THIS VINTAGE DRESSER GETS A GORGEOUS REDO WITH SOME FLORAL ROMANCE!
Hi, creative #sifamily! It’s Furniture Fixer Upper day and I have a gorgeous Dresser Redo to share with you!
Here’s the vintage dresser I started with. If it looks familiar–good memory! This piece was a FFU Feature a few months back. I never listed it for sale so time for an update/change.
Here’s her new look!
What do you think? I’ll link to this dresser’s first makeover at the end of this post so you can compare the two looks. I’d love to hear which one you like better.
It’s amazing how a little paint and in this case a transfer can TOTALLY change a piece.
THIS POST IS SPONSORED/CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS TO PRODUCTS I USE. YOU CAN SEE MY FULL DISCLOSURE HERE.
SOURCE LIST
Vintage Dresser – SALVAGED
Paint Brushes
Dewalt Orbital Sander
Sandpaper | Tack Cloth
B-I-N Shellac Primer
Water Misting Spray Bottle
Cotton Chalk Mineral Paint
Aubergine Chalk Mineral Paint
Floral Romance Transfer
Satin Clear Coat
FLORAL ROMANCE DRESSER REDO
I knew I wanted to use this beautiful Romance Transfer because I had such a hard time deciding between the two on last week’s project. Here’s the step-by-step on how I got this look.
PREP – SAND + PRIME
I started by sanding this piece using my Dewalt Orbital Sander and 220-grit sandpaper. As textured as this piece looked, it felt smooth. So a 220 sandpaper worked perfectly to knock down the paint and give it some tooth for a new finish.
Pro Tip – Use a tack cloth to clean all the dust after sanding. They are inexpensive and work AMAZING!
I have a little pet peeve though. Even though I love how efficient these tack clothes are, I don’t like the tacky feel… even through my gloves. To solve my neurotic irritation, I keep the wrap on one side while I’m using it.
At this stage, I wasn’t sure what color(s) I was going to use so I primed it with two coats of B-I-N Shellac Based Primer sanding between coats. I have a Youtube tutorial on How To Use BIN Shellac Based Primer here.
BLENDING PAINT
To get this soft blended look I painted this Aubergine on the top and this crisp clean Cotton White on the bottom using a separate brush for each color.
I blocked in my two colors for the first coat. On the second coat, I started blending the wet paint together to create a gradient.
Using a clean soft brush, I feathered the wet paint together as shown below. I have a full video on How to Blend Furniture here.
FLORAL ROMANCE TRANSFER
I left the dresser to dry overnight and the next day I added this Floral Romance Transfer.
I’m in L•O•V•E with this floral design! So many gorgeous colors to pull from when using this on a painted piece of furniture.
To add this transfer, I laid the dresser on its back and then played around with the pattern by cutting a few pieces of the transfer to fit. Applying the transfer is easy.
- You remove its backing,
- Place it where you want.
- Smooth it out.
- Rub the design on with the applicator provided.
I have a full video tutorial on How To Rub-On Transfers here.
To blend the transfer into the paint, I gave it a light sanding. Sanding a transfer cuts down on the contrast and mutes the colors slightly. In some areas, you can see a little of the paint underneath.
HARDWARE
These floral knobs from Hobby Lobby were a good match for the romantic theme but I didn’t like the original color. To make them a custom match for this dresser, they were painted with two coats of Cotton.
TOPCOAT
I debated adding some depth using dark wax and then decided against it. I brought this piece up for staging before top-coating but when I do, I’ll be spraying 2-3 coats of this Satin Clear Coat.
STAGES
Here’s what this dresser looked like in the different stages of this makeover.
And a few more after pics…
It turned out really romantic and really lovely.
And the nice thing about working with transfers is they are SUPER forgiving. If you have any flaws in your furniture, they are a perfect way to hide them in an artistic way… and you don’t have to be an artist!
AND NOW FOR SOME FURNITURE FIXER-UPPER FUN!
