says
Thanks so much Sandra! xo
Jaynell Glass says
Hi from Leakey TX. And it’s pronounced laaaakey not Leakey as it’s spelled. Thank you so much for sharing with us about using an air brush!!! I love that it comes with a small generator just love it. I love to refurbish furniture!!!! Can’t wait to order an airbrush and put it to work. As you learn more techniques please continue to post about them. That’s a BIG THANK YOU from this very country girl from Tx. .
Denise says
For sure I will! I’m sharing how it works in this Saturday’s YouTube video but the more I learn, the more I’ll share! Good luck to you Jaynell!
Cheryl says
Whoa! Colorful throwback!
Denise says
Thanks Cheryl!
Kelly Joehrs says
Wow, what a stunning makeover!!! I love the color you choose and the gold stencil and knobs.
Denise says
Thanks Kelly!
Tissy says
I use White Lightning and Dixie Belle Mud in almost all of my furniture redos!
Denise says
Same here Tissy! 🙂
Ellen says
Loved what you did, but I have a question….does Boss have a strong scent? I am currently waiting for a lung transplant and I cannot now or ever be around strong smells. Thank you for your time.
Denise says
Hi Ellen! Wishing you all the best with your lung transplant!💜 BOSS does have a scent. I wouldn’t classify it as ‘strong’ but I’m also use to working with BIN Shellac Based Primer which has a SUPER strong odor… so I’m not sure if I’m the one to ask. If anyone else reading this comment wants to chime in with their opinion, feel free.
Dawn Sulflow says
Haven’t tried the DB Shine yet, but will soon! 🙂
Denise says
You’re going to love it Dawn! xo
Kathy E. says
Holy cats! That’s some major dog damage! I’ll be it makes you wonder just how that dog did that !
I’d like to try any and all of the Dixie Belle products! They look amazing.
Robin Wiese says
I follow you on Facebook ALL THE TIME and just LOVE your work. You’re such an inspiration! I’ve had a small airbrush kit for literally like 15 years that I’ve never even opened but you’ve inspired me to whip that puppy out and give it a go. Thanks so much for all of your tips, tricks, and (of course) the detailed instructions you give.
Denise says
YES, whip that puppy out Robin! I’d LOVE to hear how it goes for you and if you create something you’d like to share – please TAG me! I’d love to see!!!
Lori says
I love the dresser! The gold leaves really suit the green.
Denise says
Thank you Lori!
Marilyn Grabowski says
Very fresh and lively!
Denise says
Thank you Marilyn!
Joyce says
What a stunning transfor
Denise says
Thanks Joyce!
Natalie Dayton says
What a showstopper Denise!! You always come up with something creative, and that stencil is gorgeous on this one.
Denise says
Aw, thanks Natalie! I had a lot of fun with this one! XOXO
edith whitten says
Really cute color combo. I never seem to know which colors will work. I even use a color wheel and I am still nervous my idea was be a flop. Your furniture helps me be more confident. Thanks
Denise says
I use to be nervous about picking color combos as well. I have a few of my favorites here Edith… maybe this will help. 🙂
Jill Grieco says
I would not have thought that these two colors together would have looked so rich looking. I’m so glad to follow you and see new things all the time. Everything you do comes out so nice!
Denise says
Super sweet Jill, thank YOU! Good luck in the giveaway!
Cindy Gaston says
Love, love, love this makeover! The colors are gorgeous!
Denise says
So glad you love it Cindy! I’m really happy I got to try this English Ivy Green… I’m a huge fan of green. 😉
Denise Castelli says
Love what you did with this piece. You have a great eye for color. The green & gold is a winning combo.
Denise says
Green and Gold for the win…lol…thanks so much Denise! Good luck!
Donna Watson says
That piece of furniture came out gorgeous.
You did a great job.
Airbrush, great way to stencil.
I hope we can see the bondo repair on the UTube tutorial.
I was hoping you had a picture after you did all the sanding of the bondo.
Denise says
Thanks Donna! And ya, I’m not sure why I didn’t photograph that side, uggh. I will take a pic and add it onto this post and I’m sure there is some video footage of me painting it as well. 🙂
Carol O says
This dresser came out awesome. Not surprising as all your projects are stunning. I’m always amazed at the end results. You have such vision turning a dumpy old piece into a masterpiece.
Denise says
Aw, thank you so much Carol! So happy you love it and good luck in the giveaway!
lori sawyer says
I love it! You always have the best ideas
Denise says
You’re super sweet, thanks Lori! XOXO
Linda Hickey says
I love your green dresser. It is decorated so beautifully.
Denise says
Thank you Linda!
Denise says
oh, thank you! You put a big smile on my face. I used to have such a challenging time staging and styling my furniture so this means a lot!
Cindy Rust says
Denise this piece is gorgeous! I love the gold stenciled design so much! Pinned!
Denise says
Thanks my friend and thanks so much for the PIN!!!💜
Christina Hicks says
I so love your creations, you are amazing!
Denise says
I’m so happy you love it Christina, thank you!!
Pamela Smith says
Stunning! I love the gold touches!!
Denise says
I love the shimmer of the gold as well. Thanks Pamela!
Jan says
Love this super fresh shade of green!
Denise says
Such a great shade of green, right!?! Thanks so much Jan and good luck to you!
Denise Vallo says
Just gorgeous. I now have to paint something green. Live the dresser!!
Denise says
Yes, painting in green is FUN!!! thanks Denise and good luck in the giveaway!
Angela Godlove says
Another beautiful project. You inspire me!
Denise says
Thanks so much Angela. Good luck to you!
Caye Cooper says
This piece is so pretty, Denise. You did an amazing job! Wow. All that damage! Congrat’s on a great job. I’m thinking of airbrushing and you’ve given me encouragement to do that. Question: Is it hard to clean?
Denise says
It’s not difficult to clean at all… unless maybe you let it all dry and then try cleaning it. But I cleaned mine right after I used it and it was super easy! I think you’d have a blast and create something spectacular Caye! 🙂
anissa says
thinking I need to add an airbrush to my shopping list!
love how the gold shimmers and glows 🤩
Denise says
It’s so much fun! And I was shocked at how little paint it actually requires. A great investment I think. 😉
Toni says
Wow! That was an epic miss, but you did a beautiful job repairing it. It’s gorgeous.
Denise says
EPIC MISS…😂 but thanks so much Toni! Good luck in the giveaway!
p says
Stunning look ! I love the Green over gold combination.
Everyone should have a statement piece (or a couple ! )
The airbrushing looks sooo fun. You always make everything look easy, but… I know its your skill.
Thanks.
And thanks for sharing the giveaway. I’d love to get some new colors and supplies 🙂
p
Denise says
Yes! A statement piece is a must and I had a blast with the airbrushing. Best of luck to you in the giveaway! XOXO
Karen C. says
I too, am not a fan of modern or green, but this dresser is stunning! Wow, you took a lemon of a dresser and created sophisticated lemonicello!!🙂
Beautiful job and so cheerful!!
Denise says
…sophisticated lemonicello!!🙂… I don’t know what this is but I LIKE IT…lol. Thanks Karen and good luck to you!
Julie Chiles says
Love the metallic stenciling. I haven’t had much success using stencils. I’ll have to practice more 🙂
Denise says
I’ve found the key to great stenciling is less paint than I think! It’s so easy for me to load too much on…lol. Good luck to Julie!