FMF: Red and White Dresser
We wrote a week or so ago about a dresser in dire need of a facelift that we found at a flea market. Well, after much hard work (and having to start entirely over due to a polyurethane issue – did I mention it was a lot of hard work?) it’s finally DONE!
Follow the jump to hear more about the process
As we mentioned before, the dresser began as a base cabinet for a buffet (we think), so instead of having a full top it was merely a frame to keep the weight down. Our first job was to sand it down, pull off the rotted pieces (the side bottoms and back) and create new pieces to replace them, as well as a new top.
We used a thicker trim piece with edging that matched the original routed edge and 1/2″ veneer plywood for the new top. After gluing and screwing the new pieces down, it was time for a final sanding before paint. Then came a coat of primer and two coats of each color. We decided to modernize the piece with a splash of red in the open end compartments and a hand-painted top design.
Once the major paint pieces were dry (it took about a coat a day to make sure that each layer dried thoroughly), the detailing on the top began. After all of this came the polyurethane coating which, little did we know it, would prove to cause much frustration. We wanted the dresser to be durable so we knew it would be important to get a couple clear coats on top of the paint. After the first coat, however, we realized that a slight mix-up had occurred – causing a major setback. We had accidentally chosen an oil-based poly. Oil-bases dry with a yellowish tinge – and our once lamb-white now looked as if it had sat in the home of a cigarette smoker for many years. Needless to say, we were forced to make another trip to the store for more sanding paper and began the process all over again. We have learned our lesson.
The final product uses the same colors, but switched out the flat for a semi-gloss with enamel hardener already within. The drawers are left in their original wood state, sanded down of course, but could easily be lined with something. The drawer knobs are outdoor water valve handles.
It is for sale for $400, local pick up or delivery only. Let us know what you think of the finished product!
