How to Do a White-Wash Dresser Makeover in a Few Easy Steps
Hey, DIY enthusiasts! Today, I'm excited to share with you the step-by-step process of how I transformed an old piece of furniture into something new. Join me as I walk you through each stage and the products I used in this easy white-wash dresser makeover. Let's dive in!
Tools and materials
- Scraper
- Scrub brush
- Sandpaper (fine grit)
- Paintbrush or roller
- Cloth or brush for applying glaze
- Container for mixing glaze
- Cloth for wiping away excess glaze
- Screwdriver or appropriate tool for installing hardware
- Easy-Off (or similar paint and finish remover)
- Water
- Turtledove paint Melange Paints
- Antique glaze by Rustoleum
- Polyurethane top coat (satin finish) by Varathane
- Hardware for furniture (purchased from Amazon)
Steps
1. Prepare the surface
To start, I sprayed a coat of Easy-Off onto the furniture surface. I allowed it to sit for approximately 30 minutes to penetrate and loosen any existing finish or paint.
2. Remove the residue
After the Easy-Off has had time to work its magic, it's time to scrape, scrub, and rinse away the residue. Using a scraping tool, gently remove the softened finish or paint. Then, grab a scrub brush and give the surface a good scrub. Finally, rinse off the residue thoroughly with water.
3. Smooth out the surface
To achieve a smooth and even finish, I sanded the furniture with fine grit sandpaper. This step helps to level out any imperfections or rough spots left after removing the old finish. Take your time and sand in gentle, circular motions until the surface feels smooth to the touch.
4. Paint wash
Now, it's time to add some color! I chose Turtledove by Melange Paints for a fresh and elegant look. First, spray the dresser with water. Then, using a paintbrush or a roller, apply a coat of diluted paint wash to the entire surface of the furniture. Add the paint wash, then wipe back with a cloth.
5. Glaze wash
For an aged and rustic effect, I used an antique glaze from Rustoleum and diluted it with water. I mixed approximately 1 part glaze with 4 parts water, but feel free to adjust the ratio to achieve your desired look. Using a cloth or a brush, apply the diluted glaze onto the painted surface, working in small sections. After applying, gently wipe it back and let it dry.
6. Protect with a top coat
To provide durability and protection, I applied a top coat using Satin Polyurethane from Varathane. Apply the top coat evenly, and allow it to dry thoroughly.
Tip: how to avoid streak marks
Sometimes, when applying polyurethane by hand on solid colors, streak marks can appear. To counter this, I added a small amount of the Turtledove paint into the polyurethane and mixed it well. This mixture helped eliminate streaks during application.
7. Install new hardware
To complete the transformation, I added new hardware to the furniture. I found some beautiful options on Amazon that perfectly complemented the style I was going for. Install the hardware according to the manufacturer's instructions, and admire the finishing touch it adds to your piece.
White-wash dresser makeover
There you have it! By following these simple steps, you can achieve a stunning furniture makeover. Just remember, this process requires time and patience. In total, it took me approximately 7-8 hours to complete this project, but the result was well worth it.
Now, it's your turn to unleash your creativity and enjoy the satisfaction of transforming furniture into something unique and true to your style. Happy DIY-ing!
Comments
Join the conversation
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I usually like paint on older furniture. If I'm not mistaken that is Tiger Oak!!! I could never paint over such a beautiful wood!!
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It’s actually not painted, it’s just a paint wash to not have it yellow when top coated and is similar to doing a stain where you can still see all it’s beautiful grain.
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That's great!! The grain is so beautiful!!
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It really is, love these types of dressers!
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Frequently asked questions
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