My girlfriend and I went out for dinner last night and I was telling her all about this dresser I picked up earlier in the day. I was enthusiastically sharing how one of the perks of being a furniture painter is hunting online for interesting pieces to restyle – searching through hundreds of posted items – finding one that sparks my interest – then heading out to see it in person.
It could have been the wine, but this gave my girlfriend a good laugh.
She started comparing her recent fun (and not so fun) online dating experiences with my online search for furniture.
- You see a piece online and it looks good.
- It has the right shape, height, and character you like.
- You’re interested.
- You want to learn more so you reply – hoping you get a reply back.
- You’re invited to come out and see the piece in person.
- More times than not, it’s not exactly as it was shown online.
- But with any luck, there’s still something attractive about it.
- You’re inspired, so you bring it home and spend time restyling it.
Okay, hopefully nobody tries to restyle their dates, but you get the point….
As many of you know, I’ve been with M-M-M for many years. I guess I’m old-school in that I’ve never tried online dating. But all our joking aside, it brought my girlfriend and I to a place of gratitude where we both agreed how AMAZING the internet is! Whether it’s finding a date or a great piece of furniture to paint, the technology we have at our fingertips is astounding. It’s become essential to every part of our lives!
So, like a fun first date, this piece is exactly what I need to lift my spirits!
This piece is a little scratched and banged up, it’s missing a few pulls, and two of the drawers need reinforcing. None of this was shown or described in the online ad (other than the missing pulls), but that’s okay. I still found it attractive and irresistible. With a little TLC, it will be better than new. π
Here’s a closer look.
I’m not sure if I’m going to include the mirror in the restyle …or what color I’m going to use, but I can’t wait to get started!
DiB says
Not Black
Denise says
Hi DiB! I’d love to hear what color(s) you do think would enhance this piece. π
Maggie says
Don’t paint it! The wood grain in this piece is gorgeous!
Denise says
Hi Maggie! It IS gorgeous. π However it’s a scratched up veneer. If I was to sand it down to restore, some of the scratches are so deep I would sand right through the grained veneer pattern regardless.
Jude Near says
I’m loving the chevron pattern veneer on the lower drawer fronts. I see tones of charcoal grey and black within those. What if you left those drawer fronts as is (with a little tlc and polish) and painted the rest of the piece grey or black and then put shiny black knobs (or paint the current ones black) on it? Maybe paint the decorative raised areas shiny black also?
Whatever you decide to do, I know it will be beautiful!
Denise says
Hi Jude! I really like this veneer too… and I’ll keep my eyes peeled for your new VaVaVintage site. π
Laura Werley says
Denise, I’m a fairly new reader and just wanted to let you know I loved this post. I did internet dating for a few years and it is exactly like the hunt for furniture! Only difference is that with furniture you can make some money if you want! And the only heartache is not getting any takers when you try to sell aforementioned furniture! I love the knobs and the fancy bits on the buffet – personally I’d sell without the mirror. Paint color? I think black with the knobs as the pop of color. On the top drawers that are missing, put brass to match the back section of the lower knobs. Oh, wait it’s not mine to decide…
Denise says
…”Only difference is that with furniture you can make some money…” LOL… you’re funny! You and Jude (previous comment) are both opting for black. That would look classic and elegant for sure. Thanks for the chuckle Laura. π
Lane says
Hi Denise. What a great piece of furniture. You scored a big one in my opinion. These are the pieces that, when I’m finished, I walk around the house and walk around the house trying to find a place and a reason to keep it. If it were mine I would paint it and Annie Sloan French linen and either old white or old ocher. I Don’t know what to call them but I love to paint those in sets in the ocher or old white. The frame in French linen. I will watch for what you do. Oh by the way I sure was under the impression that you cannot wax over poly. Am I wrong? What will the wax absorb into over poly?
Denise says
I’m with you Lane. When I get my hands on gorgeous pieces like this, I ALWAYS want to keep them! I also think your Annie Sloan Color Combo would look beautiful. As for waxing over poly – YES you can. (It’s not advised to apply wax UNDER poly!) For years, woodworkers have applied a good furniture wax/paste over an existing finish for additional sheen and protection. However, it is different in that it doesn’t sink into the paint like say it would Annie Sloans Chalk Paint. If you’re interested, here’s a short article on waxing over pre existing finishes. π
Marcia says
Funny post! I’m better at picking out furniture than men, I’m afraid…. This is a pretty piece. I usually don’t like to break things up, but I think I like this better without the mirror. Whatever you do, I know it will be awe-inspiring. Good luck with it!
Denise says
Hi Marcia! You’re funny…LOL! And you never know what the future will bring – you could find Mr.Right WHILE picking out furniture. π Laura (previous comment) said the same thing as you – better without the mirror. I’m glad you guys chimed in because I was feeling slightly guilty for NOT wanting to include the mirror. I think it looks better without too.
Kathy says
Hi Denise
I am refinishing a rocker/glider chair. I am painting it with Rustoleum chalk paint and I was going to use Annie Sloan clear wax and the black wax on the distressed areas. It has been such a challenge to paint was the all sections to do that I don’t know how I will get the wax brush to all the spots on the bottom.
After reading your blog where you talk about the poly I’m wondering could I seal it with poly then go over the distressed areas with the Black wax.
Thanks for your help
Kathy
Denise says
Hi Kathy! Yes, wax (clear or dark) can be applied over poly. π
Bev says
Enjoyed your blog and your work is always amazing! Can you tell me what MMM is? Thanks!
Denise says
Thanks Bev! M-M-M is an acronym for “My-Mystery-Man”… my significant other for the last 13 years. π
Joan says
Can’t wait to see your finished product and what you actually ending using on it.
Denise says
Thanks Joan… I’ll can’t wait to share this finished piece. π
Kellee says
So funny, Denise! Those knobs are actually pretty cool, and they’ve got me thinking…cinnamon. What do you think?
Denise says
I think you’re creative thinking Kellee! Cinnamon! There are some nice looking shades out there!
Monique says
Hi there Denise. Oh my….did you ever make me laugh!!! Thank-you for the good chuckle this morning. You and your friend are so right…the internet world can sometimes be misleading but yet still wonderful. Thanks for the good laugh.
Denise says
Glad it gave you a chuckle! π And so true… it IS wonderful! I often take it for granted, but when I really stop to think about it, I feel lucky to have this much information and opportunity at my fingertips. It makes it possible for me to chat with all of you. π Have a beautiful day Monique. x
DeBBIe says
HI DENISE. IM SURE THIS FURNITURE WILL LOOK STUNNING!!
LOVE YOUR WORK. CAN I SUGGEST A COLOR ?! CREAM WITH GOLD WAX ON DETAILS..
Denise says
Thanks… and I like your suggestions…cream with gold wax highlights would look amazing!