Every once in a while, you come across a piece of furniture that stays with you forever. For me, that piece was a $20 dresser I found while out garage sale-ing.
The Story Behind the Dresser
When I spotted the dresser, the family selling it shared a touching story. It had belonged to their uncle, a meticulous man who had labeled each drawer with the clothing sizes stored inside. You could tell they loved him dearly and were sad to part with the dresser after his passing.
When I mentioned that I restore furniture, they were thrilled at the idea of giving the piece a new life. They asked me to take it and give it a good home, and I promised I would.
Step 1: Prepping the Dresser
Once I got the dresser home and into my shop, the first step was sanding the top. There were deep-set stains that wouldn’t come out, even after taking a belt sander to it. Since I wasn’t prepared to bleach the wood at the time, I opted for a different solution.
Step 2: Using Retique It for a New Wood Finish
To cover the stains, I used Retique It, a liquid wood product that is both paintable and stainable. This allowed me to create a fresh, beautiful wood finish on the top without completely replacing it.
Step 3: Priming to Prevent Bleed-Through
Because the dresser was old, the tannins in the wood kept rising to the surface, causing discoloration. To prevent this, I applied Zinsser BIN Shellac-Based Primer before painting. This step is crucial when working with vintage furniture, as it seals in stains and ensures a flawless final finish.
Step 4: Painting and Staining
For the makeover, I decided on a classic two-tone look:
- The body of the dresser was painted a crisp, bright white.
- The top and top two drawers were sanded and then stained in a rich, dark ebony.
- I swapped out the old hardware for stunning gold drop handles that elevated the entire look.
Step 5: Finding a New Home
Once complete, I took the dresser to my shop, and it sold almost immediately. I happened to be there the day it sold and had the chance to share the story of the family’s uncle with the new owners. Just like me, they were touched by its history, so I fulfilled my promise to find it a good home.
Two years later, while I was out hunting for more vintage treasures, I was shocked to realize I had stumbled upon the same family again. I asked if they had an uncle and the woman’s husband said, “You bought the dresser.” They asked if I had photos and I was able to show them a picture on my Instagram feed. They were happy with the transformation and to learn that this piece that was so special to their uncle had a new home.
This makeover was one of my favorites, not just because of the stunning transformation, but because of the personal story behind it. It’s a reminder that furniture is more than just wood and paint—it carries memories, love, and history.
Do you love furniture makeovers? If this transformation inspired you, share it on your favorite social media platform! And don’t forget to tag me—I’d love to see your favorite furniture finds, too!
