This dresser makeover is a bit different than usual, because it’s not 100% my typical choice. This one doesn’t have legs and adding legs sadly was not an option. Initially, I thought I could remove the base trim and add legs like I did on this piece, but it was built a certain way that it would not work unless I took a jigsaw to it and risked messing it up even more. The main decision for not adding legs is that it was taller than I thought (I had someone drop it off at my studio without seeing it in person first), so even if I cut off the base like I wanted to and added 3″ legs it would be very tall and awkward. So I worked with what I had and made it shine using Fusion Mineral Paint Laurentien for the first time.
Here’s the terrifying before:
As you can see, it’s in rough shape. The veneer was very thin and broken in many places, mostly along the edges. The hardware had been painted several times and a few of them were actually broken. Since the veneer wasn’t at all salvageable, I patched all the holes with wood filler, sanded it, cleaned it and added several coats of primer to have a clean surface for fresh paint.
Check out some close up photos to see just how nasty it was before:
Gross, right? That black paint took at least 2 coats of primer to cover and a lot of wood filler was needed for all the scrapes and holes. The final result is still not perfect, but personally, I think that adds to the charm of a vintage piece of furniture. I love the idea of knowing this piece has lasted at least 20-30 years already and now I’m giving it an even longer life.
In a previous dresser makeover, I used Fusion Mineral Paint for the first time and completely fell in love with it. It’s a serious game changer. It goes on smoothly with just a brush, no roller needed. It cleans up easily so there’s no mess in between coats. I was worried I wouldn’t be into it because I like a very clean look, but that just means I don’t bother with glazing or distressing the piece, just paint with a brush in a smooth linear motion and wax!
For this piece, I used Fusion Mineral Paint Laurentien for a bright pop of colour to distract away from the slight imperfections this piece has. The colour is so vintage and fresh, it immediately put me in a good mood. The paint texture is creamy and smooth and covered in 2 coats. The body is a creamy warm white from Fusion Mineral Paint called Casement and it covered in 2 coats but I did 3 because this piece was extra rough and really needed it.
I finished the dresser off with Bagganäs brass hardware from Ikea because they’re the most affordable trendy hardware out there right now. I think this piece would be amazing in a newborn’s room as a changing table because it’s a bit taller than my usual dressers and very stable because it doesn’t have legs, plus look at all those drawers, ideal for organizing all those tiny baby items.
I was so eager to post this piece because I’m in love with Fusion Mineral Paint Laurentien and needed to share it as soon as it was done! But! I have plans to line the drawers with paper, I just haven’t found the right pattern yet and I know it’ll take time to find just the right paper.
So just imagine a tropical print or floral on the inside to hide the ugly stains.
Loving this printed paper that I found on Etsy from Tuppence Collective
Looking for some tips on how to paint and prep like a pro?
Head over to Fusion’s site and check out their video tutorials.
Update!
I couldn’t find affordable shelf paper in the patterns I wanted, but I did find this cute retro looking shelf paper locally and decided this was the right option to make this piece an affordable makeover.
I love this! I’m just starting in furniture painting and using Fusion paint but struggling to get s smooth finish, ie no brush strokes! Do you have any tips? Also, what adhesive do you use to stick paper inside drawers?
Hi Lou, I only just started using Fusion paint. I highly recommend using the brand of brushes they show on their website. I tried other brushes but found that they shed and the ones from Fusion do not and they produce a smoother finish. Avoid overly brushing one area, just do a thinner single coat in one direction and go back after for a second coat. As for interior paper. The stuff I buy has a layer you peel off and stick. You could buy double-sided adhesive foam tape for regular paper. I have yet to find my favourite go-to option for the interior. I hope this helps! Happy painting!
Hi, I was looking through (with wonderment) a few of your posts about painting furniture. There was one where you used white for the body and a minty green for the drawers. I thought I had saved it but can not seem to find it. I think the paint was Ben Moore. Wondering if you might recall and email it to me. What you do is very inspiring!
Thanks for reading. Yes the paint is Benjamin Moore Mantis Green ad Snowfall White. It’s their advanced paint in high gloss. Then I discovered fusion mineral paint and now I prefer it for furniture. It’s just easier to work with. Faster drying time.