story and photos by Patricia Pearson & Ashley Stelck, Hansell & Halkett Vintage Home Decor –
Do you have a piece of furniture you love but feel like it needs an update? Or do you have a great find from the thrift store that needs a makeover? Or a family heirloom that needs restoring? Whatever the piece or the condition, there are so many ways to give your furniture just the look you are aiming to achieve. All you need is an idea, a bit of time and the right tools.
Here are three examples of how to update a dresser. Whenever possible we love to maintain the natural wood. For quality pieces with imperfections, Annie Sloan chalk paint and finishes are our go to (Country Chic is another locally-made mineral paint). For a more whimsical approach you can also add in stencils or decoupage, or even add a hint of glam with gold leaf or gilding wax. Don’t limit yourself. Find some inspiration, and go for it.
Slightly Distressed Look
It’s amazing how much a simple coat of paint can change a piece. In this case we were able to sand and restain the top, but the drawers needed some love. We first painted the detailing on the body of the dresser in Country Chic Simplicity. Once dry, we painted the piece in Country Chic Sunday Tea. After letting it dry for a few hours we used a sponge and water to wet distress the detailing and let the white come through. We finished it with Country Chic hemp oil for protection.
Paint Wash
For a more French country look, we love doing a paint wash. This works especially well on woods with a lot of grain. If you want to achieve the look of limed oak, use Annie Sloan Old White or Pure. In this case we used Duck Egg Blue. Add some water to your paint, stir well and apply with a paint brush. Before it dries use a lint free cloth to remove any excess paint. In this case we did two coats, then we finished with Annie Sloan’s White Wax to give it a more coastal look.
Restored Natural Beauty
Use an orbital sander for any deep scratches or stains; you can also fill scratches with wood filler. For pieces with a thick lacquer, you may need to strip it – we prefer Circa 1850 stripper. For minor imperfections we love Restor-A-Finish (available in a variety of wood tones), followed by Howard Feed & Wax. If all you need is a good shine, Hemp Oil is natural and easy to use and helps to protect the wood from spills.
