Industrial Metal Look Dresser

Taking a break from all the table makeovers I’ve been sharing, I have a chest of drawers today!  This makeover was part of a room remodel we did for my 13-year old son, Jack.  His old bedroom was still pretty little boy-ish with a pirate theme, so it was time (if not a little past due!). 

It’s kind of hard decorating for a teenage boy!  He chose a navy and gray color scheme, but didn’t really have a clear idea of what else he wanted.  We are still without wall décor, but at least he has a couple of fish tanks, so they add a little color and personality.

That said, I thought a little industrial touch would be nice.  I watched this tutorial   from Crys’Dawna at Bella Renovare on how to do a paint finish that looks like metal, and pretty closely followed it to achieve this look.

Here’s the short list of supplies I used.

Resource List:

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• Dresser (owned)
• White Lightning
• Hurricane Gray
• Synthetic “mini” brush
• Best Dang Wax in Black
• Gilding Wax in Sterling Silver
• Hardware – Nickel Cup Pulls (hardware store)

If you want detailed information on any Dixie Belle paint and products, you can download my free reference guide by clicking the picture here:

Hurricane Gray Base Coat

My father-in-law built this dresser for my husband as a little boy, so no pressure changing it up!  First, I gave it a good cleaning with white lightning, rinsed with clean water and let it dry.  Then, using my favorite synthetic “mini” brush, I painted 2 coats of Hurricane Gray. 

Best Dang Wax in Black

You can use a large brush or a lint-free rag to apply wax.  Dixie Belle waxes are water-based, so you use them at any point in your project.  You don’t have to make sure “wax is last” like the olden days.

I applied the black wax liberally with a brush, and then wiped it back with a cloth.  It settled in the lower areas, and created the color variation you see.

Silver Gilding Wax

The last step was to add a little Sterling Silver gilding wax.  I used the same brush I had used for the black wax, and applied it mainly around the edges, but a little on the large flat areas too.

By the way, we put a sliding barn door on his closet.  I stained it with Voodoo gel stains in Tobacco Road, Up in Smoke and Black Magic and sealed it with Clear Coat in Flat.  I love the rustic look of barn doors!  It combines well with industrial style too.

Hardware

To complete the industrial look, I added these nickel cup pulls from Ace Hardware.  I was honestly lukewarm on them at first.  But once they were installed, they really finished the piece off perfectly. 

What do you think? Does the paint job look like brushed metal?  If you liked this project, you might enjoy these projects too:

Jewelry Armoire Makeover

Furniture Inspiration with Dixie Belle Paint – every color of the rainbow!

Restoration Hardware Finish

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