You’re going to LOVE what my creative team of Furniture Fixer Upper ladies do! Below are their BEFORE photos. Visit the links underneath to see the amazing AFTERS and learn how they did it! I’m heading over to take a peek as well! x
1. CONFESSIONS OF A SERIAL DIYER
2. GIRL IN THE GARAGE
3. PETTICOAT JUNKTION
4. SALVAGED INSPIRATIONS (HAPPY YOU’RE HERE!)
Here’s another look at this dresser redo before and after. I hope it’s inspired you and given you some new ideas for your projects!
As promised, here’s the first look this dresser had. It’s amazing how the same piece of furniture can look so different, right?! I’d love to hear which style you prefer.
LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK OF THIS FLORAL ROMANCE DRESSER REDO. FEEL FREE TO ASK ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE… I ALWAYS LOVE HEARING FROM YOU. IT MAKES MY DAY! 🙂
Happy furniture painting friends!
Denise x
denise b says
Very beautiful transformation! But I have to say I saw 3 owls in that piece and I would have gone off with that ! Lol
Denise says
Now that you say it I see it!๐ Thanks Denise
Shari says
Absolutely beautiful! I think this might be my favorite of all the pieces Iโve seen so far! Purple is my favorite color!
Thanks for sharing!
Denise says
Awww, thank you Shari! This piece is really unique/one of a kind… I love it too!
Tera says
This piece is stunning. So wish I had it in my home !
Fabulous ๐ฅฐ
Denise says
Thanks so much Tera!๐
Caye Cooper says
How romantic is THAT! Lovely job, as always, Denise. I so much prefer this latest version of an unusual piece. Thanks for sharing!
Denise says
I have to admit, I much prefer this version as well. Thanks so much Caye! XOXO
Lizzie says
Girrrrrrllll! You outdid yourself. This is magnificent! Oh my. I wish I had your talent. Love it!!!!
Denise says
Thank you Lizzy!๐
Larissa ~ Prodigal Pieces says
Simply stunning, Denise!
Denise says
Thanks my friend! XOXO
Michele M. says
That is truly stunning!
Denise says
Thank you Michele! x
gwen says
Definitely my favorite of the two versions this dresser has had! And you nailed me to a tee – i am NOT an artist, but I’m hoping this is something I’m capable of! Thanks for the video, I’m excited to try something like this!
Denise says
Anyone can do this Gwen! If you can pull off a backing and rub with a stick, you’re golden hehe. ๐
Janet says
Holy Cow! It is so gorgeous! I absolutely love the color and the transfer is just stunning!
Denise says
Thanks Janet!! ๐
Judy Reed says
Hi Denise,
Your creativity and eye for colors is a souce of wonderment to me. This one definutely gets my vote, hands down. I love anything with flowers. Beautiful job….fabulius transfer. How can you not smile when you are looking st it because it is so lovely. A work of art.
Hugs from Pennsylvania.
Jusy
Denise says
Aw thank Judy! I’m a sucker for anything floral as well! ๐
N. MacGregor says
Although both versions of this piece are truly works of art (and each version has its place) I personally prefer the second version because its more versatile and more in keeping with my personal design style.
Denise says
Me too… and for the exact same reasons! ๐ Thanks for chiming in! ๐
Meg says
Absolute perfection. I need that transfer for my โsome dayโ stash!
Denise says
Thanks. And if you get it for your “someday” stash, I’ll bet your someday comes sooner than later. ๐
Liz says
Hi Denise, I always look forward to your posts. I learn a lot and youโre so talented. I guess my opinion is a bit different from the others Iโve read so far. I like both versions. The green makes me think it should be a lovely display piece in a beautiful lush garden shop! ๐ The purple ombrรฉ with the flowers is lovely, although a little bold in color for me, so maybe might have antiqued it a little bit. But I like both!
