If you watched the “prove yourself wrong” video, you already saw how this dresser turned out, but I wanted to give it a proper before and after post.
Here’s the before…
This piece really was a pretty one as is, but I needed a piece to paint and crossed paths with this one.
I decided to use a color I love, but haven’t used a lot lately…Eulalie’s Sky. It’s a happy, pretty color that just seemed to suit the video we were making.
Here is how it turned out…
As an aside, this dresser is almost identical to one I bought back in February…
Even the hardware was the same, which makes me think that might’ve been the original hardware, even though it looks more Queen Ann to me.
I replaced the hardware with some simpler bail pulls and I’m planning to do the same with the Eulalie’s Sky dresser.
The hardware on it currently is beautiful, but it belongs to this guy…
…I had just borrowed it for the day.
Here’s how we got to the final look…
It was a group effort, but Jen actually did most of the painting on it. Kriste and I jumped in here and there to speed things along, since we were trying to get the video (and the piece) done in a few hours.
We didn’t do any prep work at all. I usually give pieces a light sanding, but I just wanted to go for it and see what happened. We painted it in two coats of Eulalie’s Sky and let it dry. Since it was a pretty warm day, the paint dried fast and we were pretty much able to paint one coat right after another. We did not add the Bonding Agent to the paint. Again, I just wanted to see what happened and let milk paint be milk paint.
We distressed the edges and “high points” with 100 grit paper, also running it over the flat surfaces with gentle pressure.
The paint was sealed with Tough Coat and the top with Hemp Oil, both just brushed on. Excess Hemp Oil was wiped off with a lint-free cloth.
I agree with those who liked the piece unpainted, but I also love how the distressed paint brings out the beading, carving and keyholes.
Because I appreciate beautiful wood as much as I appreciate a beautiful paint job, I decided to just oil the top, bringing out that pretty luster.
I do have to point out the wheels on this piece. I love casters, anyway, for their look and practicality, but these are the cherry on top for me.
I do need to clean out the drawers and install the new hardware, but this dresser is for sale, if anyone is interested. It’s $285 and details will be listed in the online shop soon.
Oh, speaking of the online shop, new ironstone and French soaps are in stock!
25 Responses
I am the happiest girl in the world!! I got exactly what I was hoping for from your online sale!!!! I had been saving for your trip to Montgomery so I am doubly pleased that I was still able to make a wonderful purchase! Thank you!
Literally sighed out loud.
Do you paint the backs of the dressers and the edge of the drawers?
Those casters! So sweet. And the color is very soothing and pretty. Can you share the dimensions of the piece?
So lovely! Would you be willing to talk a bit about how you price your pieces: between your original purchase price, cost of your time, profit? How you determine that, etc? I struggle to find a good balance between not undervalued my time but keeping a price reasonable and I’d love to hear your thoughts.
I’d love to learn more about that as well. I think its the toughest part about letting something go.
It’s beautiful! I have a couple of Eastlake style headboards that I’ve been debating about painting. On one hand, the wood is (mostly) nice, but the finish is rough and dark and needs attention anyway. Painting really brings out the beautiful details. It can be a tough call depending on the piece, but seeing your beautiful dresser is swaying me towards painting them.
Also, I wonder when you paint pieces like that, do you paint the backs too? The drawer sides? The bottoms of the pieces? I never know where to stop the paint.
No, I don’t paint the backs unless it’s a piece that might be floated in a room, like a desk. I also don’t paint the interiors of the drawers. I think it’s a waste of time and product when I’m reselling the piece. I would have to spend more time and more product, which results in a higher price for the customer for something that rarely sees the light of day. If the insides of drawers are gross, I’ll clean them up and put in a drawer liners.
Love it! Would you mind sharing where you got the bail pulls on the white dresser? I’ve been having a hard time finding something similar that isn’t too pricey. Thanks!
Your furniture piece turned out beautiful! I love the blue color! Gorgeous!!!
Oh I just love the way this turned out. If only I lived closer! i was curious about one thing – I watched the video and noticed that it was painted with the drawers in the dresser. I always paint the drawers separately, but is this an easier way? Is this what you usually do? Thanks.
Yes! I almost always paint with the drawers in the dressers as long as they are inset. That habit started when I was working out of my house and my space was very limited and I have done it that way since.
Marion, I love it!. Love that color! Question? When you pick up these old pieces do you ever encounter a must odor? If so, what do you do with the piece to elimate the odor?
What oil did you use on top, hemp oil?
Beautiful . . . Just beautiful!
I guess I am the odd ball… to me the 2 pieces were much more attractive prior to receiving the milk paint.
I have a dresser very similar to this where I store all my needlework supplies. 🙂
This turned out great! Thanks for the finishing step details. I’d love to see you do a series of dressers with wood tops in each of your colors! If you could photo all of them outside they’d all have the same light for color accuthey’d I want to do my Victorian walnut dresser and this would be do helpful for deciding which color. I could just hold up my iPod and look at my room and then the iPod! You have the Best website, Marian!
I love the color! Agree it looks nice painted and unpainted. How nice to have the wheels on there.
One of these days I am going to use that color! Beautiful dresser and the video was amazing.
I have tremors when trying to decide whether to paint a piece made of nice wood, but with these dressers, unless they are in pristine condition, I think the paint shows off the carving and other details so nicely. I do like it when the wood is exposed on the top of the piece, too. Just a nod to its original finish and former life!
Nice work, ladies!
How did you come by naming the color ‘Eulalie’?
This dresser matches my bed. If you find another please email me at akamostx@ aol.com
These are Eastlake dresser chests, they usually had a mirror that was remarkable ved a long the way. I love them – i have three, one dating back to 1860.
When painting vintage, my biggest stumbling block is choosing a color!
Clair
Beautiful dresser! Where is the cow picture from that’s displayed on top of the dresser?