Hey! I wanted to give you a project update .. we currently have three in process. Normally, I like to work on one at a time, but I got so excited about multiple projects at the same time! This tends to happen a lot 🙂
1.
First, our Chinese Chippendale chairs .. no updates. They need one more coat of primer, and then the top coat. I’m still deciding on fabric. (progress and updates here and here)
2.
I stalked this Drexel campaign dresser at my thrift store for the past few months, it was missing two pulls and had damaged wood .. at $70, it was a little pricey. They finally marked it down to $35 and I couldn’t say sold fast enough!
I polished the hardware (top is before) with Bar Keepers Friend (don’t forget to wear gloves!), synthetic steel wool, and wiped on a layer of spray car wax to help protect the finish.
I was considering keeping the natural wood, but the wood was pretty damaged. The drawers were in good condition, but I thought there was two much detail on the front for a two toned finish, so I decided to paint the whole thing.
I sanded it with my orbital sander (80 grit then 120 or 220 grit), wiped it down with a micro fiber cloth and taped off the drawers.
I applied two coats of my favorite primer, Kilz Adhesion (it goes on smoothly, is durable and sands amazingly well) – even though it is formulated to bond to slick surfaces, I like to sand to make it extra durable.
Next up, paint. I’m looking for a medium to medium dark neutral gray with subtle brown undertones. Picking a gray is super tricky, it goes blue, very quickly! When selecting a gray, pick up multiple swatches and compare them in the space that the will be painted (the light makes all the difference!)
3.
This weekend, we worked on building a new desk! I’ve been wanting a new (large) desk for a while, and we finally got some time to work on one.
The legs are removable – so it fit in the car (perfect since we’re constantly moving furniture between TN and MD) Annabelle liked laying on it for a little, I think she liked being up higher so she could see better. She spent the rest of the time on her blanket on the other seat (I think she got tired of the desk bouncing, ha!) Thankfully she enjoys riding in the car since we’re in it a lot!!
So that’s where we’re at, I can’t wait to see all of these finished, I love them all already!!
I wish I had a winner gray shade to share but I've got nothing for you. I love seeing your progress and can't wait to see more!
Hey Sarah, can you give instructions on how you did the handles. I just bought an old dresser. I took the handles off & boiled them in water, vinegar & salt. Well, now, they have almost a rust like powder on them. I need to get hem cleaned up ASAP, I am painting an Union Jack on the dresser. Any tips on how to put the drawers back in without the pulls? I need to paint the drawers without them on there, but I have no idea of how to get the drawers to open again. Thanks
Erin
Hi Erin! I grabbed this text from this post: http://sarahmdorseydesigns.blogspot.com/2014/06/white-brass-campaign-dresser-game.html
First, I got two containers of water (easier than turning the water on and off at the sink), 3M Scotch Brite pads (cut into small sections), a plastic drop cloth to catch water/cleaner, and a few old towels. I dipped one or two pieces of hardware and the Scotch Brite pad in a bucket of water, then I sprinkled it with Bar Keepers Friend and scrubbed. Then I dipped it in the same bucket of water to remove the excess cleaner, then I dipped it in the clean water to remove the rest of the cleaner and throughly dried it with an old towel. Then, I applied a layer of spray on car wax to protect the finish (wiping off the excess) Make sure to wear gloves too (especially while using the bar keepers friend)!!
Thanks Sarah. I will give it a go. Are you missing Pismo yet? we are having 80 weather here. 😉
Aghhhh! Those Chippendale chairs! I'm constantly on the hunt for some.
Have you tried Urbane Bronze (SW)?
Rockport Gray by BM (I think it is HC105) is a good med gray with warm undertones.
Galveston Gray by Benjamin Moore is gorgeous on cabinets, a warm medium gray. You might also check out Silhouette (a bit darker).
Have you found replacement drawer pulls? They are gorgeous!
Not yet .. I'm thinking of making replacement handles 🙂
A great gray is String by Valspar's Pantone line.
Both are totally fantastic scores. I am dying to find Chinese chippendale chairs!
I love them all! You are super talented, can't wait to see the finished product!
That console is going to be fantastic!
Do you have a follow up post for the Dresser? I happened to buy the nightstands from the same collection and am curious how yours turned out.
I don't have a full after yet, but here's a peek! http://sarahmdorseydesigns.blogspot.com/2015/02/grasscloth-mat-succulent-prints-walls.html