August 21, 2012

French Country Dressers Before & After

When I saw this dresser set on Craigslist I knew I had to have it! I always think I have to have everything I see on there but this one was meant to be.

BEFORE

These blurry photos make the dressers look like they are in perfect condition. In reality, there was missing veneer on the front of the drawers (too big to fill with wood filler) and layers upon layers of furniture polish. The dresser with the mirror also needed some repair work so the drawers would close.

AFTER








I used Rocky Mountain Sky by Behr and Swiss Coffee also by Behr.
I mixed the chalk paint recipe I always and sealed with wax (on the white and tops of dressers) and poly for the blue/gray parts.


My chalk paint recipe is 1 cup latex paint and 1/2 cup baking soda. I don't measure anymore but I would recommend adding 1/4 cup baking soda at first and then add a little more if you want the paint to be thicker.

I mentioned doing a how-to post and I am still working on it.
My husband thinks I should do a Vlog or a video tutorial. Oh, just the idea of it makes me cringe but I think it would be more helpful than pictures. I broke out the video camera while I was working on these dressers but couldn't find the nerve to videotape myself.
I have other projects I am doing so maybe I will bite the bullet and make you guys a how-to video.


Linking up to:
My Girlish Whims
Alderberry Hill
Savvy Southern Style
DIY by Design
Uncommon Designs Online
Primp
Sweet Little Gals
The Shabby Nest
From My Front Porch to Yours
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Miss Mustard Seed
The 36th Avenue
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35 comments:

  1. UnknownAugust 21, 2012 at 2:22 PM

    Beautiful set and beautiful job! I have almost the identical chair!!!

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    1. HelenAugust 21, 2012 at 2:26 PM

      Thanks! I found that chair at Goodwill and it was scary!! It was dirty and had about 7 different layers of fabric on it. I think the fabric was wool and had an orange eagle on it .The chair needs some work so we just look at it and don't dare sit on it! Like I said....scray.
      Thanks for stopping by!

      Delete
  2. AnonymousAugust 21, 2012 at 6:13 PM

    Gorgeous!
    Christina

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    1. HelenAugust 21, 2012 at 8:21 PM

      Thank you, Christina and thank you for visiting!

      Delete
  3. UnknownAugust 21, 2012 at 6:42 PM

    This is so beautiful, the colors are super and just the right amount of distressing...sharing on my fb page!

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    1. HelenAugust 21, 2012 at 8:22 PM

      Such a compliment coming from you. I love your stuff!! Thanks for visiting!

      Delete
  4. Lauren @ mercy(INK)August 21, 2012 at 10:21 PM

    BEAUTIFUL job!!! I have one that's similar and have been debating what color to paint it. You've totally inspired me to think about this color combo :) Would love for you to come share any of your projects at the weekly (HEART)&(HOME)link party at http://www.mercyinkblog.com/category/hearthome-link-party

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  5. Linda@Coastal CharmAugust 21, 2012 at 11:10 PM

    What a beautiful job you did on these two pieces..love the color combo. Come by and share with us at my party. I have an awesome GIVEAWAY going on…like to shop? If you do…hop over and enter my $100 SHOPPING SPREE GIVEAWAY.

    Blessings,
    Linda

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  6. Jamie K.August 22, 2012 at 5:48 AM

    Oh please Helen..make a video tutorial! I use ASCP all the time and I love it..I've tried to make a homemade chalk paint but it was so gritty and lots of sanding was required. I have quite a bit of latex paint on hand..would sure be nice to be able to use it in the way. Chalk paint is the only way to paint in my book now! Your work is beautiful! Please share your secrets with us that need help. Thank you!!

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    1. HelenAugust 23, 2012 at 1:30 PM

      I've never used ASCP so I can't compare BUT this is so much cheaper and you can make any color you want. I love chalk paint too. Video is in the works!!
      Thank you so much for stopping by!

