Project Update-Storage Dresser

Before I move forward with my post for the day, I want to let you know that I had tech issues with my site last week. My website was down for the week and I was spending time trying to figure out what the heck was going on. Tech is not my strong suit and I was really out of my element. However, after many frustrations and customer service chats, I am back!!

STORAGE DRESSER UPDATE

This is a project that I have been working on since late 2022 and my goal was to get the painting finished before the end of October and allow it to cure through the month of November. I had not planned to have it all organized until this year.
I am pleased to report that I did get the painting finished and moved it back into its spot. I still need to figure out the organizing for the drawers but that’s the fun part.

HOW IT STARTED

If you’ll recall, my friend, Michyle, found this out on the sidewalk in her neighborhood during one of her walks. It appears to have been a children’s dresser based on the paint color as the liner inside of the drawer.

THE CHOICES

I saw online a navy paint color that I really liked and decided to go with gold hardware (from Amazon).

The paint is a bit pricey as it’s an “all in one.” For this paint that means that it requires no stripping, no sanding, no priming, no sealing and is self leveling. My understanding of “self leveling paint” is that it is paint that smooths out as it dries. Generally, this means that you don’t have to sand in between coats. Another note about this paint is that it is the consistency of pudding. It is not thin like you’d expect. It spreads nicely but takes a bit of getting used to.

THE DRESSER STORAGE PROCESS

As with any project, there’s always some pre-work before the actual painting begins. Because it was found on the street, I did a thorough cleaning when I brought it home. I cleaned and degreased it again before applying the first coat. Sometimes people use glossy finishes on painted furniture so degreasing helps to dull it so that the paint will stick.
Here we begin with the first coat:

As you can see, it looks pretty streaky and splotchy! It’s at these times that you really need to have faith that the paint will do what it says!

CONTINUING WITH THE PROCESS

You can see after the 2nd coat that the color is much smoother and the coverage is full. I should mention that I had already painted the frame previously.

THE FINAL PIECE OF THE PROCESS

And finally, it was time to do the drawers. I liked the idea of lined drawers but wasn’t feeling the “child like” liners. I used some geometric paper that I already had on hand.

HOW IT’S GOING

Painting is done, drawers are lined and it’s time to let her cure. The paint dries to the touch in about 2 hours and it was nice to be able to do 2 coats on the same day. Overall though, it takes about 21-30 days to completely cure. Letting the paint cure means you should have fewer to no nicks or scratches. Initially, I let the dresser sit out in the middle of the room to cure and then I put her back in her spot.

BACK HOME AND READY TO BE STORAGE

Here’s an up close look at the painted drawer with the gold hardware.

And a close up of the dresser:

I am very happy with the way this piece turned out. It most certainly no longer looks like a child’s dresser. My plan is to fill it with tools, paints and other home improvement equipment and accessories. I then want to get rid of a 4 drawer filing cabinet that is currently holding these items.

Thoughts? Questions? Share in the comments.