If you’re a fan of green you’re going to love this. If you’re not, this might just change your mind. I wouldn’t usually dedicate a post to a new paint color, but this Farmhouse Green totally transformed this salvaged dresser.
Here’s what we started with. It’s another roadside treasure that MMM and I picked up while driving home from dinner last week.
I want to send a HUGE thank you to MMM because I don’t do this alone.
For all of you unfamiliar with him, he’s the behind the scenes guy. I feel so blessed to share my life with him for SO many reasons, not excluding all the helpful, thoughtful and kind gestures he does. This dresser was a perfect example of his generous heart. Even though his work truck was chock full of tools and materials the night we spotted this piece, he rearranged everything in his truck on the side of the road with traffic whizzing by just to make room for this piece. Oh•my•heart.
Anyway, it was in perfect condition except for that missing piece of trim you see …or actually don’t see, ha.
After a thorough TSP cleaning, I filled in the missing trim with Bondo but it took me a few tries to get it right.
I started off by making a glue gun mold (which I saw on Pinterest) and then filled it with Plaster of Paris. It didn’t work. Then I made a Plaster of Paris mold and filled it in with Plastic Wood. It didn’t work. I gave up on using any type of mold.
Instead, I filled in the area with Bondo using two paint sticks on either side and sculpted in the details. It didn’t come exactly, but it’s pretty darn close.
The top was a shiny laminate so I used Slick Stick. to make sure the paint adhered. The rest of the dresser was factory painted wood so I lightly sanded with 150 grit.
And now for the best part. Isn’t it exciting when you start painting with a new color that you just LOVE? This green is happy and fresh! Here’s what it looks like in its pure state after 2 coats were applied – no wax, topcoat or distressing.
This is the after sealed and protected with spray wax and antiqued with black wax around the edges of the drawers and frame. What do you think?… and can you tell where I repaired the trim?
THIS POST CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS TO PRODUCTS I USE. YOU CAN SEE MY FULL DISCLOSURE HERE.
SOURCE LIST::
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- Curb-Shopped Dresser – Salvaged
- Paint Brush
- TSP
- Bondo
- 150 & 250 Sanding Paper
- Dixie Belle’s Slick Stick
- Farmhouse Green Chalk Mineral Paint
- Spray on Wax
- Black Wax
- Black Hardware – Salvaged
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I’D LOVE TO HEAR WHAT YOU THINK OF THIS NEW FARMHOUSE GREEN AND THE DRESSER MAKEOVER. FEEL FREE TO CHIME IN… I ALWAYS LOVE HEARING FROM YOU.
Happy painting my friends,
Denise
RELATED POSTS::
Dixie Belle’s Farmhouse Green
How To Paint With Wax
How To Paint with Powder | Roadside Makeover
How To Paint Laminate NO Sanding
Think Green | 25 Beautiful Furniture Makeovers
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Cheryl says
I happened on this blog post and just wanted to say BEAUTIFUL,!!! In fact it inspired me to try this color on an antique washstand I repurposed for a garden cabinet for on my screened porch. I need to wax at this stage and will certainly use some black wax to create some depth but I’m wondering if I can use Gator Hide after for added protection. Thanks for the inspiration!
Denise says
Hi Cheryl and WELCOME! Yes, you sure can. Just be sure the wax is 100% dry before applying the Gator Hide. Sounds like a beautiful project for your screened porch btw.
Cathy says
Beautiful job on the dresser. I was so happy to see this piece! I recently found a dresser with a trip fold mirror and it matches your dresser! How can I find a year this was made? I know it’s made by Lea but they went out of business. I am just beginning to refinish it.
Denise says
If you go into Google Images and inquire you might be able to find out the year. 🙂
Tami says
Hi Denise! I realize I’m a bit late to the party but I just recently came across your blog and this beautiful Farmhouse Green dresser! Your dresser is definitely the best representation out there of this particular color! Did you seal the piece with the spray wax before applying the black wax and then again afterwards? Thank you! I’ve subscribed to your blog and will be looking forward to your future projects!
Denise says
Hi Tami! Thanks for subscribing and a big warm WELCOME! It has been a while but I’m pretty sure I used the clear spray wax, then the dark wax around the perimeter and called it a day. 🙂
Donna Weigel says
Love, love, love the farmhouse green! Next time you need to fill in a missing piece, try Sculpwood. It’s a 2 part epoxy putty that you knead together in equal amounts. It’s moldable, sandable and dries as hard as a rock. You’ll never look back…Amazon sells it.
Denise says
Sculpwood! I’ll give it a try Donna. Thank YOU!
R Alcorn says
Thank you for sharing this – I’ve been looking at ideas for how to use specific colors, and this is the first example I’ve seen specific to this color. It really is a pretty, cheerful green, and I think this particular piece looks great just straight up in the color without any blending etc.
