AW: Finished my dresser re-do! B&A PIP

[steenbean18]

Thanks for all the advice with my dresser. It turned out great!! Here's the dresser when I bought it at consignment:



And after a few weeks of sanding, painting, staining, and spraying:





I have to put a few more coats of urethane on the top, but it's pretty much done. Can't wait to get her clothes washed and put away! They've been piled on the floor for a few months

Also - I'm open to suggestions on the top knobs. I reused the original hardware for the bottom pulls, but the top knobs are new. Can you picture a better alternative? Should the middle one be different since it's drilled a little higher? Would love opinions!

[kristilynnmy]

OMG I LOVE this! I've been looking for a long dresser for my little girls room. Very nice job. I think the knobs look fine.

[sierramist03]

Great job!

[aweilba]

It looks beautiful! Honestly, it looks professionally done. I love it as it is!

[winofairy]

I love LOVE it! You should be so proud of yourself! Awesome job!

[sawyerthedestroyer]

Beautiful!

[tcsbride]

Wow! That looks fantastic!

[steenbean18]

May 30, 2012 21:44:02 GMT -5 @jimbooo said:

I plan to do something similar. How many hours total would you say it took? Did you use an electric sander? Absolutely love it!!!

It was about 8 hours of actual work, but tons of waiting. I sanded by hand because the finish was already worn thin and I didn't want to wear through the bare wood too much. Here are the steps I took:

1) Sanded with 80 grit sandpaper, then smoothed out with 150 grit

2) Vacuumed everything and wiped with a wet rag to raise the grain. Once it dried I sanded any rough spots really gently with 150 grit paper again.

3) Taped entire piece with Frog Tape.

4) 2 coats Zinsser Cover Stain primer (I waited 24 hours between, but only because I had to work. I probably would have recoated same day if I'd had time)

5) Really light sanding with 320 grit paper/vacuum

6) 3 very thin coats with Benjamin Moore Advance Satin Enamel. I waited a full day between each of these coats as well, also because of work. I noticed that the paint levels over a period of a few days, so if I'd painted it sooner I'm not sure if it would have prevented some of that. I only lightly sanded areas that looked a little raised between coats.

7) Allowed about 3 days for paint to cure somewhat (paint store recommended 3 weeks for full cure) and taped with blue delicate surface tape around the top to protect the paint from the stain.

8) 2 Light coats of General Finishes gel stain in "Candelite" Allowed full day between coats because I tried to put 2nd coat on same day and it lifted some of the color in that area.

9) 3 coats General Finishes Arm-R-Seal urethane with 12-24 hours and fine grit sanding between coats

I can't stress enough how much difference quality materials made. I've done a few other pieces and the right paints/stains made life SO much easier and made the end result look a lot more professional. Here's what I think made a difference:

-foam brushes for primer (easy cleanup)
-Purdy nylon/polyester 2" brush (smooth application, no stray bristles)
-Benjamin Moore Advance Enamel (very forgiving, but have to be careful not to apply too thick because it sags and drips easily as it levels)
-General Finishes gel stain and Arm-R-Seal (super easy and you don't have to strip to bare wood for great results)
-Frog Tape - lines around the drawers are really crisp, NO bleeding

Hope that helps!

[steenbean18]

Thanks for the compliments! It was a big project, so I'm pretty proud :-D

[McGavin]

This looks amazing, what a lot of work!

I like the knobs as they are but would maybe considering splurging for clear crystal/glass knobs for a little sparkle since it's a girls room. But the black ones look great too.

[amblor]

Absolutely gorgeous! I'm glad you went with two tone!

[kyliek29]

I love it!!! You did a great job!!!

[justanothermiller]

Beautiful transformation, congrats! I feel like the current knobs/pulls are o.k. as they blend with the top of the dresser.

[candreco]

This is so well done and just beautiful!

[FoxInFiji]

Love it! The contrast between the wood and the paint is perfect and the top will be able to hold up to a lot more wear and tear which is great.

[OG Jo]

It is ridiculously freaking wonderful and if you decide you don't want it you can send it my way! I may have to start embracing the stain-and-paint method with some of my projects!

[steenbean18]

Thanks girls!

[natablue]

That looks amazing!

[adhdfashion]

That looks amazing! Holy Moly Lady! :beer:

[pinkeggs]

FANTASTIC. One of the best projects I've seen on the boards (including TN, not just PB lol) Great choices, great execution. A+!

[jennasue]

Great work!!