Hello friends,
This dresser had been sitting idly for the longest time, mostly because I could not figure out how to beautify this piece. It was plain, flat and not the usual style of pieces that I redo. It was originally dark stained and it was actually meant to be a media cabinet. This is what it looked like after I had already stripped the front drawers and applied a white coat of paint. I forgot to take a picture before I started the process.
My original plan was to paint out the frame white and leave the drawer fonts stained. Because I had to reposition the hardware I was afraid the blocked holes would show up too much with new stain so I came up with another idea.
I have long admired stencilled faux bone inlay and when I came across the perfect stencil and with the flat fronts of this dresser, it was the perfect piece to try it on.
Here is a close-up of the finished stencilled piece.
The first thing I did was ask my husband to build me two drawers and sides for the top space. He built these with MDF and we then added a track underneath the drawer. I wanted it to be used as a dresser, not a media cabinet.
I ordered my drawer track from Lee Valley Hardware.
After the top drawers were built, I painted a base coat of Fusion Mineral Paint‘s “Casement“. Then came the fun part of stencilling. The stencil I used is from ArtMinds, which I purchased at Michael’s (in case you don’t have a Michael’s close to you, I linked a similar furniture stencil below which can be purchased through Amazon). I used Fusion Mineral Paint’s “Little Lamb“ to stencil over the white.
The stencil kit comes with 7 different stencils. I used all the stencils, except for the Top Right stencil. Here are all the pieces used from the stencil to give you an idea. For easier reference, my dresser measures H 44 x L 32 x D 22.
The easiest way to stencil this dresser was to measure out the centre and stencil from the centre point to left, and then centre point to right. This way everything is centred evenly. Here are some work-in-progress pictures.
- Fusion “Casement” for base coat
- Fusion “Little Lamb” for stencilling
- Off-load most of the paint
- Tape or secure stencil with spray glue
- Find your centre point and stencil from centre and to left and then centre to right
- Top of dresser
It’s not difficult to do, but you do have to spend some time measuring out what stencils will fit better to create a pleasant pattern.
When the stencilling was finished, although it is not necessary to topcoat over Fusion Mineral Paint, I did add Furniture Wax to seal. After all that work I did not want to take a chance it would scuff before it had time to cure. The Homestead House furniture Wax is really easy to use, it is so creamy and applies easily with just a rag. After a few minutes I buffed it out and it left just a bit of a sheen.
When I got this furniture piece it did not have the hardware and after trying out different ones, none seemed to look right so I decided to stencil my own with some wood knobs I had in stock.
I painted the wood knobs white and then using just sections of the stencil, I selected a round pattern for the larger knobs and the floral section on the smaller knobs. This cute stencil is from Balzer Designs, also found at Michael’s.
THIS POST CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS. READ MY FULL DISCLOSURE UNDER “ADVERTISING”
List of Materials Needed:
- Fusion Mineral Paint – “Casement”
- Fusion Mineral Paint – “Little Lamb”
- Homestead House Furniture Wax
- Inlay furniture stencils (this is not the one I used but a similar stencil)
- Balzer Designs 6×6″ Mini-striped Flower Circle
- Stencil brushes & paintbrushes
- Re-positionable Spray Adhesive or tape to secure stencils
- unfinished wood knobs to paint and stencil
Pin It!
[UPDATE]
This piece is for sale locally. I re-photographed the finished piece in a whole new different setting. Which one do you prefer?
This is a sponsored post on behalf of Homestead House Paint Company.
More Stencilling Projects
Have a great day.
-Mary-
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26 Comments
Laura Dunkley
April 5, 2018 at 9:34 amBeautiful, very soft and intricate. Love the re purposed handles!
Mary
April 5, 2018 at 2:08 pmThanks Laura, it was a fun project to do.
RoseL
April 5, 2018 at 2:29 pmI adore this piece!!!! Absolutely gorgeous!!!!! A piece of perfection to me. Bravo!!!
Mary
April 5, 2018 at 2:47 pmThank you, Rose.
Cheryl Ann Adams
April 5, 2018 at 4:02 pmI admire your patience!! A labor of love and absolutely beautiful!!
Mary
April 15, 2018 at 9:23 pmThank you so much, Cheryl Ann. It was a fun project to do.
Christy Keyton
April 5, 2018 at 4:16 pmThat is amazing. I LOVE following your work!
Mary
April 15, 2018 at 9:24 pmThank you, Christy.
Constance Colvin
April 5, 2018 at 4:43 pmYou are a MASTER!
Mary
April 15, 2018 at 9:24 pmThank you!
Marie
April 5, 2018 at 8:33 pmIt’s so beautiful, Mary! I wondered where on earth you found knobs so perfect for this piece until I saw you made them. Must look for that stencil at Michael’s. Pinned And like I always say, I enjoyed how you styled the photo as much as I enjoyed the makeover!
Mary
April 15, 2018 at 9:25 pmI’m so glad you like it, Marie.
simple nature decor
April 5, 2018 at 9:55 pmI am in love you are next weeks feature!
Mary
April 15, 2018 at 9:25 pmThank you, much appreciated.
t
April 5, 2018 at 11:45 pmo girl! talk about inspiration!! this is scrumptious.
Mary
April 15, 2018 at 9:26 pmThank you!
Mary
April 6, 2018 at 2:03 pmIt looks so pretty and so much nicer than plain paint. I think Mary I see a stencil job in the near future for an old piece I’ve got. Thanks for the inspiration.
Mary
April 15, 2018 at 9:26 pmIt really does take a ho-hum piece to a different level.
Sally
April 7, 2018 at 12:22 amMary, this chest is just gorgeous! I’ve not done much stenciling, and looked at the stencils on Amazon. It comes in small and large, which size did you use? I just love this piece you did, wow!
Sally
April 8, 2018 at 4:16 amThat dresser is just stunning! Wow…. I checked on Amazon for the stencil, but they had two sizes.
Which size did you use? I may get the nerve up to try this!
Mary
April 8, 2018 at 12:12 pmHi Sally, I used a stencil kit I purchased from Michael’s. From ArtMinds. The one I linked to is a different option, similar to mine. I posted a picture of all the pieces in my blog post from the ArtMinds stencil kit. Sorry for the confusion.
Debrashoppeno5
April 14, 2018 at 10:51 amThis is so beautiful.
Mary
April 15, 2018 at 9:13 pmThank you, have a great day.
M
May 19, 2018 at 1:26 pmWOW! That is just gorgeous
mimirhea
September 24, 2019 at 3:44 pmHi Mary! I am a devoted follower of Denise with Salvaged Inspirations and she had shared your dresser and i’m so glad she did. I have this exact stencil and I think i’m going to try it. I have the perfect piece but i don’t think there is a big market for stenciled furniture. Did yours sell fast? Thank you for sharing how you accomplished this look. IT is awesome.
Debby Dayan
January 23, 2021 at 9:55 pmHello Mary,
This dresser is beautiful and i would like to do the same and repaint a small chinese cabinet black with white detailing. What color black and white would you recommend using Fusion mineral paint? thank you! Love your work!