Hi guys, thanks for dropping by! Today, I’m sharing this 90’s dresser makeover and how to paint laminate furniture WITHOUT SANDING.
But first, have you ever bought something because the price was right, …brought it home and had buyers remorse?
I found this dresser (which also includes a matching nightstand) on Craigslist for twenty dollars. Yes – $20 bucks! It’s laminate but very well built with an interesting skirt detail. The wrought iron legs are what initially attracted me… and then turned me off. Every time I looked at it in my inventory, it looked more and more 90’s to me. Specifically, I think it was the rope detail.
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Last week I posted it on Facebook and asked you if I should leave the legs and skirt as-is OR swap them for wood legs. ALL of you chimed in saying leave the wrought iron. I’m so glad I took your advice. Now that it’s painted and restyled, it’s a beautiful and interesting piece.
Before I show you more ‘fancy’ after pics, I want to share the issue I had painting this dresser. It’s laminate so it has a glossy/slick surface that the chalk-mineral paint wasn’t sticking to. Even after 24 hours, it was still scratching off with my nail.
A while back, Dixie Belle had sent me this bonding primer to try. Thank you, DB! I’ve seen other bloggers use it on ceramic tile and glass, so I gave it a go on this laminate.
Guys, this Slick Stick is amazing. It’s easy to apply and clean up, sticks like nobody’s business and doesn’t stink up my workspace like my go-to shellac-based primer. And the best part – NO SANDING required!
Here’s the finished makeover. What do you think?
I used my layering and dry brush painting techniques to get this boho mottled coloring and pattern. With the layers of color and brushing technique, it looks very textured, but when you rub your hand over this dresser, the finish is super smooth.
I only applied the Slick-Stick to the laminate – not the wrought iron skirt and legs. For the iron skirt, I created patina by using bronze patina paint and turquoise teal gilding wax.
So thanks again to all of you who chimed in on FB and a big thanks to Dixie Belle… another amazing product guys. 🙂
RELATED POSTS::
Dixie Belle’s Slick Stick
2 Best Ways To Paint Laminate Furniture
The Difference Between Laminate & Veneer Furniture
Layering Chalk Paint | Empire Dresser Makeover
5 Ways To Paint Furniture Without Sanding
IF YOU HAVE ANY TIPS ON HOW TO PAINT LAMINATE YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE OR HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, FEEL FREE TO CHIME IN… I ALWAYS LOVE HEARING FROM YOU.
Happy painting and have an inspiring day!
Denise x
Hello again... I'm so happy you dropped by! Let's keep in touch! Follow me on social media or sign up for a dose of furniture painting inspiration and diy tutorials. :) 
I love this piece! You did a fantastic job with the painting and the color choice is amazing! Thanks for all of your hints and help. I might be diving into my first project soon. It’s super plain and I thought I couldn’t make it look worse. Are there ways to add architectural details that you suggest on plain dressers?
Oh and thanks for the very specific instructions. On another project you did you said you sand as if you were wiping down the kitchen table. What a perfect and helpful description! Thank you!!
I’m so happy the ‘sanding’ tip helped and as for the architectural details this WOODUBEND is amazing! It’s a little addictive though…lol 😉
Hi, this is a longshot, but I recently lost this dresser in an apartment fire. It was inherited and I have absolutely no record of its purchase or value, and this is the only other image of this dresser I’ve found anywhere online. Do you have any information about its brand or manufacturer or anything?
I’m sorry Jake I don’t recall. I sold this one years ago and unfortunately I don’t remember the manufacturer.
Hi, This question was ask 3 years ago. But with no reply. I have a laminated bar table and stools. They are laminated only on the top. I would like to prime and paint. But the side edges laminated paper is peeling off. What is best to do. Prime & paint over it or peel all the paper off. Any recommendation will be greatly appreciated. Thank you for sharing your wonderful work.
Use zinserr peel stop for the primer on the peeling laminate
One word… A-MAZING!!! You are such an inspiration. I so enjoy your newsletters with your inspirational ideas but this one takes the 🎂!!
Aww, thanks, Kathleen!!!🤗
Thank you for sharing your knowledge when it comes to painting laminate :).
I hope it’s helpful! 🙂
this is gorgeous. how did you make this? which color is used?
Wow!! This is stunning!! Thank you for sharing your talents and giving me the boost of confidence I needed.
I’m cheering you on from this end Kim! 🙂
I am trying to figure out what brush strokes and layering you used to make this effect. I read your blending and layering post you referenced, but I want this type of look. Is there a video showing how you did the cross look?
Hi Denise, Your dresser looks amazing!
