19 December 2011

Drab to Fab: A Dresser Makeover!



I’ve never really been a big fan of black furniture, until now. This dresser makeover has got me feeling all kinds of new love for black. Black is back and I think it’s ready to party…at my place. Or at least I am. Especially now that this dresser is finally done!

We spotted the piece at Goodwill last month and jumped on it! (not literally :)

 
It was in great condition with only a few little dings, and it was solid and sturdy as heck. Most importantly, it had gorgeous lines and really lovely little details - the perfect candidate for a makeover :)


Before starting, I decided to replace the outdated hardware with some new knobs. The old screw holes were 5 inches apart, and handles that size would’ve been too chunky. So I measured out new holes using an IKEA drill guide, and my husband drilled them. He wouldn’t let me watch though, because I’d allegedly start obsessing over them being perfectly centered :)


Then we used a couple layers of our trusty wood filler to fill the old holes, and sanded them down smooth.



Then the dresser was ready to be primed and painted! I used the Zinsser Cover Stain primer again, and for the paint I chose a deep onyx.

Everything was going well until I was several coats in and hating the dresser top. It was super patchy, not the elegant finish I was going for. I tried another coat or two and only made it worse! I ended up stripping the whole top down and starting fresh, which you can read about here. Once it was stripped to the bare wood, I was able to get it right. The primer went on like a dream, and it was much easier to paint an even finish. Taking the time to prep the surface made a world of difference. I also learned the hard way that applying a second coat too fast will not be pretty!

Lots of bumps along the way in this project, but I'm absolutely loving the finished product!

 
I thought about splurging on crystal knobs, but then we found these beauts on clearance at Canadian Tire. I love how classy and elegant they are, and they look fabulous against the black!


I always thought black was too stark, but I have to admit it's just so sophisticated and timeless, and on this piece it makes the woodwork details stand out so much more. And those knobs are the icing on the cake! (Mmm..I could go for some cake.. :)

Here’s another before and after shot:



This project ended up being a lot of work, but it was totally worth it! And I (hopefully) learned a lot along the way. The dresser cost us $48 at Goodwill, the knobs about $14, and I’d estimate another $30 on supplies. A high class makeover for under $100!   

44 comments:

  1. I love it Samaa! It indeed does look gorgeous black with all of its pretty details:) So can't wait to feature you!

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  2. This is a stunning transformation Samaa! You did an incredible job. It is very classy looking, so far away from where it started. Good eye and a great find...love it love it love it!!!

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  3. Beautiful transformation. The new finish and hardware are soooooo much better. Great job.

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  4. This came out GREAT! The new knobs are perfect. I bought a pint of black paint for steal but have been hesitant (scared) to do a piece of furniture in it. This might help me take the plunge. Thank you for sharing!
    Karah @ thespacebetweenblog

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  5. "I could go for some cake." Ha ha ha! You kill me. Plus I am jealous of another beautiful dresser. Good stuff. :)

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  6. The chocolate paint color looks great! Would love love love for you to share this at our party going on now http://space46.blogspot.com/2011/12/co-hosting-pinteresting-link-party-week.html. Happy holiday! My

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  7. OMG! It doesn't even look like the same dresser. You did a fantastic job! Thanks for visiting my blog. I'm now a follower.

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  8. what a transformation!! super impressive!!

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  9. An amazing transformation - you're obviously a perfectionist. I think I'll follow to see what else you get up to !

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  10. I just found your blog and I love this furniture makeover. I shy away from black too but after looking at this makeover. I'll have to paint something black. Thanks for visiting my blog or I'd never have found your site.

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  11. What a classy looking piece of furniture. It's hard to picture the before after you see the made-over dresser. Well Done!

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  12. WOW! That is one incredible make-over! My hat is off to you. It looks perfect with it's new black coat! Thanks for the sweet comment on my blog!

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  13. WOW! that looks so sleek and smooth- BEAUTIFUl work!

