An old dresser is painted and then distressed with a gradual effect that resembles balayage coloring.
Today’s furniture redesign is inspired by a media console design at Thirty Eight Street. She used the balayage hair coloring technique to inspire her to create a gradual change in coloring with her console. After seeing, and completely loving her design, I decided to give it a whirl with a piece that I had sitting in my garage.
This small dresser is all things beautiful with carved details, casters, and working drawers. So I dug through my chalk paint stash and decided to use a light blue color of chalk paint by Annie Sloan.
The first coat of paint was a light layer, and I allowed it to dry before working on the second coat. For the second coat of paint, I focused on the top third of the dresser, applying an even coat of paint to cover the entire surface section. The bottom two-thirds of the dresser I used a dry brushing technique.
Dry brushing – To dry brush dip your brush into the paint and then wipe off the paint on the side of the can. Then brush paint on the furniture. It will appear thin and uneven. Repeat until you have reached the desired level of coverage.
From this point on I did the rest of the work with sanding.
- Begin with a piece of furniture that is evenly covered on the top third, the bottom two-thirds will be more of an uneven and even streaky covering.
- Work from the bottom of the furniture on up. For the bottom section I used an electric sander to remove large sections of paint and to smooth out edges.
- Continue to sand large areas of the furniture, working your way up through the bottom third of the furniture.
- For the middle section use the electric sander in a few sparse areas, making sure it is heavier along the bottom.
- Even things out with a sanding block. I focused on the legs first, getting into the details, and evening out the sanding. Next, I worked on evening out the larger sections in the bottom two-thirds, smoothing the finish. To finish I used the sanding block to rough up a few spots along the top of the piece.
The final result is a piece of furniture that starts off with only slight distressing and ends with heavy distressing. A gradual change in coloring, like balayage coloring.
What are your thoughts on the distressing? I normally stay away from extreme distressing, but this just might cause me to pull out the sander more often.
Kathryn Griffin says
Oh, my word! This is gorgeous! Such a beautiful chest and the distressing really highlights the beauty! Thank you for sharing. Feel free to share this at my Make it Pretty Monday party which is currently live. Here is the link if you want to check it out. http://www.thededicatedhouse.com/2017/02/make-pretty-monday-week-208.html Hope to see you at the bash! Have a happy week! Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse
Becky says
Thanks for stopping by and checking it out!
Kelly @ North Country Nest says
Oh this is such a cool technique – I’ve never seen it before, but I am loving the look. Thanks for sharing and for the easy-to-follow tutorial!
Best,
Kelly
Becky says
Thank you! I love the look and feel of the final product!
Carolann says
Love the color! And the technique you used is stunning!
Sam @ Raggedy Bits says
Love how this turned out! The colour you chose is perfect and I love that ombre look!
Tara @ Lehman Lane says
Just a beautiful transformation of this dresser! Pinning 🙂
creativejewishmom/sara says
Gorgeous and great to see you on craft schooling Sunday, new blog name and all!
Linda says
Such a beautiful transformation. Love the colors. I admire your skills. Thank you for sharing this lovely dresser at DI&DI.
bonbon says
Thanks for sharing at Inspire Me Monday. I love how this turned out. I am featured you as one of my favorite picks this week. I hope you will come by and check it out at http://www.farmhouse40.com/inspire-me-monday-121
divya says
Your talent makes me sin! Covet, covet, covet!!!! But I will try to be happy for you. Happy that God has gifted you so! Your place really is beautiful. Thank you for sharing and inspiring!
Barbara says
I really like this idea. I have a piece in the garage that I want to start when the weather is warmer. I think this might work. Thanks for sharing.
maira says
This is so pretty, Lucy! You’re so talented. I love all the little figures and colors. Adorable.
Hugs
Neha says
I love this blog and even love this. Thanks for sharing.
Kaira says
Your talent makes me sin! Covet, covet, covet!!!! But I will try to be happy for you. Happy that God has gifted you so! Your place really is beautiful. Thank you for sharing and inspiring!