Makeovers

Just a Change

This dresser was a custom order, and unlike many of the pieces I work on, it was in great shape.  It belonged to the client when she was a child and had sentimental value.  It just needed a change to fit into her updated style.  I love a challenge, but sometimes it’s fun to get a piece that doesn’t need a ton of rehab before I get to make a cosmetic update!!

The client had an example of the look she was after, and once we discussed all of the options, she settled on a gray paint with a dark brown stained top to give it some contrast.  I sanded down the top first to remove any scratches and stained it a rich, dark brown.  The body and drawers got a coat of paint in a medium gray, and then an overall dry-brushing in black.  Dry-brushing is a technique that gives a painted finish an interesting, dimensional patina.  The name says it all. You simply dip your brush in the desired color and dry it off on a paper towel.  Nope…dry it more.  Keep drying.  Now more.  The key is to remove so much paint that it seems useless to go over your base color.  THAT is when you have the correct amount of paint on your brush.  You can then move over the piece in long strokes or a circular motion, depending on the effect desired.  The beauty of this technique is that if you do get too much color in a particular area, you can just drybrush over the area with the base color.  For this reason, dry-brushing is one of the most forgiving painting techniques.

To complete the piece and add durability, I covered the top with a satin polycrylic and the body of the piece with wax.  Wax actually bonds with the paint and creates a durable finish.  Once dry it can be buffed to a sheen or left matte. 

The finished piece turned out gorgeous and updated.  Perfect for her new guest bedroom.

 

 

Hold my wine, I’ve got this…

Amy

 

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