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!

I hope you'll pin, share, comment, and follow.  If you click on those 3 little lines at the top left of the blog, you'll see where to find me...or click on the icon below to share. 









To Grandma's House We Go












Creative Compulsions

Comments

  1. What a beautiful makeover, Ann. You are very talented, I would never know that the piece started out with so much damage. And I love the way it's being used...it looks like our house with the guitars and the speakers. Music is a good thing, especially now. Take care!

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    1. Thank you, Kim. I fell in love with it the minute I saw it online and it's the perfect piece for my husband and all of his equipment. Music IS a good thing and I've been surrounded by it for as long as I've known him!

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  2. This is a beautiful piece. Love the curves and the feet.

    You did a fabulous job. I know what you mean about drawers to old pieces. Never had mouse droppings, thankfully. Stains yes.

    Enjoy your day!

    Cindy

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    1. The curves got me too, Cindy! As far as drawers are concerned, I've found some interesting things over the years! lol

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  3. Wow, what a great transformation!!! I love rescuing old pieces of furniture - I still have some pieces I rescued from yard sales back when my girls were babies, nearly 30 years ago, and they still have places of honor in my home! Funny, when I got divorced, that's all I took from the 5 bedroom house we shared - just the pieces I rescued and reloved. I left everything else for him!

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    1. Good for you! It's as if you birthed these pieces and you would not have left your babies behind!

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    2. That's one way to put it...I always say each piece 'talks to me' and tells me what it needs!

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  4. This turned out so well! It looks amazing!

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    1. Thank you, Michelle. In all honesty, it was a pretty easy restoration.

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  5. Nice job resurrecting an old piece of furniture to new life again at such a small price! Well done. Stay health!

    Cathy's Pinup Girl Art Sketch Series 'Q' hits the 4M dance floor

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    1. Thank you, Cathy. Hope you and yours are all well!

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  6. Ann,
    WOW!! Another amazing transformation!! You make me want to go and re-do some of my furniture!! LOL!!
    Thanks so much for taking the time to visit!!
    Stay safe, healthy and happy!!
    hugs,
    Debbie

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Debbie. Refinishing furniture is my 'therapy'!

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  7. This is an amazing makeover! Stunning results.
    Happy spring,
    Kippi

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  8. I love what you did with the drawers!
    www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com

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    1. Thank you. I think it was the only option due to that damaged drawer.

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  9. Looks wonderful and I'm sure you're enjoying it. Thanks for sharing

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    1. Thank you, Chas. It certainly is being used!

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  10. The dresser looks great! It's one of my features on the Little Cottage Link Party tomorrow. I hope you can drop by.

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    1. Thank you so much, Kristie. I will definitely be there!

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  11. Very nice. Normally I don’t care for stencils on furniture mainly because it’s some “cutesy” saying or silly to the piece. Your choice honors the style and period of the piece. Job well chosen and done

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    1. Thank you so much. I always consider the period of the piece I am working on to decide what is best.

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  12. I hate paint! But what you've done here is truly amazing! When there's that much damage there's no other choice. You kept as much of that beautiful wood as you could and then made a beautiful statement with those drawers! The whole piece comes together so wonderfully!

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    1. Thank you. I hated to paint those drawers, but the damage left me no choice.

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