January 26, 2013

Hepplewhite Dressers in Swiss Coffee

You know those really cool dressers you see with the oval pulls? Apparently they have an actual name besides old dressers with pretty oval pulls. My newest client Lauren contacted me requesting a set of Hepplewhite style dressers which is the actual name from this style of furniture. Ya' learn something new everyday!

Lucky for Lauren my neighbor was wanting to get rid of some furniture in her garage and she had two dressers identical to what my client was wanting.

BEFORE


AFTER

My client wanted a clean classic look so we decided to use Swiss Coffee by Behr. I used my homemade chalk paint recipe (1c. paint to 1/4 -1/2 c. baking soda) because chalk paint is so durable and has a great finish. Plus it drys super fast!




 


I lightly distressed the edges using a razor, sealed with Johnson's Paste Wax, and used Oil Rubbed Bronze to touch up the hardware. I primed these two pieces before I painted because I knew the original stain would bleed through. I primed, painted two coats of chalk paint and still had bleed through in certain spots. NOOO!!! I painted another coat of primer over the chalk paint and painted one more coat of Swiss Coffee. Thankfully, that did the trick.

Yes, professional furniture painters have paint issues/potential disasters too! My tip for the day for you ladies painting something for the first time: Don't be afraid and just go for it!!



linking up:
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classy clutter
stylish once again
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craft-o-maniac
under the table and dreaming
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34 comments:

  1. Kelly @ A Swell Place to DwellJanuary 26, 2013 at 12:42 PM

    So, so pretty! I'm painting a little desk and crayon keeps seeping thorugh....it's enough to drive me insane. Even when you think it's all sanded off it keeps coming back! Glad you got yours to stop making an appearance though...I bet your client is going to love those dressers.

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    1. HelenJanuary 27, 2013 at 11:51 AM

      I didn't know crayons could do that!!! Now I'm paranoid the original stain is going to reappear much later....yikes! I hope they love them. I keep looking at them wishing I had a set (and something with that many drawers) for my room.

      Delete
  2. UnknownJanuary 26, 2013 at 1:38 PM

    the dressers really look beautiful in white! Big difference!

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    1. HelenJanuary 27, 2013 at 11:51 AM

      Thank you, Lauren. I love the classic white look. I'm excited to do something colorful soon. Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

      Delete
  3. Allison @ The Golden SycamoreJanuary 26, 2013 at 7:24 PM

    I LOVE that furniture style! And I didn't know it had a name, either! ;) Your transformation of them is beautiful! I love the classic look! I often use shellac to help with bleed through. It's easy to use and dries super fast!
    Allison

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    1. HelenJanuary 27, 2013 at 11:53 AM

      I usually use a shellac primer but I haven't used just regular shellac. I'll have to try it!!

      Delete
  4. Stephanie@New AgainJanuary 26, 2013 at 8:25 PM

    Those look great! They also happen to be my favorite furniture style. :) Did you also make the Union Jack hanging on the wall? If so, would you mind telling me what colors you used on it? I have a huge frame that I want to turn into a headboard for my son and a Union Jack would look great.
    Thanks!
    Stephanie

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    1. HelenJanuary 27, 2013 at 11:55 AM

      Thanks, Stephanie! I lack in mathematical skills and patience to do a Union Jack!! : )
      I bought that from Marshall's about 2 years ago on clearance for $10! My dad is British and I have a soft spot for things like that so I had to have it. It goes with nothing in my home but I'm okay with that. Sorry I can't help with that colors were used in the print.

      Delete
  5. UnknownJanuary 26, 2013 at 8:42 PM

    Absolutely gorgeous!!

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  6. AnonymousJanuary 27, 2013 at 2:50 AM

    I cant get over this!!! gorgeous!!

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  7. House Crazy in Michigan!January 27, 2013 at 8:20 AM

    Bet your neighbor is now sorry!

    Small House / Big Sky Donna / White Oak Studio Designs / SW Michigan
    Hand-Painted Vintage Furniture Transformations
    Blog: http://smallhouseunderabigsky.wordpress.com
    Facebook: donnaallgaierlamberti@facebook.com (for portfolio of chalk painted work)

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  8. Sandi~A Cottage MuseJanuary 27, 2013 at 9:05 AM

    So beautiful...swiss coffee is one of my favorite colors!

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    1. HelenJanuary 27, 2013 at 11:57 AM

      Thanks Sandi, me too. I used it on my fireplace years ago and it's been my go-to color ever since.

      Delete
  9. BlissJanuary 27, 2013 at 9:15 AM

    I've had to paint over something more than the normal coats too, but not due to bleed through, due to stupidity! There is no professional before my name, I think my title says Fumble Through Bliss.

