“THERE’S A BIG MISCONCEPTION THAT YOU HAVE TO STRIP A PIECE DOWN FOR PROFESSIONAL RESULTS.”
Hello, beautiful #sifamily and thanks for joining me today! Do you have an old painted piece of furniture you’d like to REpaint? Would you rather stick pins in your eyes than strip it all down and start over? Today I’m sharing a dramatic French Floral before and after along with How To Repaint Furniture to get the VERY BEST results!
There’s a big misconception that you have to strip a piece down for a professional finish. I know this is true because I thought the same thing when I started upcycling furniture — AND it’s one of the most FAQ’s I get asked from my readers. But, it couldn’t be further from the truth.
Don’t waste your time, energy or products stripping off all the old paint. Stripping is only necessary if you want a stained/wood finish. If you’re planning to REpaint — it’s a BIG waste of time!
Here’s the before-before. hehe When I bought it last August, it had telltale signs of at least two prior makeovers. There were paint drips on the drawers and uneven sanding and staining on the finish.
Here’s the ‘before’ for today’s makeover. It’s a PERFECT dresser to demonstrate on because although the finish is smooth, it has layers of color with a faux textured/antiqued finish. It’s been glazed, waxed and top-coated.
I wanted to TOTALLY change the look so you can see how smooth and lovely a finish you can get when repainting. What do you think?
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HOW TO REPAINT FURNITURE
I’ll be sharing a quick 411 on this French Floral makeover but our focus is on how to PREP before repainting. Once it’s properly prepped, you can get exceptional results with a spray finish, brushed on or a roller.
STEP 1 – REMOVE HARDWARE AND CLEAN
This piece was sitting in my inventory so all it needed was a wipe down with warm water. However, if when I’m working with a piece that’s filthy, I remove the hardware and then clean with TSP, Krud Kutter or any other heavy-duty cleaner. This gets off all the grime, oil and dirt.
STEP 2 – FILL HARDWARE HOLES | SCRATCHES
Once it’s cleaned and dried, I fill the hardware holes and any dents, pings or scratches with this Bondo Wood Filler.
STEP 3 – SAND SMOOTH
Using my favorite orbital sander, I used a 120 grit and sanded the dresser and drawers until they were SMOOTH TO THE TOUCH. As you can see, I’m not trying to remove the paint right down to the wood! My goal is to knock down the finish and create a smooth surface. 
Don’t worry that it looks super ugly. I always have areas where the wood is peeking through and areas with paint but that’s perfectly fine if it feels smooth to the touch.
STEP 4 – PRIME
My go-to is B-I-N Shellac Primer. It covers up bleedthrough and dries within 45 minutes. A stain-blocking primer is best when repainting. Don’t skip this step! The primer will give you a fresh canvas to work with!
STEP 5 – PAINT
I was going to brush but decided on a spray finish for this piece — the total opposite of the original finish I did last summer.
I mixed a custom color with Dixie Belle’s Driftwood and Cotton and the transfer is ReDesign With Prima’s Beauty Of Life.
Here’s how it all came together. Quite the contrast from the original finish I did last year, right?!
I love this French Floral furniture transfer!
The exciting thing about restyling and upcycling is it can ALWAYS be REPAINTED! As far as I know, this vintage dresser has had AT LEAST five different looks including the original finish. Isn’t that amazing?! When you have a good quality piece of furniture, the possibilities are endless! 🙂
And now for some SUPER EXCITING news!!! Check this out and lookie who made the front cover!!! It’s the very first publication of Dixie Belle’s PRINT magazine chock full of eye candy, product how-to’s and tutorials! Belle Magazine is available on Dixie Belle’s site this week — I hope you treat yourself to a copy! 🙂
LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK OF THIS ‘FRENCH FLORAL’ PAINTED DRESSER … OR FEEL FREE TO ASK ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE… I ALWAYS LOVE HEARING FROM YOU.
Thanks for reading. 🙂
Wishing you a beautiful day filled with inspiration and Happy Painting friends!
Denise XO
RELATED POSTS::
How To Apply Furniture Transfers
Adding Graphics | Vintage TeaCart Makeover
How To Make Antique Drawers Smell Fresh & New
Stop Bleed Through When Painting
Belle Magazine
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Beautiful work! I’m about to paint some old but wonderful furniture of my Grandmothers that needs some love. It’s been passed down and beat up over the years. Thanks for the info.
My pleasure and thanks, Traci! Enjoy your Grandmothers’ furniture. x
Hi Denise, I love everything you do! I was really excited to read this blog because I strip everything! I saw where you used a roller, I have a gossip bench with spindles that is painted black and I have been dreading the thought of stripping it. What would be the best way to get around all the spindles? Or do I suck it up and strip?
Hi Debbie and thank YOU! 🙂 I don’t strip spindles unless I’m going to stain. I like to use a sanding sponge like this for spindles. Wrap it around the spindle and sand it up and down to scuff up the old paint and finish. Wipe off the dust with a damp cloth or tack cloth. Then prime. If I’m not using my sprayer, here’s a how I paint spindles WITHOUT brush marks! I hope this helps and good luck with your gossip bench. Great project btw! 🙂
Another beauty! please let us know when your tutorial will be available . I like to see ratio you used as well as, what type of sprayer you used. last but not least Congratulations! you more than deserve to be on the cover. I have been following, learning and admiring you for quite sometime. and,beleive you reap what you saw. I love your willingness to teach freely.
So many post,showing there work but won’t share.. I will never understand. May he big guy continue to bless you & your wonderfull business.