I use a product called Stix, that I purchase at Benjamin Moore.
It’s a primer designed to adhere to glossy surfaces and it works really well. It’s low odor and soap and watet clean up.
I know we all have our ‘go to’ products but I thought you might be interested in an option 🙂
Very interested so thanks for sharing Annie! I always have my ears and eyes open for new products that solve problems. I’ll have to check it out. 🙂
I’m so glad to know about the SlickStick product, and all the others I got to try at the recent Dixie Belle / Prima event in California. It was lovely to meet you, Denise! Your class was great fun, and I love the project we made. You’re such a good teacher – and I feel so much more confident about some of the projects I need to work on. It was fun to read this post and actually have familiarity with all the products you used. It turned out great, and I really like the rope detail – glad you kept it!
Hi Marcia!!! It was amazing meeting you and I’m so happy you enjoyed the class. The same textured dry brushing technique we used on the luggage box is the EXACT same painting technique I used on this dresser. Just different colors! Again, thanks for making the weekend such a memorable one. 🙂
I love how your dresser turned out. Thanks for the Slick Stick tip. I will definitely try it.
Thanks so much Lorrie! And if you give it a try, I’d love to hear what you think. 🙂
I use Zinsser 1 2 3 “with adhesion properties” on laminate and any kind of paint sticks beautifully. But I understand you promote Dixie Belle products, which I love also!
I’ve used Zinsser too! Is the one with “adhesion properties” separate from their ‘regular’ Ashley?
Denise, I love this! What colors did you use and where did you get the teal gilding wax? Glad you had a wonderful time in Cali!!
Hey Jackie!! I don’t remember the exact colors I used on this makeover but the turquoise teal guilding was is from DB. And thanks. I had such an amazing time and met so many creative inspiring ladies!
Denise,
I looked at the DB site and the turquoise teal guilding wax was not included in the available colors. Did you mix your own color? You create the most amazing looks.
Thanks,
Shari
Thanks Shari! Dixie Belle has come out with some NEW and fabulous waxes/products so I’m unsure if they still carry their older colors but YES, you can definitely mix your own waxes! I did an entire piece with tinted wax here. 🙂
After using slick stic, what type of white paint can I use ? Also, I painted a des black and paint starting to wear off, can I use the slick stick and then repaint black?
Hi there! Such a great post, thanks!
Hi Denise: Where did you buy the Dixie Bell Slick Stick Primer? I can’t find it locally.(Live in Georgetown). I want to paint a billy bookcase. Thanks!
Hi Heather! Dixie Belle ships product to me however there are more and more retailers popping up in Ontario. I think the closest one to you might be here ==> State of Paint
233 Ottawa St N, Hamilton, ON L8H 3Z4, 905-484-0074 They also have other retailers in East York, Pickering, Ottawa etc but you can plug in your address here and see who is closer to you. 🙂
I’m painting a laminate bookshelf, but I’m just painting it white. Do I have to paint it, or could I just prime it, since the Slick stick is white?
Hi Ashley! Yes, painting is recommended even if it’s going to remain white in color. Reason being is Slick Stick is white but is only used for adhesion – no a uniform opaque coat. Paint also makes it much easier to maintain with durability and easy clean up. Hope this helps. 🙂
Yes (an extra step I didn’t want to do:() but I didn’t think about cleaning it and whatnot. Thanks!!!
No problem and good luck Ashley. I think you’re going to be super pleased once you see the difference the paint makes. 🙂
Great advice need to paint a plain TV unit & side shelves As I said, it’s very plain. how do I give it some character
I have a laminate barrister. Bookcase that I want to redo with chalk paint. Am certain the slick stick will work on the main portion of the piece. But the laminate “paper” on the framing around the glass fronts is starting to pull away a bit.on several places. Has this ever happened with a piece you have done? Can I just peel off that “paper” laminate from the frames and then use the slick stick?
I have a similar problem with a desk I’m going to paint. Did you find a solution?
I’just see your project and i’m impressed. I want to do excactly the same but i have never paint with chalk paint on laminate. Can you please tell me how did you achieve that old look? How many colors did you use and did you use wax between layers of colors. Thank you.
Hi Christoula! I never use wax between the layers of paint but I have to confess, I didn’t keep tabs on the exact colors I used on this piece. Sorry!
Thank you so much for this post! I have this exact dresser, the whole set actually, purchased in 2006, not the 90s. 🙂 We just moved and I’m looking to give new life to the pieces, but was wondering how the chalk paint would adhere to such a slick surface. I will definitely be purchasing Slick Stick and checking out your tutorials!
