Comments on: before and after: barb’s dresser

By: Ayacalypso

Ayacalypso — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 22:53:19 +0000

I have a dresser and wardrobe (?) almost exactly like this sitting in my garage that I got free from an Aunt. She said it was Art-Deco. The condition of both pieces is slightly worse than this before – some sort of overspray paint splatters and fog marks.

After stripping and polyurethaning a coffee table last summer ( my first refinishing project), I am not up to the task of stripping more wood. Therefore, I’d like to just paint these pieces so I can use them in my daughter’s room.

She’s a toddler now, but I’d love something that will last into her older years as well. I keep thinking that white will be too babyish. Her room is in shades of green – Can someone recommend some paint colors for me? I was thinking a neutral buttery, golden yellow, but would that be too girly too?

Also, can anyone recommend some inspirational or technical websites for painting this style of furniture?

By: Cathy

Cathy — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 16:34:46 +0000

I love antiques and vintage items in their original state….but think it is better to paint and use an item than have it go to the landfill sooner rather than later. I’m thinking of painting a display cabinet from this era…since it has already been compromised as an antique…. and collectible. The paint detail in the windows has been removed and the hardware is long gone… lately my husband spilled over proof booze on the top… ruining the finish…I feel a paint job coming on….

By: Slappy

Slappy — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 14:11:03 +0000

I generally am against painting wood, but this piece looks amazing. I am now painting an ugly antique wooden mantle because of this posting. I have come to terms that not all wood is better off as … wood. I am still against painting anything that doesnt need painting to retain its beauty, but the waterfall dressers just look terrible after a little wear and tear. I have one in my house that keeps peeling and peeling and I am at a loss!

By: hannah

hannah — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 22:39:31 +0000

So pretty! I love the bar-as-handle thing!

By: biri mizrahi

biri mizrahi — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 02:05:16 +0000

you left me speechless……its amazing! beautiful!

By: Rebecca

Rebecca — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 01:42:04 +0000

It looks like the towel bar doesn’t fit into the same holes that the missing drawer pulls would have. Barb, how did you cover the holes or did you just paint over them?

Also, in relation to the paint/no paint debate: I’ve seen a few of these dressers that actually have fake wood grain painted on to look like exotic veneer. I bet a lot of people would have fewer qualms about painting over that.