      Delete
  7. Deb HrabikAugust 22, 2012 at 7:27 AM

    Such a nice color choice.
    So great for a bedroom,
    Deb@LakeGirlPaints

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    1. HelenAugust 23, 2012 at 1:29 PM

      Thank you Deb. I think this set would look amazing in an old Cottage!
      Thanks for stopping by!

      Delete
  8. girlsAugust 22, 2012 at 9:20 AM

    This is beautiful! I love the colors you chose.. (Behr is my favorite brand!) The dressers turned out amazing.. I am a sucker for anything on caster wheels! I love your blog and am your newest follower.. If you ever have time come check out mine!

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    1. HelenAugust 23, 2012 at 1:28 PM

      Thank you so much and thanks for following. I'm going to your blog, right now, to follow along!

      Delete
  9. UnknownAugust 22, 2012 at 9:30 AM

    How beautiful. Very similar to the colors I'm using on an antique dresser, except in reverse. A video tutorial would be great! www.patricia-krank.blogspot.com

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    Replies
    1. HelenAugust 23, 2012 at 1:26 PM

      Thank you Patricia. I fianlly didn't mix a custom color so I could tell people an actual color name! Mixing is more fun though. I can't wait to see your dresser. Video is in the works....still cringe everytime I think about it! ; )

      Delete
  10. Rebecca NelsonAugust 22, 2012 at 10:12 AM

    Totally fabulous! LOVE THE MAKEOVERS!

    xoRebecca

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    Replies
    1. HelenAugust 23, 2012 at 1:24 PM

      Thank you Rebecca and thanks for stopping by!

      Delete
  11. FancyAugust 22, 2012 at 12:25 PM

    Beautiful color combo! You are so talented <3

    fancyco.blogspot.com

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  12. StephanieAugust 23, 2012 at 7:45 AM

    That's a beautiful color combination you used. It's a great looking set. I just got my first free piece from Craig's List and now I want more too.

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    Replies
    1. HelenAugust 23, 2012 at 1:23 PM

      Thank you Stephanie!! I saw your dresser and I Love it!!!

      Delete
  13. Allison @ The Golden SycamoreAugust 23, 2012 at 10:10 PM

    I just love these dressers! Would love to have the taller one in my bedroom! :) Stopping by from MMS.

    Allison

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  14. Sue@Uniquely ChicAugust 24, 2012 at 6:31 AM

    I love everything you do! This set is fantastic!! What a difference!

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    1. HelenAugust 31, 2012 at 2:53 PM

      Aw, thank you. A comment like that makes everything I do worth it. Thanks for visiting and your sweet words.

      Delete
  15. Sandi~A Cottage MuseAugust 24, 2012 at 8:27 AM

    So beautiful...great color choice!

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  16. JennyAugust 24, 2012 at 6:33 PM

    So beautiful! Well done - love the color combination!

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  17. Jessica | Petal + PlyAugust 27, 2012 at 11:03 AM

    lovely! how great to find a matching set!

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  18. Desiree @ The 36th AVENUEAugust 29, 2012 at 11:43 PM

    Hi there!
    I am featuring you tomorrow on my blog... I love the makeover!
    Thank you so much for linking up to The 36th AVENUE.

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  19. AnonymousAugust 30, 2012 at 8:45 AM

    What kind/brand of wax did you use? It looks great!

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    Replies
    1. HelenAugust 31, 2012 at 2:54 PM

      I usually use Miniwax Finishing Paste. This time I used Johnson's Paste Wax.
      Thanks for visiting!

      Delete
  20. samaaSeptember 10, 2012 at 11:10 PM

    Love these Helen! You chose a gorgeous colour combo. Did you stain the top or is that the original? Whatever it is I love it, I love it all :) Can't wait to see that vid! (I could use some tips on sanding).

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  21. BlissSeptember 26, 2012 at 6:27 AM

    Chanting..... videeeooo, videeeooo, videeeeooo.

    ~Bliss~

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  22. ShellySeptember 20, 2013 at 8:46 PM

    Why poly this time on the blue? What made this one different to use poly instead of all over wax?

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