TODAY, I’M SHARING AN EASY ‘DIY HACK’ WHEN APPLYING FLORAL TRANSFERS TO FURNITURE DRAWERS. . . AND A STUNNING SPRING VINTAGE DRESSER MAKEOVER!
Hi friends! Have you been noticing all the insanely gorgeous floral furniture makeovers showing up on Pinterest lately? If you’ve ever wanted to try a larger transfer or have ever applied furniture transfers that overlap your drawers, today I’m sharing an easy DIY Hack I know you’ll find helpful and it saves a ton of time!
I also have some exciting big news, so be sure to stay with me. 🙂
So check out this 3 piece vintage bedroom set I picked up at an estate sale. You all know how much I love working on these mature pieces. It’s always a treat! Here’s the seller’s pic… gorgeous vintage, right?!
Here’s the one I started with – the lowboy. I removed the mirror so I can use it for another project.
With a little sanding, some stain, spring color, and a floral furniture transfer, voila! Isn’t she gorgeous? Total spring makeover!
THIS POST IS SPONSORED/CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS TO PRODUCTS I USE. YOU CAN SEE MY FULL DISCLOSURE HERE.
SOURCE LIST::
-
- Vintage Dresser – SALVAGED
- Orbital Sander + Sandpaper
- Citrus Strip
- Shop Towels
- Craft Knife [similar]
- Paint Brushes
- Apricot Chalk Mineral Paint
- Walnut Gel Stain
- Rose Celebration Furniture Transfer
- White Wax
APPLYING FLORAL TRANSFERS TO DRAWERS::
If you’re new to using these furniture transfers, I have a full tutorial on How To Apply Rub-On Transfers here.
When using larger transfers or overlapping transfers onto a drawer, I used to measure each drawer and cut with scissors – lay the pieces onto the drawer and then rub on.
I’ve found a much easier and faster way…
An easy quick-tip or #hack to avoid spending time cutting your transfers to size [for each drawer] is to use a craft knife. I get mine for a $1 at the dollar store but any utility knife or X-Acto will work.
First I lay my piece on its back like in this post here … I find it much easier to layout the design and apply the transfers when the piece is horizontal rather than vertical — and then lay the floral design right over the drawer opening.
Once the transfer is all rubbed on, I use a craft knife to cut the transfer between the drawer slits. It sliced through the transfer like a hot knife through buttahhh. And because I have the top and bottom of the drawer to guide me, it’s a nice clean straight line.
For the finishing touch, I use the rub-on stick provided with the transfer to wrap the excess around the drawer.
Once it’s all rubbed on and the plastic top is removed, it’s a flawless finish! This saves me a ton of time rather than measuring and cutting with scissors. And check out how perfect it looks!
The floral transfer used on this piece is this Rose Celebration but I’m unsure if this particular floral transfer is still being made. I found a source for gorgeous floral transfers here though!
This No Pain Gel Stain in Walnut was used on the top and legs.
And the body was painted in this Apricot Chalk Mineral Paint. I loooove this color!
And now I’m going to take a page from my friend Christy’s book over at Confessions Of A Serial DIY’er … if you’re not following her go check her out…the girl is crafty and uber-talented!
I’m checking one-off and 2 more to go…
And now for some super exciting news!
Re•design with Prima®️ and Dixie Belle Paints are holding a first-time-ever duo conference THAT IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!
I’ve been fortunate enough to be invited to teach at this conference at the end of September. I’ll be flying out to sunny California to be an instructor with a group of INSANELY TALENTED ladies! I hope you go check out the rest of the lineup and details HERE…so exciting!!
**Update – Conference has already taken place and was FABULOUS! For all of you that attended, I was thrilled to meet you in person. Hope we can do it again in the future!
I’ll be back this Thursday with my talented Furniture Fixer Upper Crew and this Restore Dresser Makeover. See you then!
LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK OF THIS SPRING VINTAGE MAKEOVER. IF YOU HAVE ANY FURNITURE TRANSFER #HACKS, I’D LOVE TO HEAR THEM… OR FEEL FREE TO ASK ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE… I ALWAYS LOVE HEARING FROM YOU.
Happy furniture painting my friends!