Denise says
Different opinions are good Liz! I loved the green as well although out of the two this one is my fav. But I could SO see the green in a garden shop as well! ๐
Jen @ Girl in the Garage says
It looks gorgeous now, my friend! Love it! xo
Denise says
Thanks so much, Jen! XOXO
Teri says
Crazy BEAUTIFUL!!!!
Denise says
Yaaay… couldn’t have done it without this crazy gorgeous transfer! XOXO
Sher Kelly says
Just fabulous, now one of my favorite pieces of painted furniture! The good Lord gave you a gift. I too am usually not a fan of hombre paint but this piece is stunning. The blue top is ideal. Kudos to you Denise…
Denise says
That’s super kind of you to say Sher… thank YOU! And so happy you like it! XOXO
Monique says
Hi Denise. I canโt choose between the two restyles because they are both beautiful. Iโm always astounded at how you can transform the EXACT SAME piece of furniture to look like two completely different pieces just by using paint, creativity, and of course your artistic talent. Thank you for sharing:)
Denise says
I’m always amazing at how a little paint can totally transform a piece as well! Thanks so much my friend. Hugs XOXO
Lorrie S. says
Be.U.TI.Ful!!
Definitely makes me want to start another project. The dresser turned out awesome.
Denise says
I’m so glad it’s inspired you Lorrie and thank YOU! ๐
Gayle says
This is the epitome of romance!!! Just gorgeous. If I saw this for sale I would HAVE to have it.
Denise says
Very romantic, right?! ๐ Thanks so much Gayle! And if you’re in the GTA area, it will be posted for sale once it’s top coated. ๐
Niki says
I donโt dislike the first redo, but; I have to say I believe this is the right re- redo for this piece. I am not usually a fan of blending or ombrรฉ paint jobs on furniture but this works, and the transfer pulls it all together perfectly. Very cool!!
Denise says
I’m so happy you like it Niki.. even tho it’s blended. Huge compliment!! ๐
JOAN says
They are both so beautiful, in different ways. Always motivated to try new techniques when I see your posts.
Denise says
I’m so glad because that’s the whole point of sharing my pieces here on the #siblog… you just put a HUGE smile on my face. Thanks Joan! x
Sue says
Love, love, love it!
Denise says
Thanks Sue! x
Rita says
I loved the second one.. I agree it is a work of art!
Denise says
Thank you Rita! x
Maryellen Webber says
This dresser is unbelievably beautiful! You are very talented when comes to paint techniques! The transfer is perfect!
Denise says
Aw, thanks Maryellen… you’re always so encouraging and sweet!๐
Sara says
Wow Denise; every time I see one of your transformations I think it’s my favourite. But you jest keep one-upping yourself – lol!
Denise says
wow, that’s such a HUGE compliment Sara…thank YOU!!! XOXO
Annette says
Absolutely stunning ๐๐ป๐๐ป๐น
Denise says
Thanks so much Annette! x
Dawn says
Absolutely GORGEOUS!! Honestly, it took my breath away!!
Denise says
Ohhhh I’m so glad… thanks Dawn!
Libby says
This is so beautiful……words cannot described. Just love it.
Denise says
Thank you Libby… much appreciated! ๐
Angela says
Love this! The colors are fabulous!
Denise says
Aren’t they??!!… I agree I think the colors in this transfer are stunning!
Donna says
Your painted furniture are truly works of art! Absolutely beautiful!
Denise says
Thanks so much Donna! I’m so glad you like it! XOXO
Carol says
I like the redo better than the original. Just love the floral. Great job!
Denise says
Thanks so much Carol! XOXO
gwen says
Denise – this is sooooo pretty! And the progressive photos of the blending, for me, are much easier to understand and get a feel for the process! thanks so much for the inspiration!
Denise says
Thanks so much Gwen! XOXO
Christy says
I love this so much, Denise! This transfer and the blending work so well together…itโs like a work of art!! Just gorgeous! This is definitely my fave of the two! XOXO
Denise says
Thanks so much, my friend! It’s my favorite of the two as well. ๐ XOXO