A couple of months ago I received an old dresser from a family friend. Her aunt had passed away and she was getting rid of everything in the house before she could put it on the market. The piece had a beautiful marble top but you could tell the wooden structure had been through years of use. I was excited because it would resolve some my organization dilemma, but to say the truth it did not fit in my decor and the vision I had for my room. I therefore opted for upcycling it. I had never done anything like that but I had watched enough tutorial videos I was convinced I could do it (and I was right). I gathered the necessary materials and off to work I went. In a total of four trips to The Home Depot, two to Lowe’s, and about twenty-four hours, my project “operation upcycle your old furniture” was done. Now don’t be scared, only four or five hours of the twenty-four hours were spent actively working on the piece. I wish I had filmed the whole process but I will try to be as thorough as possible with my explanations.

Supplies

A can of paint - I opted for a cream/off-white satin finish but you can choose any finish that will work best for the look you are trying to achieve.

Paint Brushes – I used a roller for most of the dresser and a foam brush for the detailing and creases.

Sandpaper – The dresser needed to be sanded to remove the previous stain and create a rough surface to which the paint would adhere.

Microfiber rags – To clean all the dust off the dresser.

Wood Putty (optional) – To patch any eventual hole or cranny

Painter’s paper and tape

Adhesive shelf liner - I lined the inside of the drawers.

Screwdriver (optional)

Electric drill and drill bits (optional)

Knobs and handles (optional)

Steps

1- Preparation

I started my project by preparing my work area. I covered the floor of my balcony with painter’s paper and tape. I did not want to leave any permanent damage to the area and get in trouble with the landlord. I then dragged the heavy piece out and proceeded to cleaning it. As I stated, it had been through years of use and was not the cleanest. I removed the old hardware; I decided to change all the handles because I did not think they fitted my vision. I had an exact picture of the finish product in my mind and I was determined to achieve it. If you decide not to change yours out, you can simply unscrew them or cover them with some tape so you do not involuntarily paint them. I patched the screw holes on the drawers with some wood putty and let it dry while I sanded the “body” of the dresser. I started with 60 grits sandpaper and used 220 grits for a smoother finish. After I had sanded all the parts, I wiped them down with microfiber rags.

2- Drilling and Painting

In order to be able to use the new hardware I had picked, I had to measure and drill new holes. And again clean the sawdust. I was finally ready to paint. It was the part I had been looking forward to the whole time. I applied a first coat and let it dry for about an hour. I knew I was going to paint multiple times and I was prepared. However, after the second coat, I was happy with the result. I was also really cold and ready to be done. I let it dry overnight and in the morning it looked perfect.

3- Assembling and Finish

The hardest part of the whole process for me (apart from the cold) was fitting the knobs and handles to the drawers. The screws provided with hardware were either too long or too short. Thankfully, after several trips to The Home Depot and Lowe’s, I ended up finding the perfect solution for the issue and I was able to mount my golden knobs (pun intended) to the drawers.

Finally I lined the inside of each drawer with some self-adhesive shelf liner from Target for a smooth and sleek interior.

I am very happy with the end result to say the least and I am glad I took on the challenge. This is definitely the first of numerous upcycling projects to come. I love my new piece. And as always Love is the key.

#diy #home