Denise x
RELATED POSTS::
How To Apply Furniture Transfers
Adding Graphics | Vintage TeaCart Makeover
Transfers For Furniture | 20 Inspiring Makeovers
Furniture Transfers FAQ’s Answered
Butterfly Collage Dresser Makeover
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I love the transfer look on this and the ones you have done in the past. I have a question. I have my grandmothers old dresser (early 1900’s) the surface is not smooth it is just slightly rough. Can I do transfers on this surface without sanding it smooth?
Hi Pat! If it’s slightly rough there should be no problem. (for example, the topcoat is crackling etc) If there are big dips and grooves it may be an issue. Is there anywhere on the piece that you can test inconspicuously?
Denise – this is stunning! And, great tips!
Hi Suzanne! So nice to see you here and thank you! xo
Denise, this is beath taking. Thank you so much for sharing. I am in love with this piece. You did an excellent job!
Thanks so much Lori! XOXO
Another winner Denise! Love the Apricot colour and the Celebration transfer is one of my favourites too … beautiful work, as always.
The combo is so feminine, right?! Thanks so much my friend!🤗
An absolutely gorgeous piece! I have a similar sized dresser that needs a makeover. When I went to your suggested transfer link, (and what a great source!) there were several that looked promising. How do you know which transfers would read as a whole unit? And which would cover all or most of the front? Probably silly questions, but I can’t seem to get this straight in my 70 year old brain! Lol! Thank you for your assistance and for your continued inspiration.
This is a GREAT question! Whenever I’m going to use a transfer for a focal on the front I always make sure to look at the transfer dimensions. They will always be listed on the packaging and in the description when buying. Then measure the area you’d like to cover in transfer design and make sure it matches. That said, these transfers can be cut up and altered to fit. You don’t have to use them exactly as they are laid out on the sheet. Hope this helps. 🙂
I have an Ethan Allen Hard rock Maple bedroom set and the same hard rock maple in a dining room corner hutch and dry sink, I’ve had them over 50 years (since I’m in my 70s) and don’t want to get rid if them, but I’d like to do something to update them. to todays trends My bed is a Poster style, and the chest of drawers is a chest on chest, quite large. The dresser is a double wide. (They weigh a ton! ) The problem is, the drawers on all the pieces are raised, like those on raised Kitchen cabinet doors. The DR pieces are not only raised, but have the curve at the top of the doors beneath the frame. I would love to put some transfers on them, but I know that won’t work as I can’t continue the design down the front because of the raised panels. I shudder every time I think of painting the pcs. as they are beautiful, still like new, and to paint hardrock maple seems almost sinful. Would you have any suggestions of what I can do to bring the pcs. into the present trends? My kitchen is modern farmhouse style and my other rooms are somewhat classic, tho’ not the Granny style. Do you think if I just painted the sides of my dressers and D.R pcs. black, and left the fronts maple, that would be the way to go? Or would just some words here and there on my dresser drawers do the trick? I can’t think of anything which would work on my hutch and dry sink tho’., so any ideas from you or your subscribers would be greatly appreciated. I love your work and wish the drawers of all my pcs. were flat faced so that I could use some tranfers, but at my age, I don’t want to get rid of furniture and have to start over. Any ideas? Thanks!
Isn’t it amazing how well well-built wood furniture holds up! You may be able to transfer over the raised panel as I’ve used these transfers over a lot of furniture nooks and crannies. It just takes patience to get them adhered into all the grooves. If you don’t want to paint, another amazing alternative are Gel Stains. They are easy to use and go right over an existing finish! If anyone reading this has any other suggestions, feel free to chime in. 🙂
Hi Denis! This piece is gorgeous and I’d like to borrow the idea for either my piano or my grandma’s old china hutch. I was reading some of your tutorials about bleed through, especially with white paint and wanted to ask, did you use a primer on this dresser before painting it the apricot color? Both of my pieces are a darker wood color I am considering. Thanks for the inspiration!
Hi Denise,
I am new to your newsletter. Absolutely love this rose celebration dresser. I am wondering if you sanded the transfer to distress or lighten it before the white waxing. How many coats of wax did you use. I bought the apricot dixie belle paint but the color on my dresser is so pinky. I tried one coat of white wax but it doesn’t seem to be lightening up.
