My mom picked up this piece for me at Goodwill, and I think she was so excited about it she forgot to really look at it. That happens to me too. I get so excited about the potential makeover that I don’t look inside drawers and inspect each element. This dresser had cracks up the sides, but fortunately my hubby was able to glue and clamp it all back together.
I started this project by stripping the top. My process for stripping is to apply a generous layer of Citristrip with a chip brush or shop towel. Then I cover it all with plastic wrap, and leave it for several hours or overnight. When I come back to it, I remove the plastic wrap and use a scraper to take off all the loosened stain. If I have to, I apply another coat of Citristrip and do it all again. Then I take some #0000 steel wool to clean up the surface and remove any little bits of leftover stain. Lastly, I sand with 60 grit sandpaper, then 220 grit and finally 400 grit. I stained the top with 2 coats of Dixie Belle No Pain Gel Stain in Walnut, and sealed it with 2 coats of their Gator Hide sealant.
I wasn’t sure whether I wanted to go neutral or colorful with this one, so I asked on Facebook what people thought. My Facebook peeps never let me down. I ask for their input all the time, and it always ends with a beautiful piece that sells quickly. The winner, obviously, was colorful! I selected Dixie Belle Chalk Mineral paint in Barn Red. I added dark wax around the edges, and distressed as well to add more interest. And then I needed another opinion on hardware, ring pulls or catalog cup pulls.
Once again, Facebook came through. The hardware really adds a lot to the dresser. I think it looks very farmhouse, super patriotic and downright cute. I could see it as an entry table, to hold linens in a large bathroom, or as a coffee station as well. This little cutie sold super quickly, and is headed off to its new home soon!
