Guide to Restoring Furniture: The Dresser Recovery Process
In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the process of refinishing a dresser using mineral chalk paint. This approach offers a smooth, rich vintage finish without the need for distressing techniques, maintaining a clean, aged character with protective durability.
**Materials Needed**
- Wood dresser - Mineral chalk paint (such as Dixie Belle Chalk Mineral Paint or Fusion Mineral Paint's Alchemy line) - A screwdriver - Paintbrush - Painters tape - Lint-free cloths - Very fine grit sandpaper (optional) - BIN Shellac-Based Primer (if needed) - Polyurethane seal (such as Minwax Fast-Drying Clear Satin) - Choice of paint colour (closest to the one used in this tutorial is Sea Glass by Dixie Belle Mineral Paint)
**Step 1: Preparation**
Begin by cleaning the dresser with a damp cloth, allowing it to dry, removing any hardware, and taping off areas as necessary to protect them from paint.
**Step 2: Priming**
If the furniture is sealed or made of tannin-rich wood, apply a light coat of BIN Shellac-Based Primer and lightly sand the surface with 220-grit sandpaper. This step helps improve adhesion.
**Step 3: Mixing Paint**
Ensure the paint is thoroughly mixed before application to achieve an even finish.
**Step 4: Applying Mineral Paint**
Apply a very thin coat of mineral paint, let it dry, and possibly apply a second coat.
**Step 5: Cleaning the Surface**
Wipe down the painted surface with a dry cloth to remove dust or excess paint.
**Step 6: Sealing the Dresser**
Apply a final third coat of mineral paint, brushing it on a bit thicker than the first, but not so much that it drips. Allow the dresser to dry according to the instructions on the can, and apply a second coat if desired.
**Sealant Selection**
To achieve a vintage, non-distressed finish, finishing products like clear wax, finishing oil, or a polyacrylic sealant are suitable. Wax (especially dark or antiquing wax) can add a subtle aged patina but may lean toward slight distressing if applied heavily. If you want to avoid distressing altogether, a clear, matte polyacrylic sealant is better as it preserves the vintage chalky look without wear marks.
**The Author's Technique**
The author skipped the sanding step between each layer of polyurethane to achieve a streaky finish. They used Minwax Fast-Drying Clear Satin for sealing the dresser, aiming for a varnish but not a glossy finish.
**The Project**
This refinishing process is designed for beginners and was used to create a travel-themed nursery, finishing the dresser to appear as if it had traveled the world in a very safe place. The dresser was left to dry for a longer period due to the author having a baby.
[1] [https://www.dixiebellepaintcompany.com/pages/faqs] [2] [https://www.fusionmineralpaint.com/pages/faqs] [3] [https://www.homedepot.com/c/how-to-paint-furniture/9ba079757] [4] [https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-paint-furniture-1402618] [5] [https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-use-milk-paint-1402624]
Incorporating the necessary materials, this refinishing project can also enhance your home-and-garden decor, offering a stylish upgrade to an old dresser. The chosen paint (Sea Glass by Dixie Belle Mineral Paint) adds a calming, coastal lifestyle vibe to any space, perfect for a beach-inspired home-and-garden setup.