Hi Sharon and WELCOME! I only used one coat of apricot and I did give the overall piece (after the Rose Celebration was applied) a light sanding before adding the white wax. I don’t quite remember how many coats of wax… I believe one or two. Hope this helps. 🙂
Hi Denise, i got here through a link on Christy’s site and already commented on your table this morning (beautiful!). the stencils you gals use are fabulous. I have to say, I was a bit skeptical when i first say the woodwork on these drawers, but it fits the stencil really well, big and beautiful! I’m looking forward to your shared projects and when time allows, I’ll go back and look at your past posts. i have already signed up for emails too!
Hi Gwen and WELCOME! I was a bit skeptical using such large transfers too but I have to admit they’re kind of addictive! They really do the ‘heavy lifting’ transforming something plain-jane into something jaw-dropping. My girlfriend was over last night and she was eyeballing this piece saying how gorgeous it is… and she’s not so easy to please LOL 😉
Can you please tell me where you got the drawer pulls from? I have to buy 14 pulls for the dresser I’m working on and don’t want to spend a fortune on them. Thanks in advance!
Hi Donna! These drawer pulls were pulled off another dresser that I had. Part of my stash. That said, I have seen a similar style selling at Home Depot for around $4-5 each. Hope this helps. 🙂
Good morning Denise, I have just “discovered” you and can’t wait to go back and read all of your posts! I love your floral chest but I have a couple of questions.
I think this was answered in the comments – the finished piece shows the floral decal so much lighter in feel than the original, I am assuming that is because of the white wax you put over all. It just tones it down and makes it a little more ethereal. I guess this question is is that correct 🙂
And then number two: It looks like there was some heavy carving or maybe adhered wooden veneers on the front of the chest. Did you take that off to make a flat surface for your decal? I have shied away from heavy pieces before because of that carving, a lot of Victorian pieces have it. How did you deal with that?
Again, so happy to have found your posts. I can tell I’m going to enjoy everything you do.
Hi Shelley and WELCOME… so happy you’ve found the #siblog! 🙂 Yes, it gets lighter/whiter after applying the white wax and as for the carvings, I rub the transfer right on top and then use the corner of my application tool (which looks like a large brown popsicle stick) to rub the transfer right into the grooves. The surface doesn’t need to be perfectly flat to use these amazing transfers. 🙂
Denise, This is one of your most astonishing transformations! I just love it. I’m not a girly girl type so the pink isn’t my thing but I sure can appreciate how gorgeous this turned out.. When I saw that first pic of the ‘before’ I thought how absolutely ugly they were. But you have managed to make them into wonderful one of a kind pieces of furniture. Can’t wait to see what you do with the other two pieces.
I can hardly believe that rub on was only $1.00 The ones from IOD are something like $30.
Happy Easter to you.
thanks so much Lisa! And NO, the transfer wasn’t a $1… the craft knife to cut it around the drawers is a $1 at the Dollar Store. I better go back and rewrite that so I don’t confuse anyone! thanks for the heads up Lisa!
I’d love to see what you’ll do with the mirror. The dresser & mirror in one room are not worthy of keeping. I would like to consider keeping the mirror as the room needs some type of mirror for guests. Or if you have a previous post (I couldn’t find one) with how you finished a mirror, you can link it or email me. For the room our son uses so not in the floral realm! 🙂 Most of the decor is metal!
I turned a bunch of mirrors into chalkboards on this post! And no, I’m guessing if his style is metal this floral wouldn’t be a hit. 😉
Thank you! Your work always makes me smile. Just when I thought it cannot get better, it gets better. Your work is above the ordinary. Thank you for the time you put in before, during, and after refinishing. You inspire dreams, courage, and goals. May God bless you for sharing.
You just made me smile Mrs. C! This touches my heart, thank YOU!
I think this is my new favorite furniture transfer. Absolutely stunning paired with the pretty apricot paint color! Can’t wait to see what you do with the remaining pieces. Sending BIG congrats to you my friend, so well deserved. Those who attend will be lucky to learn from you and the other talented furniture ARTISTS. xo
Aw, thanks Marie! I’m super excited and nervous all at the same time but I know it will be a great experience. I’m looking forward to meeting everyone ‘live’! And ya, this Rose Celebration Transfer is stunning, isn’t it!! 🙂
That is Absolutely Beautiful!!! Kudos!!!