Hi Jess! That’s neat you have the WHOLE set. I’m in the process of restyling the matching night table for my client who bought this dresser. The Slick Stick makes it soooo much easier. That said, if you decide on doing a similar paint technique – it’s best to do all the pieces at the same time. I’m finding it’s a bit of a challenge to match them separately. It’s taken me 2-3 tries.
Did you use the bronze patina paint on the laminate when dry brushing? I see a good bit of brown coming through with the teal paint and white primer.
I nevvveeerr comment on Pinterest blog stuff but I just had to say how beautiful and creative this piece is. You have a very unique vision!!
Awwwww, thank YOU Laura! It means a lot that you took the time to comment. Have a super day. 🙂
On the part you painted with the paint that was scratching off, did you sand that part down or just paint over it with the Slick Stick? I’ve got a laminate dresser I painted with a primer the guy at the store assured me would work without sanding but it is scratching off. Ugh! I’ve already primed the whole piece and need to know if I need to sand it down before I repaint it. Thanks!!
Hi Rachel! Ya, if it’s scratching off, I would sand it so you create some ‘tooth’ to apply another primer that actually sticks… and then paint.
I really like the laminate piece you did without sanding. I tried to find the Dixie Belle Slick Stick bonding primer but could not locate on their website. Any suggestions how to get that product?
Thank you
Hi Lise! Here’s a direct link to the Slick Stick. 🙂
This website for Dixie belle is no longer there. Did they quit selling it
Hi Joy! I checked all the links and they seem to be working for me. Dixie Belle still sells Slick Stick and you can find it here. 🙂
We’re looking to using this method for our dresser! How many oz. of the slick stick did it take you to complete your dresser?
I have a 32oz container of Slick Stick and I’m guessing maybe 5oz is gone after this project. The jar is still almost full so a little product went a long way. Have fun with your dresser Lindsay. 🙂
Wow! This piece is gorgeous! You did an amazing job on it and I love, love the teal and bronze together. I don’t always comment but love your tutorials. Your step by step guide is so easy to follow and I sincerely appreciate that! I have a laminate piece that I’ve been fearful of working on…now I’m anxious to try it. I found a DB source really close to me so I’m hoping they have great colors and an array of products.
Again, I love it!!
Pat
Hi Pat!!! So glad you’ve been following along and thanks SO much for chiming in and commenting! This piece was a lot of fun to work on and it makes me happy to hear the step by step tutorials are helpful. 🙂
Not a frequent follower but glad I tuned in today. That’s a beauty of a finished piece!
I’m also happy you dropped in Louise! Glad you like the 90’s makeover… and hope to chat again. 🙂
Love, love, love this dresser Denise! I agree with Suzanne, it doesn’t even look like the same piece of furniture. The matching bronze legs and the artistic brush strokes and color combos, bravo!
Hi Nicki! Thank you! So glad you like it and ya, it does look quite different than what it started out as. I’m really glad I kept the legs/skirt because it makes it a unique piece. 🙂
Absolutely love this! You always do such great work! I always look forward to watch
Thanks a lot, Maya! 🙂 Have a beautiful day. xo
Oh my gosh!!! That doesn’t even look like the same piece!!! I agree Slick Stick is a problem solving life saver!!! Thanks for all the creative and wonderful work you do 🙂
It really is 🙂 … and thanks so much, Suzanne!
Beautiful!! Love your work!!
Thanks so much, Debra! 🙂
Absolutely LOVE this look, awesome job!
Thank you, Alanna! 🙂
Love your ‘shout-out’ on slick stick…..your easy to use explanation helps allays fear or skeptisism in it’s use and effectiveness. Gorgeous job, by the way!! 🙂
Thanks, Susan! And, to be honest, I was slightly skeptical myself… but this stuff STICKS. Super effective! I’m looking forward to trying it on tiles, glass or another laminate project. 🙂
Hi Denise, Absolutely Gorgeous!! I can’t believe it’s the same piece, what an awesome makeover!! So glad you left the legs as is. Always love seeing your work 🙂
Thanks, Mary Ann! There were a few ‘hiccups’ in the process but I really like it too. I’m also really happy I kept the legs/skirt. The bronze and gilding wax really tied it together, I think 🙂
Hi Denise,
I like how you showed the way laminate is a problem to work with when it comes to painting. That’s exactly why we created “Slick Stick”. It is really awesome to use on kitchen counter tops too….if you want to re-do your kitchen with not much money, it works great! I have been working with re-doing my bathroom tile with it too. Can’t wait to show you how that turns out. Thank you for doing such a beautiful piece, just LOVE it!!!