Mary Etnyre says
Denise you are such a talented lady. You are my inspiration.I am just starting to paint furniture and I love the way your pieces are elevated to bespoke pieces of art. You are able to look at a piece and bring out the beauty. On this piece I love the black wax and handles. Thank you so much Mary E
Denise says
Hi Mary! Thanks so much for the kindness. I hope you have fun painting your furniture! If you need any tips, there’s 5 years worth of my ‘mistakes’ and how to correct them documented here on the SI Blog 😉 so feel free to check the search or reach out any time. 🙂
Denise G. says
Beautiful color! Now I want to repaint my green bedroom in an off-white color, so I can paint my furniture this lovely green!
Denise says
That sounds beautiful Denise. I’m a sucker for white bedrooms tho. 🙂
Donna Ketz says
I just subscribed today! And I absolutely love this piece! Love the fresh green color, great job on the Bondo fix.. I’ll have to try that spray wax, looks so easy! Love how the black wax compliments the handles;) thanks for giving me great inspiration!
Denise says
Hi Donna and thanks for subscribing, WELCOME! 🙂 I was a little hesitant about the spray wax at first because it’s so different. But the more I use it, the more I like it! I spray it on, let it soak in for about 15-30 seconds and wipe the excess off. I’ve used it on about 6 pieces now and they are holding up amazing.
John Fuchs says
Love the color and your work! This one really caught my eye!
Denise says
Thanks John, and I love this color too! 🙂
Melanie Brooks says
Absolutely beautiful! Great color, and the black wax and handles really make it pop!
I just purchased my first Dixie Belle paints- haven’t used them yet- but if you’re so impressed with them, I’m sure I will be too!
Denise says
Thanks Melanie! And I’m sure you’re going to LOVE Dixie Belle Paints. I’d love to hear what you end up using it on. 🙂
Cassandra says
So beautiful! Love everything about this transformation!
Denise says
Thanks so much Cassandra! 🙂
Mary Windsor/MTwindsor Design/Twilldo Furniture says
Gorgeous as usual!!! Love me some apple green! Always a pleasure to see your fine work!
Denise says
That’s so sweet Mary, thank you! xo
Frank B says
Love this color and your result! One suggestion for replacing missing parts that I have done several times is to use liquid latex. Pour the liquid latex on the part you need duplicated and when mould is dry peel it off and you have your mould for casting. Then fill with a product called Rock Hard and let it cure Its in powder form so you mix with water the amount you need. In this case you would need a small block of wood to adhere your cast piece to because of the thickness. Once mould is done just glue to your block of wood cut to size and you can even mitre the corner Minimal sanding and you’re done. I’ve got a piece that is missing a bit of ornate trim that I’m going to use this method on again.. I’ve done this on several pieces. Always love seeing how you solve problems!! Very Inspiring!!
Denise says
Thank you Frank, brilliant! I used a piece of wood trim to attach the Bondo to also. Where do you buy your liquid latex from?… and I have Durham’s Rock Hard Water Putty. Just haven’t used it for anything yet so good to know. 🙂
Frank B says
Amazon has several selections to choose from and that’s where I get mine and the Durham’s Rock Hard Putty is exactly what I use. Works like a charm for painted pieces particularly. Keep on rescuing!!
Denise says
Thank you Frank! I’m going to buy myself some and give your method a try. 🙂
Tracy says
You are a Bondo master! Turned out so pretty with subtle wax effect..
Denise says
LOL… that’s exactly what MMM said Tracy! When we picked this piece up, he kept asking me if I’d like him to fix and/or remove the bottom trim. Very sweet, but I wanted to give it a go myself. Gotta love that Bondo. And when it dries, it’s tough as a rock!
Nicki says
Beautiful as usual Denise. I’m building up my confidence to try an energetic color like this so thanks for all your inspiration. This color reminds me of a crisp green apple – delish!
Denise says
Thanks so much Nicki! And YES, it is an energetic color… and delish…lol. 😉
Monique says
What a be a beautiful color of green. Love how this dresser went from blah to wow!!! The handles are a perfect addition and you fixed the trim so well I’d never know it was once missing. Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous 🙂
Denise says
Awww, thanks Monique! XO I had these black handles from another salvaged find and thought the black contrasted with the green nicely. And thanks for the kindness on the trim. It’s not perfect-perfect, but no one would tell. Like I was saying to Tracy, Bondo is amazing.
Marie says
Such a pretty green! I wouldn’t hesitate to switch all the green I have in my living room with this shade. If only the original owner could see this dresser now! You can’t tell where you replaced the missing trim with bondo. I’ve used Sculpey Baking Clay to replace missing trim and it worked well. Pinned 🙂
Denise says
I’ve never heard of Sculpey Baking Clay – it sounds FUN…lol! And I agree, this is such a beautiful green. It’s happy and vibrant yet can look more muted with tinted wax or glaze. Best of both worlds. Thanks for the PIN my friend. Have a beautiful day. xo
Linda at q is for quandie says
Awesome job on that repair Denise! You can’t even tell that a piece of the trim was once missing!
Denise says
Thanks Linda. That Bondo was a life saver. I don’t want to tell you what those other 2 attempts looked like. 😉
Teri Ronk says
So pretty….fresh, clean and pristine! LOVE it!!!
