Monday, 13 September 2010

• Baby Dresser Makeover!

  After weeks of looking at baby furniture, I just couldn't bring myself to spend $200+ on a baby dresser. So, I decided to check out craigslist and see if I could find a used piece. Even on craigslist, the nice dressers were around $100.

  Being the cheapo that I am (and the fact there are so many other baby things I'd rather buy new), I decided to attempt to find an old dresser (even if ugly) and give it a makeover.

   

  I emailed my aunt to see if there were any local moving sales that she knew about, and she replied saying it just so happens that she knew someone giving away their a dresser!! Yes, giving away, as in FREE. $0. SCORE!

  We picked up the dresser that night and although it wasn't a dresser made for a baby room,  it did have potential. So here it is.. my first furniture makeover.

  Before:

  Sorry - forgot to take a pic of the dresser before I pulled out the drawers.

  

  Step 1:

   

  Remove all the knobs and hinges. The dresser was made out of particle board. Although I probably didn't need to sand it, I went over the surface with 100 grit sandpaper.

   

  Step 2:

  After sanding down the dresser, I wiped it down to get rid of any dust/wood shavings. After it dried, I applied a coat of oil based primer.

  

  Step 3:

  Next, I painted the dresser with Behr Interior Semi-Gloss paint in Antique White (two coats). Once the paint completely dried, I put the knobs back on and hubby brought it into the nursery.

  

  Step 4:

  To give it some more pizazz, I lined the drawers with wrapping paper. It was a bit annoying to cut the right size paper, but in the end I think it adds a nice surprise when you open the drawers. To make the paper stay, I used Mod Podge (Matte) and a sponge applicator to glue the paper down. After it dried, I went over the top of the wrapping paper with Mod Podge as well to give it a more finished look.

  

  Overall, I'm pretty happy with the way it turned out. Here's an estimated breakdown of tools and costs.

  Dresser                         Free!
  Qt. Oil Based Primer       $10
  Qt. Antique White Paint  $10
  Wrapping Paper             $3
  Mod Podge                    $5
  Sponge                         Already Owned
  Orbital Sander               Already Owned
  Paint Brushes                $5

  Total Cost                      $33

  I'm really happy with the way it turned out and so glad that I didn't spend the $200 on a new dresser. The best part is, I still have plenty of primer and paint left over for the next project. I have to admit that I was a bit intimidated in the beginning but it was super easy and I was able to do it all by myself!

  Have you ever tried making over an old piece of furniture? 

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