Hi Teri! 🙂 While I was working on this dresser, I did think Slick Stick would be amazing to refinish any type of laminate cupboards…. but I never even thought of kitchen countertops! I’d LOVE to see how your bathroom tiles turn out. It might inspire me to do mine. 🙂 🙂 🙂
Will this work on concrete counter tops
Denise, you know I love all of your work .. you are extremely talented … but THIS has got to be one of my favourites! STUNNING!!!
Awww, thank Carole! And that goes both ways. I know I’ve been neglecting my social media lately (visiting Dad and keeping up with everything feels a bit challenging) but I’m ALWAYS peeking in on your page to see the new beauties you create! XO
It’s gorgeous! I will definitely have to,try the Slick Stick Bonding Primer! Thank you for the tips 😍
Hi Christina! Thank you. And if you give the DB Slick Stick a try, I’d love to hear what you think of it. 🙂
Denise, I love boho finish you gave this dresser and good call keeping the wrought iron base. It really adds that unique touch, especially after unifying the colors with the bronze paint and pretty teal gilding wax. It really is a stunning and unique piece now. 🙂 I thought I’d tried all of DB’s products but I’ve never heard of slick stick. It’s been added to my Must Try list.
I’m really glad I kept the wrought iron base too… even the rope detail has kind of grown on me. 😉 And ya, Dixie Belle is bringing out one new product after another. A real one-stop-shop for us furniture creators. 🙂
Yes I have a room full of remorse……I am working on getting rid of a;ll of it and starting over at a slow pace.. It s taking time as it is not easy to offload furniture. You piece ids beautiful. Thank you for the information, things
I think it happens to the best of us, doesn’t it DiB? I find it easy to jump on deals even when I logically know I don’t have the space to store it. That said, half the fun is finding the pieces that inspire – even if it’s a temporary feeling as the case with this dresser. I hope you offload your furniture OR rekindle some inspiration of your own. 🙂
Hi Denise. What a gorgeous makeover. I love how this dresser turned out. Quick question….did you paint the handles to match the wrought iron bottom? You didn’t mention anything about the handles and everything matches so perfectly. I’m loving boho style and am re-doing my living room in blues, patterns, and velvet. I am inspired by your last few boho makeovers.
Your living room sounds amazing. I’m really liking the boho velvet look but I’m not sure I’m bold enough to have it in my home… love pink velvet tho! 🙂 The handles are from Hobby Lobby – not painted… but I did use the bronze paint to match the wrought iron skirt and legs. 🙂
hi Denise, I have been following your blog for quite some time now but I have not responded, until now..
First off your blogs are so well done! You offer such inspiration, in a creative, organized, and well thought out series of pictures, techniques and tutorials!
I LOVE this piece! Great execution! And this DB SS paint sounds great! I have an inventory of furniture that I inherited and I’m looking for forward to some free time this summer to get to it!
Thank you again!
Have a great day!
Michelle
Hi Michelle… and thank YOU!!! I’m so happy you’re finding the tutorials helpful and stopped in to leave a comment. 😀 Good luck with your furniture inventory…exciting! I hope you have a great day too. 🙂
Love your latest makeover! I’m painting laminate all the time I don’t find it too difficult to do a quick wiped down sand before I clean up a piece to paint. I’ve been using just latex and drywall mud to make my own chalk paint. Once it is sealed, it’s on there good.
Someday “they” will covet the 90’s look again. 😉 but until then I’m painting over everything that comes my way.
A light sanding along with DIY versions work great, don’t they! As for the 90’s look, for sure. EVERYTHING makes it way back into style eventually. It makes me feel kind of old when I see it come back ’round again though…lol. 😉
Wow. Amazing how well that Slick Stick works. I really must get in touch with DBP and give it a try. I’m also interesed in the gilding wax. Did you make it? The piece is amazing, Denise! You create pure magic with paint. ~~ Susie from The Chelsea Projkect
It works amazing Susie… I’m impressed! The gilding wax is from also from DB, not a DIY version. I’m not sure if they’re selling this particular teal gilding wax because it looked more like a tester/sample they sent me and I don’t see it on their site yet. ?? So glad you like the dresser. Have a super day. 🙂 XO
Hello Denise – Thanks so much for the TIP I have some laminate at home that I have been worried/wondering about!!
Do you think this would be a good product to use for BLEED as well? Thanks again. Julie
I’m guessing it’s not formulated to stop bleedthrough, Julie. They have a product called BOSS that stops bleed as well as odors and stains. Now you have me curious though. I wonder if both these products can be used together?