Sunday, October 23, 2011

Chinese Red Dresser (Buffet)

So today I am sharing an exploration in salvaging a MESS!  This was a freebie that Husband got when he purchased another dresser and bedside table that we wanted.  This one was in bad shape! The missing drawer was actually made upside down by the manufacturer.  It was beyond saving.  We couldn't even give this away at a garage sale.


With nothing to lose we decided to try out a really Chinese inspired paint job.


The top was in bad shape.



We started by removing the drawers and picking the best four.  Husband then measured and cut two pieces of plywood to make platforms to later place baskets on.


The first two coats of paint were red.  Unfortunately it came out looking hot pink!  Since we planned to add more color to that we persevered instead of worrying too much


It took two solid coats to cover the faux wood grain.



After the red we brushed on a coat of black using a dry brush.  I kept going over and over it until I achieved the amount of black that seemed appropriate.


Then I took a Krylon gold leafing pen and drew around between the grooves in each drawer and the door.  It was really easy. Better than I expected.  We replaced the original handles back on it with nothing more than a quick cleaning.  I didn't want to lose the "patina" of the handles and make them too shiny.


Finally we found a pair of black baskets at Target to place on the shelves.




There we have a lovely Chinese red styled dresser or buffet.  
It was work but a rewarding result.  This little beauty is for sale. Let me know in the comments if you are interested. 
I hope you enjoyed this little journey of the Chinese styled dresser.  It almost went in the dumpster but for $20 of paint we figured "Why not?"
Blessings, 
Jeannine
I am joining Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Met Monday.  Check out the other fabulous transformations there.
I have also linked with Piece of Work Wednesday at Primitive & Proper.  See what else is going on by going here.
Don't forget my giveaway of a French Inspired apron. 



7 comments:

Unknown said...

This piece really came out beautiful! And I love that fact that you up-cycled it and didn't throw it away!
Have a Great Week!
~Rainey~ @ The Project Table

Sanghamitra Bhattacherjee(Mukherjee) said...

Just love it! Great job. Thanks for sharing.
Hope to see you on my blog:)

6th Grade said...

holy perseverance! you two rocked the red here and i love the finished piece! i also love when people take a risk--and it pays off!

well done! so, are you keeping it???

amy

Julia @ 551Eastdesign said...

Wow you are a dedicated DIYer! Great job!

Kahli said...

Great job! It really has that signature Chinese furniture appearance

Cassie Bustamante said...

WOW! you really had vision for this piece! it looks amazing!!!!

Decor To Adore said...

You are the champion of the week in my makeover book. Well done!