    Bliss

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    Replies
    1. HelenJanuary 27, 2013 at 11:59 AM

      HAHAHA! I suffer from the same thing sometimes: stupidity. I really think I like to do things the hard way and never learn my lesson. Oh well, I'm okay with that! I might just have to nix the professional part from my self given title. : )

      Delete
  10. AnonymousJanuary 27, 2013 at 5:53 PM

    I absolutely love this Helen! You did a beautiful job! I wish you I could buy like all of your pieces! I haven't found one project that I wouldn't want in my own house! I would love if you would share this project over at my blog hop http://www.ablossominglife.com/2013/01/frugal-crafty-home-8.html

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  11. JennaJanuary 27, 2013 at 7:12 PM

    GORGEOUS! Love the simple plain white with slight distressing! I haven't heard of using baking soda to make homeade chalk paint. I will have to try that! Thanks for sharing!

    Jenna @ http://rainonatinroof.com

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  12. UnknownJanuary 27, 2013 at 8:35 PM

    Gorgeous! I love white painted furniture but sometimes fear that it is overdone. I can't seem to bring myself to painting antique furniture. Sometimes that gorgeous antiqued wood patina is too precious to touch. It takes years to get that way :) But I do enjoy the fresh look of white!

    Holly @ http://dolcepapier.blogspot.com/

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  13. Tabitha KidmanJanuary 28, 2013 at 8:01 AM

    so pretty!!! I've always wanted to take on a big project like this but I'm scared!

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  14. UnknownJanuary 28, 2013 at 9:40 AM

    They look insanely gorgeous!! Holy cow - some dressers like this would be perfect for our guest bedrooms!! I am in love with them.

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  15. nancy8945January 28, 2013 at 7:10 PM

    They look wonderful! Beautiful transformation. I was wondering do you use a flat paint, semi gloss, etc. Thanks.

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  16. UnknownJanuary 29, 2013 at 10:52 PM

    I want those! They're so beautiful.

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  17. AngieJanuary 30, 2013 at 2:11 PM

    These turned out so beautiful! I'm so glad I came across this. I didn't know those type dressers were called Hepplewhite! The things you learn in blog land. :) For bleed through problems I use spray shellac. It works wonders! It is so easy. I found a can at Home Depot. I just sprayed the top of a vanity, let it dry for 10 minutes, then it's ready for paint and no extra coats! I am a new follower. I love finding other furniture people. :) Blessings, Angie

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  18. AnnFebruary 2, 2013 at 9:55 AM

    These are gorgeous. I love your styling as well. Thanks for sharing at Restyled Sundays!

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  19. UnknownFebruary 2, 2013 at 3:19 PM

    Thanks so much for linking to Make the Scene Monday @ Alderberry Hill. You are being featured later this evening!
    I hope you are having a wonderful weekend, and join me tomorrow night for Make the Scene Monday #60!

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  20. Painted EleganceFebruary 2, 2013 at 4:25 PM

    These are beautiful! Love what you do with furniture!

    Follow back! www.paintedelegance.blogspot.com

    - Lauren

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  21. BluebirdbasketryFebruary 3, 2013 at 8:37 AM

    I am going to the basement right now to repaint THE UGLY END TABLE. This looks so pretty!

    Sue

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  22. thistlewoodfarmFebruary 5, 2013 at 12:24 PM

    I love the dresser....but can we discuss the heart garland behind it? Amazing! Thanks so much for sharing and inspiring me today!

    blessings,
    karianne

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  23. CT@Living AnalogFebruary 6, 2013 at 9:08 AM

    Hi -- I just found your blog while trolling around craigslist. I love what you do with these pieces but also the way you stage them for your photos. Lovely. Cheers - CT

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  24. UnknownFebruary 8, 2013 at 9:50 PM

    I love these!!!! They are perfect. White is the absolute BEST color for everything lol. I get in trouble when I get on my white kicks....but I don't care, it's beautiful. I would so buy these!

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  25. AnneFebruary 10, 2013 at 12:58 AM

    Amazing work Helen, love them!
    Anne

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  26. At Rivercrest CottageFebruary 10, 2013 at 11:39 AM

    that swiss coffee color is so much better than the white colors offered with A.S. Chalk Paint. Truly loving that color and thinking I will buy some. How can anyone not see that the painted version of those wood dressers is SO MUCH better than original wood. And, by that, I mean my dear husband who will cringe when I get near anything with a wood finish.

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  27. Cristina GarayFebruary 10, 2013 at 11:40 AM

    Beautiful transformation! Swiss Coffee is all around my house, that's the color I use for all the trim! ;) I love it!

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  28. UnknownFebruary 15, 2013 at 12:20 AM

    I'm working on an almost identical set - and doing it white also - so happy to see this post because I wasn't sure the all white was going to work - IT'S GORGEOUS!!!!
    Beautiful job - now I can happily continue painting mine!
    Thanks for sharing -
    Hugs,
    Suzan

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