You’re very sweet and kind Roseann, thank YOU! And I use this Husky Paint Gun that Home Depot sent me over 7 years ago. It still works great. 🙂
Beautiful! Please explain your spraying techniques? Brand of preferred sprayer? I have a maple table, 10 chairs. 2 leaves that I want to whitewash or glaze. Any suggestions? Thank you so much!
So beautiful, as always! I just love your work and how you explain things. Very excited about the Dixie Belle magazine!
Thanks so much Nadine! x
Hi Denise. Congratulations on the magazine cover! I’m positive we’ll be seeing your gorgeous work on a lot more covers in the future. This dresser looks amazing (I also loved the first makeover). Great tips on repainting previously painted furniture. Thank you for sharing.
Aw, thanks Monique and I hope you’re right! hehe 😉 So glad you found the tips helpful and thank YOU for always being so encouraging. Much appreciated. XOXO
I have a question for you. I have to repaint a bathroom vanity that had made almost twenty years ago lt was painted with Ben Moore paint by the cabinet maker and is really shiny still which makes me wonder if he used a lacquer. Will l be safe following these steps? Thanks!
Soooo pretty!! And OF COURSE you made the front cover of our new magazine. You are a ROCKSTAR in our book. LOVE your work as always Denise.
THANK YOU TERI!!!! Everyone at Dixie Belle is so fabulous and encouraging… I can’t thank you enough! XOXO
Hello,
I was wondering, would you recommend using a top coat to protect the paint (like a polyacrylic topcoat)? I’ve never made over an old piece of furniture but I want to try!
Hi RK! Yes, for sure! I’ve been using a lot of DB’s Satin Clear Coat (waterbased) because it has a low satin sheen and is very durable, but I’ve also used, General Finishes, Minwax, and Varathane to name a few. They all work well and protect your furniture nicely. If you’re going to be putting in the work to restyle, it’s nice to protect it so it lasts. A topcoat also makes for a really easy-clean up if something spills or gets dirty. 🙂
Ooooops. Sorry, I now see the magazine link. Disregard my previous comment, except the beautiful part. 🙂
lol… no problem.😊
Beautiful. How does one order the magazine? I am in the U.S.
Thanks so much, Michelle! The spring 2020 issue should be available for purchase on the Dixie Belle site this week. 🙂
I contacted Dixie Belle and tried to get a copy of the magazine; but they said they didn’t know if they were going to be selling them to the public! Got another reply and they said they would be adding them to their website by the end of the week!! Yea!
Hi Jackie! Jasmin (the talented Editor In Chief of the mag) over at DB said they should have a direct link within a week. I’m as happy as you are! I’ll keep my eyes peeled and add it here for you.😊
Congratulations! Front cover!! you sooo deserve it; your work is beautiful. I love the before and the after of this piece both!
Thanks so much Jackie! Hugs. You’re always so supportive and uplifting. Thank YOU!
Beautifully REpainted and helpful tips. Thanks for sharing Denise. ~ Nicki
Thanks, Nicki!
Forgot to add, huge congratulations for being featured on the cover. There is no one more deserving!
Thanks my friend! Hugs
Beautiful new look! When you use BIN, do you find it is so thick & dries so fast that it leaves brush marks or roller marks? I always have trouble using it & wondering if I should thin it a bit & with what kind of thinner. I have same issue with Shellac. Also, sanding wax topcoat doesn’t clog up the sandpaper? I avoid all waxed pieces to refinish to avoid mineral spirits.. Great job once again, D.
You always ask the best questions, Tracy. 😉 The BIN takes getting used to because the consistency is different than a regular primer for sure. It’s more watery but more sticky if that makes sense. And ya. I never use a brush to apply it because it will stick to itself and dry fast. I always use a foam roller. It applies super easy and smooth. I keep saying I’m going to do a video on how I apply it but I haven’t got around to it yet! And as for the wax clogging up sandpaper, for me that only happens if the wax has not yet cured. If it’s a fresh wax job, mineral spirits are helpful. 🙂
Thank you D. So appreciate your personal replies..
Love the transformation!!! It looks so fresh and clean and desirable. Great job on every detail.
Thank you, Julie! XOXO
LOVELY, LOVELY, LOVELY! I still haven’t tried my hand at transfers. Hope to get to it when I have my speaking/coaching business done (if there is ever such a thing as done).
Speaking/Coaching business… how exciting Cate!… and thank you! 🙂
Apparently, I’m following the right upcycler! Congratulations on making the cover of the new paper magazine! I always love your pieces and the detailed explanations of ‘how to’ do it! This new REpainted dresser is gorgeous!
Thanks so much, Gwen! I can’t tell you how ecstatically thrilled and happy I was when I found out!!! So glad you like the tutorial and repainted dresser. xo
You transformed this piece – absolutely beautiful! I’m always impressed with your results and willingness to share your secrets.
Thanks, ET! Much appreciated. 🙂
Congratulations!! What an honor that is well deserved. Everything you paint is incredible! Pinning this for later when I get the nerve to tackle a painted chest. Have a lovely week!
What an HONOR, right!!?? It sounds silly but i feel like carrying it around everywhere I go so I can share with everyone..lol. Thanks so much, Cecilia and you have a lovely week too. Hugs
Yes! I love painting over old finishes too. This turned out beautiful! Congrats on the feature! How cool is that? 🙂 xo, Do
Thanks my friend… super exciting! I’ve been featured on a back cover (and was over the moon happy) but never a FRONT cover! I just want to carry it with me everywhere I go…lol. 😉