Thanks Donna! 🙂
This is absolutely STUNNING!! I am loving all these gorgeous floral pieces I’m seeing around, and what a nice surprise to see me mentioned! Thanks for the shout-out! Congratulations on your opportunity with Dixie Belle…SO well-deserved!! XOXO
Thanks Christy! I’m loving floral pieces too. It’s crazy the gorgeous transfers they’re coming out with. And my pleasure re the shout out my friend. Love seeing your makeovers and diy upcycles. Those candle holders freaked me out today – so charming and unexpected! 😉 XO
Beautiful job, Denise!! Love the transfer and the color combo. Great eye and great touch… as always. XO
Thank you Susie! Kinda can’t go wrong with a gorgeous transfer and spring apricot. 😉 Hope your ORC is going well. XO
You did a great job on this!! I was so excited to see a paint conference in Southern California. (I live in San Diego) I almost jumped out of my skin!!! My son is getting married on September 28, I will have to miss it. I hope another one comes to Southern California soon. So sad to miss this one. Vickie
Thanks so much Vickie! And congrats on your son’s wedding.. how exciting! 🙂
You are just amazing! I love it.
Thanks Maryann! XO
Over the top amazing as always! I DO love those decor transfers. xo
Me too… thanks Do! 🙂 And yes, I’m going to hug your neck girrrl! XOXO Can’t wait! 🙂
Oh my lord what a wonderful dresser!
So totally gorgeous! ♥️♥️
Thank you Viveka! x
This piece is absolutely gorgeous.You are so inspiring.
Thanks so much Irene! 🙂
Beautiful!!! Do you apply any kind of wax or sealer over the whole piece once finished?
Yes! The entire piece was white waxed… including the stained top and legs. 🙂
Oh my gosh Denise! I am in LOVE with this dresser. Your choice of color goes perfectly with the transfer and leaving the top and legs wood takes this piece to another level. ABSOLUTELY STUNNING AND WONDERFULLY DETAILED:).
Thanks Monique! These transfers are really fun and I’m in love with this apricot color too! 🙂
Denise,
OMG is all I can say. It’s a very good thing you are in Canada and I’m in Pennsylvania because I want to have almost every piece you do over. When I do a house spruce up with new stuff, I say “This time I will get some things with flowers”. because..I love floral prints in fabrics or on the furniture itself. Every time I come away with stripes or diagonals or geometrics or someting other than florals. The chest is BEAUTIFUL. I LOVE IT.
Congrats on being asked to journey to California to share your talent with a whole bunch of new people. Lucky them! Lucky You.
Hugs,
~Judy~
Aw, thank Judy…thats such a HUGE compliment. And ya, I’m super lucky and excited to have been asked to join this talented group of instructors. It will be a lot of fun!
That is Gorgeous.
Thanks for the handy dandy tips on applying the rub-ons.
Pleasure and thank Colleen! 🙂
I just bought this transfer and I have been so scared to try it. After reading your tips Iam ready to take the plunge . Thank you, I have learned so much from your site..
Oh, Linda… bust that sucker out and take the plunge…lol! 😉 When you give it a go feel free to come back and let me know how it all worked out for you. They’re a lot of fun to work with!
Gorgeous with a capital G!
Thank you Erin! 🙂
This is gorgeous, I think I’m convinced to try a transfer now! I’m loving the apricot paint, I’ve always been afraid to try something different, I’m a taupe, gray or white kind of girl, but heck what do I have to lose? I’m going to try something different. As always I’m inspired by your work, Thanks- Denise!
I remember when I first started painting bold colors really intimidated me. This piece here is one of the very first bright/bold colors I used. But I LOVE your attitude Kelly – you have nothing to lose! It’s only paint! Once you paint in a bolder color you love, I guarantee you’ll want to do it again and again. Have fun. 🙂
Love the apricot-what a transformation!The workshop looks super fun with an amazing group of teachers.
