The $15 Dresser

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I'm back to share the other dresser that cost $15.  If you missed the background story, click HERE.

When I saw the bird's eye maple and curvy drawers online, I knew I had to have this piece of furniture. Once I got my hands on it, despite the damaged drawer, it was in pretty good shape.  There was a little damage to the top, but most of it was repairable. Here's a closer look:

There were a few cigarette burns and some general damage/wear on the top.

Using my orbital sander and 220 grit sandpaper, I managed to remove the damage without going through the birdseye maple veneer.

There was still a 'hint' of this one burn mark, but not enough to warrant painting over the wood.  I gave the top 3 coats of tung oil and was pleased with the result.

The top drawer was another story.  It had significant damage.

The only way to deal with that much damage was bondo and paint.  Since it was fall and getting cooler, my husband volunteered to repair the drawer while I worked on the top.  He taped a piece of cardboard to the side of the drawer and filled all the damaged parts with bondo.  

After it dried, it was sanded, a few low spots filled-in, and sanded again.

The two top drawers were painted with black latex enamel.

Then I used a stencil and gold metallic paint to dress them up.

The entire dresser was cleaned with Murphy's Oil Soap and the bottom drawer was wiped with Homer Formby Furniture Refinisher (this is no longer made, but Minwax makes a similar product) just to smooth it out. Some 0000 steel wool was the final touch.  

The inside of the drawers was immaculate.  I've never seen anything like it in an old piece of furniture.  All they needed was a little dusting.  Take a look:

If you've ever finished an old piece of furniture, you know what I mean.  Usually there are weird stains, mouse droppings, and/or bits of nests.  Not this time!  I was pleasantly surprised.

At last, this dresser was done.

I gave it to my husband for his office.  It holds a ton of stuff!

Here's the reality...it's definitely being put to use:

Yes, the right drawer is ajar.

And, yes, that is a guitar laying on the top. I guess you could say it's a major part of the studio!

You'll notice the different colors.  What can I say, different times of day and different angles.  
I'm so glad I was able to save this beautiful dresser.  There are still a few dings, but, in my eyes, it's perfect!

Thank you for stopping by.  I hope you are all safe and healthy!

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