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  14. Really beautiful! And, I agree, those knobs are PERFECT!

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  15. Beautiful dresser makeover. I can't believe how elegant looking the final product looks. Excellent job!

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  16. Thank you for visiting and commenting on my blog. I think you must have loads of patience as well, when I look at the quality of this makeover !

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  17. Amazing transformation, how beautiful! We are in dire need of a new dresser and after seeing how pretty yours came out, I'm going to keep an eye out for one at the thrift store.

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  18. You did a great job! Looks very elegant! I love projects like this...

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  19. What an AHHH-AMAZING transformation! The dresser looks so expensive and chic! Awesome job and thanks so much for linking up!

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  20. Great job! It looks amazing!

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  21. What a fab makeover-great vision. So glad that you shared your talents at our Pin'Inspiration party.

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  22. That is absolutely beautiful! You're making me want to break out the paintbrushes and remake our dresser! :)

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  23. Amazing transformation! Great job! I found you through Passionately Perfect's Link party :)

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  24. Wow gorgeous! The black is stunning, I can't imagine that dresser any other color.

    And I WANT that lamp! If that's a DIY I will drop dead of jealousnessss.

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  25. Wow! This turned out great! Looks very expensive! Thanks for stopping by my blog. I am now a follower.

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  26. Nice makeover! The black looks really nice.

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  27. Drab to Fab - ohhhh yeah!!! Looks so awesome! Never heard of the IKEA drill finder thingy ma bob - I totally could use one of those, how much easier would that make my life?! haha

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  28. Amazing make-over! Love the new look!...hugs...Debbie

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  29. Oooohhhh! Just popped over from Primitive and Proper and I am loving this makeover. You did a phenomenal job. And where did you find that mercury glass lamp?! I think I need to get one. Lol!

    Rachel
    xoxo

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  30. Thank you for linking up to my party! I really love how this dresser came out! Happy New Year!
    ~Kara

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  31. Wow, just beautiful. Saw this on Better After.

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    1. Thank you so much, I appreciate your sweet comment more than you know :)

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  32. Beautiful. I'm curious about the sheen of paint you used. Please do tell! Satin? Semi?

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    1. Thanks so much!! I used a latex paint in a satin sheen and I loved the finish!

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  33. Just saw this on 'better after'. love it. Fantastic job!

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  34. That looks GREAT! I was wondering what you did with the old holes, but there is such thing as wood filler... never knew that. I love it!

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  35. Honey!! It looks amazing! I am so sorry I missed this post! I suck. I have been out of the blogging world for awhile, dealing with life stuff. I seriously love this piece, it looks beyond amazing! You should be so proud of yourself!! XOXOXO

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  36. Beautiful transformation! Would you share the technique you used on the top? Did you use a roller, brush, sponge or spray? How many coats? I am working on a project and cannot seem to get a smooth finish on the top.

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  37. Yes! Please share! How did you apply the paint? And did you seal it with anything afterwards? The finish looks beautiful!

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    1. Hi there! Thank you so much, you're so sweet! I'm sorry to be responding so late (we were moving!). To apply the paint, I had used a 4-inch foam roller as well as sponge brushes for the edges and the detailed areas. I find they give a smooth finish (as long as you don't apply the paint too thick) and they are relatively cheap :) I didn't seal this particular piece, although I really should have! But on my next project - the white hutch - I used a water-based sealer by Varathane. If you have any more detailed questions feel free to let me know - I ended up writing Lisa a long email with more details that I could forward you!

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  38. An amazing transformation - I'll never look at an old dresser the same way again.

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    1. Thanks so much Sassy! I feel the same way - it's hard to look at furniture now without imagining how you'd redo it :)

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  39. I know I'm digging up an old post, but would you mind sharing the paint color that you used? Thank you so much. This is gorgeous!!!

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    1. Thanks Angela! I can't remember the colour offhand but I'll try to see if I have it saved anywhere- will update here if I do!

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