Denise says
Thanks Teri! Enjoy your ‘national holiday’ day. 😉 ;D 😉
Jill Miglin says
Love the color Denise. Such a pretty little chest and you did a great job of matching the missing trim.
Denise says
Yaay, thanks so much Jill! 🙂
EllieB says
Hi, Very nice and beautifully done piece as are all the pieces you’ve showcased on this very helpful site.
I’ve always been curious about how the INSIDES of these pieces are handled. I mean, you never know what it was used for in its previous life, where it was kept prior to discard. It could have been in a moldy basement or housed rodents in someone’s shed. How are the guts of these pieces cleaned and sealed so that it could be used in its next life for clean linens, dishes or a hidden bag of forbidden chips and/or chocolate?
I have in years past sanded/sealed the insides of an old dresser with a clear varnish and used brown paint on another. Both being used for linens/dishes.
My question is, how do you treat the guts of your pieces for future use?
Denise says
My motto is if it’s not clean and fresh enough to house my underwear, it’s not clean. Period. And it may sound silly but that’s exactly what I think as I’m cleaning my pieces – whether they’re found roadside, off Craigslist or in a Thrift Store. I really like your methods Ellie. I’ve also sanded and sealed drawers. But most of the time, a really good wash down with TSP does the trick.
Suzy B. says
Hey Denise, you mention in your linked comments about Slick Stick to clean the piece (i.e. glass or laminate) with white lightning: but I’m unfamiliar with that term ~ what is white lightning? Thanks for all you do to inspire and educate us creative souls 🙂
Denise says
Hi Suzy! Hmmm, I think there’s a white lightening cleaner/degreaser but I’ve never used it. I used TSP to clean this piece. Slick Stick is a primer type product that you apply to slick and/or glossy surfaces (like glass or laminate) and it preps the surface for the paint to adhere 100%. It’s amazing because there is no sanding required. 🙂
Jamie Theriot says
Wow, this piece is beautiful. I love the subtle hue changes from the wax application. It adds lovely dimension. This piece is simply amazing. You are so talented. Would you please share your recommendation for a paint sprayer?
Denise says
Thanks Jamie! The wax does add dimension, doesn’t it? And it’s an easier/safer way than creating a gradient with paint, I think. 🙂 Here’s the paint sprayer I’ve used for over 5 years. Still love it. Hope this helps.
Kathleen says
Oh my goodness! So fresh! I love the difference the black wax made. Your staging is also gorgeous!!! Can the spray wax and gator top coat be used on white furniture? I always worry about yellowing. Love all of your posts!
Denise says
Hi Kathleen! The black wax antiques it really nicely, doesn’t it? I was torn on whether to black wax the entire piece but then decided against it to show off the ‘true’ color on this one. The spray wax can definitely be used on white (I’ve done it and NO yellowing) and the Gator Hide, I believe so but I’ve only used it on light and darks – never pure white.
Kathleen says
Yes I love that you only did the edges and details! Oh thank you! I’ll have to try it!
Denise says
Aww, thanks Kathleen. Id love to hear your thoughts if/when you do. Have a great day. 🙂
Janet Baker says
Oh my goodness be still my heart
Your right about it being fresh and you can’t tell where you fixed it
I wasn’t a green fan nor the muster green but but sons girlfriend bought a beautiful buffet in myster yellow now he hates it but Hope and I just love it
INow I’m gonna have to get done green and muster yellow lol
Love everything you do my friend
Janet xx
Denise says
Hi Janet!!!! 😀 You and Hope are right on trend. I know you’re a huge fan of yellow [kitchens] so mustard yellow isn’t a far stretch.;) This Farmhouse Green has a lot of yellow undertones too…which is probably why I think it looks like such a happy color. Have a good one my friend. XO
Leeanne says
You did a great job repairing that! The color is pretty and I love the wax. Very nice!
Denise says
Thanks, Leeanne! Oddly I found the ‘freehand’ Bondo method way easier than making a mold – but whatever works, right? I think this color is really pretty too. 🙂
Deb says
What a great rescue! It’s lovely!
Denise says
Thanks Deb! It always amazes me what people put out curbside, but lucky me. 😉
Carole Atkins says
Very pretty colour Denise. Do you order your Dixie Bell products online or is it available locally (as in Ontario/Canada)?
Denise says
I had mine shipped Carole but they are expanding into Canada. I don’t know if there are any retailers super local to us yet (GTA), but I’ll bet there will be soon. If/when you try DB, I’d love to hear what you think. I never thought I’d stick to a brand, but I love it.
Carole Atkins says
Thanks Denise!
Denise says
Thank YOU Carole! I know how busy you are and it’s always so nice when you drop in. Enjoy the heat. 🙂
Stacy Saman says
Where did you get yours shipped from? I live in Ontario and can’t find Dixie Belle paint anywhere online to download. Help please!
Denise says
Hi Stacy! I’m not sure where in ON you’re located but there’s a store in Toronto – Luxe-KC Interiors 1053 Pape Ave, East York, Toronto, East York, ON M4K 3W3, Canada 416-716-7308. Also, if you go to the Dixie Belle Locator and plug in your addy, the nearest location should pop up for you.