Isn’t the Apricot gorgeous??!! 😀 And ya, they’ve lined up an amazing group. I can’t wait to meet everyone in person!
Gorgeous piece. Apricot is the only color you used? If I knew anyone in the Dixie Belle family i would surely go. A dream come true to meet and learn from you and all the other wonderful artists i follow. But i don’t have a business i just want to paint so i feel sort of an outsider.
Everyone is welcome Cheryl! It’s open to the public – and you know ME! 🙂 I understand tho. I went to my first conference last year in Austin and I was nervous as can be. I didn’t know anyone there and thought I’d feel uncomfortable but everyone was so warm and friendly. It turned out to be an amazing experience as I’m sure this will be too. Anyway, yes the only paint used was DB Apricot and then the entire piece was white waxed. 🙂
Me again. 🙂 I have this transfer now, the apricot and a similar dresser. If I copy you and succeed then i will post it and give you the credit for my inspiration. Just Apricot and white wax? Did you use the entire transfer on this piece?
Yaaay… I hope you have fun with it Cheryl. 🙂 And yes, Apricot, white wax and I did NOT use the entire transfer. I believe 2 sheets fit on this dresser.
Nancy!! You are famous! I was so excited to see you as a teacher at the prima and DB workshop!! How exciting for you and I know you are giddy with excitement!! I just wish the workshop was on the East Coast and not so far away. I wish you the best! Love your work and wish I had just a tiny bit of your talent and ability. Have a lovely Easter and God Bless. XOXO
OPPS! I meant Denise….I’m deep in bloglandJ!! I have been looking at your Vintage Vanity and have a question about the dark wax. I have always been told to put a light coat of clear first then the dark. Is that necessary? Thanks
Yaaaaa, that’s okay… I’ve been called worse LOL 😉 I used to apply clear wax before dark because if I made a mistake it allowed me to “erase” the dark wax by using a little more clear as the eraser. (hope that makes sense) I’ve waxed so many pieces to date, I don’t bother anymore. The black wax has lost its intimidating factor. 😉
Aw, thanks Cecilia. I’m super excited to be included at this workshop. Both Dixie Belle and Prima have such warm wonderful people behind their phenomenal products – it’s a real honor! And Happy Easter to you too Cecilia! I hope you have a beautiful week and long weekend. Hugs
I love this color! Did you do a wash over it to make it so dreamy? And how did you get that decorative piece off the front of the drawers before you put on the paint and transfer? SUPER pretty!
Thanks! The entire piece was white waxed – including the stained legs and top and the middle decorative piece was a design in the wood/veneer. It can’t come off so I painted and transferred right over top of it. 🙂
Denise, I LOVE that apricot colour with the transfer. Beautiful job as always! Oh, and I spied some nice accessories that go very well with the transfer 😉
Carole
Right… they look great. The perfect staging accessory! Thanks again, my friend. XO
Beautiful! Such a breathtaking piece. You have such unique repurposed pieces and I’m excited for you that you’ve been selected to be at the Dixie Belle/Prima conference! Great lineup of artists for the event.
Aw, thank you Debra! You’re always so sweet and encouraging and it means a lot. Hugs
This is a must have piece.
Thanks Justina! That’s exactly what my sister is saying..lol 🙂
Beautiful dresser Denise! And I absolutely love redesign by Prima. I would love to be at that conference in California, but unfortunately it’s too far away. I have one question, if I may. Do you apply the white wax over the transfer? Thank you Denise💖
Ya, I love Prima too… amazing products to create with for sure! And yes, I applied the white wax over the entire piece including the floral transfer. 🙂
Absolutely gorgeous Denise! I have yet to try applying transfers, but am thankful for your tip.
Thank you Jill! XO
Beautiful job Denise! The Apricot paint is perfect with that transfer. Love it!
thanks Linda… means a lot coming from you. Your floral transfer makeovers are stunning! 🙂
It looks beautiful. What was the citrus gel remover used for? It’s mentioned in your list of materials.
Thanks!
Hi Maureen! The Citrus Gel was to remove the stain on the legs before I restained with the Walnut. I sanded the old stain off the top – however sanding the curvy legs is a pain. 😉