Tuesday, October 9, 2018

Card Catalog Dresser Makeover

This little dresser caught my eye at the local thrift store. I loved the drawers. There are only three, but doesn't it look like lots of little drawers?  To me, it looked a bit like an old fashioned card catalog.  I took it home and got to work.

This project is part of the Inspire My Creativity link party. See everyone else's projects at the end of the post.
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Card Catalog Dresser Makeover

The paint on the dresser was awful - in the picture it just looks white. But in real life, it looked like someone had painted it two different shades of white and cream. On top of that it was filthy!

I began by washing off the dirt. I removed the hardware, then I took a sander to it. I was able to sand off most of the paint, but those grooves were so hard to get to.

sanded dresser


So, I decided to try using paint stripper for the first time. You guys! It's a game changer. I would have done the whole thing with it instead of sanding if I had known. It sure beats getting covered with paint particles while sanding.

Once all the paint was removed, I stained it with early american stain.

I then sprayed it with two coats of satin lacquer from a spray can. Then reattached the hardware.
dresser with early american stain

My original plan was to paint each of the drawer sections different coordinating colors. However, once I stained it, I really liked how it looked.

A few fall accessories and voila!


I made this pumpkin sign using cardboard! If you follow on Instagram, you may have helped me decide the orientation {horizontal or vertical} and the bows. {If you don't follow, please do! You'll get to see behind the scenes stuff and projects before they hit the blog}

I got the pumpkin pillow last year at Shopko. The vase is from our local drugstore. And the chair? It's another thrift store find. I love the seat - it's made of woven strips of leather.

For lots of furniture makeover and build projects check out DIY Idea Center. You will find tons of inspiration for your next project.



Don't forget to PIN IT!!

"card catalog" dresser makeoverThrift Store Dresser Makeover - update the look of an old dresser


11 comments :

  1. What a great find! I love these kinds of dressers. I'm so jealous;) It looks amazing!

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  2. I love how this turned out! What are you going to put IN it?? Great job!

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  3. I love how it came out! I love furniture makeovers!

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  4. The card catalog looks great! I agree sometimes paint stripper is easier.

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  5. I've never used paint stripper either but I cannot stand sanding. Great makeover and looks much fresher with natural wood! Visiting from Inspire My Creativity party.

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  6. You did a great job on this makeover! I love the look of all those little handles - such a fun piece!

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  7. It looks great, you did a wonderful job. Thank you for sharing at The Really Crafty Link Party. Pinned.

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  8. Oh,, I love that dresser. I am one of those gals that would of loved the white paint but more distressed and chippy look on it. You did a great job restoring it though.

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  9. This is a fabulous makeover. Thanks for sharing at the Snickerdoodle Create Bake Make Party.

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  10. What a Beautiful make-over and such a wonderful find. I'm more into staining than painting and I love the Early American stain as I have used it on several pieces myself.
    Was wondering; did you put on a clear coat of wax or other sealer on your card file dresser?
    Keep up the wonderful inspiration that you provide.

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    1. Thank so much for the kind comment! Early American is my current favorite! I did seal the dresser - I used a satin lacquer from a spray can. I did two light coats. {Thanks for asking! I just updated the post}

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