Garage sale find gets a face lift with a simple coat of paint.
By Larissa Haynes
| Prodigal Pieces
PPU5-09
Here’s the scenario: You're at a garage sale and you spy a dresser. It is marked $20 and just happens to be the perfect dresser to fit in your bedroom. A few drawbacks are the top surface has some markings, and the drawer fronts have a few nicks and dings. You know it has potential, but you're not sure if you are able to get the job done DIY style. What do you do? After you check and make sure all things are functional (and not stinky)...BUY IT.
Why? Because I'm going to show you how easy it can be to paint furniture in 3 simple steps.
When choosing a color, look up the exact color online or use the in-store kiosk to see the color on a large wall or surface. You'll get a better idea of the undertones and what the color will look like on a large piece.
I have had the privilege of partnering with Behr to showcase their wonderful paint line that I have used on many occasions in my home and furniture makeovers. My subject for today is this funky Mid-Century Modern dresser that needs some lovin'. These things are like a rock...structurally sound and have great bones.
When you are starting your project piece, it is super important to prepare it for paint. Look for any defects like scratches, knicks, or damage that needs to be filled in. The best fix for all of those defects is wood filler. Use a putty knife to fill in the spots and leave a bit raised as it will shrink when it dries. In most cases, the wear is minimal and it may be that you don't need any.
Once the filler dries, it's time to sand. You can use a piece of sandpaper or an orbital sander to smooth it down. This also works if you need to add "tooth" for glossy surfaces.
Now, this step is completely optional when choosing to paint furniture. If you find that there are chemical stains or a red-toned wood stain (like cherry or mahogany) was used on the original piece, you will need this step. Especially if you are doing a light paint color. My dresser had burns and a red stain was used on it, so I used my favorite stain blocking primer, Kilz®. You can either roll it on or brush it, and most often only one coat is needed. For stubborn stains you may need to apply a second coat to that particular spot.
Onto the fun part! Seriously, this is where you get to see all your hard work coming to life. For my project, I headed to the home improvement store to pick my color.
I am ever entranced by all the selections there are, but the one that spoke to me the most was Bleached Linen by BEHR. Their PREMIUM PLUS® line is perfect for jobs that require stain block priming (and those that don't) because it has a primer built in.
You may wonder what made me choose my color...well, I wanted a soft neutral and linen is one of my favorite textiles. Isn't this color gorgeous?
My typical tools include a paint brush and paint, but for these Mid-Century pieces I also like to use a micro-foam roller and pan. It makes the job faster and gives a super-smooth finish.
You will want to use your brush in nooks and crannies mostly, but feel free to brush the whole thing as I normally do too. When rolling, however, start on one end and work in the same direction. Get the paint on in as many batches as needed, then go back and lightly roll over to blend seams. If using two coats, just make sure to let each coat cure before applying the second coat (approx. 2 hours). I did not use a topcoat since I used an eggshell finish.
Last, but not least, consider the hardware. Replace it or take the existing and give it a new look. Since mine were custom for this piece and were not solid brass, I chose to refresh them with a shiny gold spray paint. Easy-peasy.
And you're done!
Their PREMIUM PLUS line is perfect for jobs that require stain block priming (and those that don't) because it has a primer built in
When choosing a sheen, the higher the sheen the better the durability. If you want durability with less sheen, use a topcoat of wax or poly. Though do know that I have yet to find a poly that won't yellow over time. It's best used on darker colors.
Use a magnet to tell if your hardware is worth saving. If non-magnetic, then it is brass (score!) and you could give it a good polish or enjoy the time-worn patina.
Save money by using a plastic grocery bag to line your pan.
Just make sure to turn it inside out because if you use it on the inked side, it will bleed into your paint. This will save you time and money.
Now we have a fresh new look that has not only updated our piece, but given it new life.
High five for that garage sale score and awesome makeover! My hope is that you feel confident enough to paint furniture from start to finish all by yourself. Who knows, you just may get addicted.
Find your color, pick your paint, and be inspired.
When you're ready, buy your paint online.
Author
Hi, I'm Larissa, a Christ-loving, homeschooling, sewing, junking/thrifting, cooking, gardening mama to 6 children, who's married to her best friend! I have a passion for creating and am blessed to have an outlet with the redeemed pieces I create along with the antique and vintage finds sold in my shop.
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Behr makes highly rated, award-winning paints, stains, and more that deliver superior value at every price point so everyone can transform their space into the look they want with the colors they love.
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◊A primer coat may be needed on some surfaces. See label for details.
**ZERO VOC: This product, like most Zero VOC paints, emits very low amounts of VOCs. Most emissions occur during painting and for 48 hours after. Some continue for two weeks or longer. While VOC emissions are very low, sensitive groups such as babies and asthma/allergy sufferers should minimize exposure.
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◊A primer coat may be needed on some surfaces. See back label copy for details.
◆Valid only when tinted to colors from the BEHR DYNASTY™ & MARQUEE® Interior & Exterior One-Coat Hide Color Collection. Learn more.
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◊A primer coat may be needed on some surfaces. See back label copy for details.
◆Valid only when tinted to colors from the BEHR DYNASTY™ & MARQUEE® Interior & Exterior One-Coat Hide Color Collection. Learn more.
*GREENGUARD Certified products are certified to GREENGUARD standards for low chemical emissions into indoor air during product usage. For more information, visit ul.com/gg.
Behr manufactures highly rated paints, primers and stains that offer premium quality at a range of price points.
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GREENGUARD® Gold Certified*
◊A primer coat may be needed on some surfaces. See label for details.
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250 - 400 sq. ft. per gallon
Starting at $51.98
A stain-blocking paint and primer that will paint, prime and protect with excellent durability and hide in fewer coats.
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◊A primer coat may be needed on some surfaces. See label for details.
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* Important Disclaimer: Coverage calculator results are to be used only as estimates. Behr Process LLC cannot guarantee that you will achieve proper results without verifying your measurements and assumptions.
Get the look you want and the protection you need for any room in your home.
A flat sheen has a non-reflective finish that touches up well and hides minor surface imperfections.
Low-traffic areas; interior walls and ceilings
Ceilings
Medium-Low
A matte sheen has a low-luster, reflective finish that is durable, easy to clean, touches up well and also hides minor surface imperfections.
Low-traffic areas; interior walls
Family rooms, living rooms, kids' rooms, bathrooms, dining rooms, ceilings
Medium
An eggshell enamel sheen has a soft, velvety appearance that resists dirt and grime, as well as mildew.
Moderate-traffic areas
Family rooms, living rooms, bedrooms, kids' rooms, hallways, dining rooms
Medium
A satin enamel sheen has a pearl-like finish that's easy to clean.
All interior surfaces; moderate- to high-traffic areas
Family rooms, living rooms, bedrooms, kids' rooms, hallways, kitchens, bathrooms, doors, windows, trim, cabinets, shutters, interior furniture
Medium-High
A semi-gloss enamel sheen is sleek and radiant resisting mildew, moisture and wear.
Cabinets and trim; high-traffic, high-moisture areas
Kids' rooms, hallways, kitchens, bathrooms, doors, windows, trim, cabinets, shutters
High
Hi-Gloss enamel sheens provide have a brilliant, shiny appearance and a durable, glass-like finish that allows dirt and grime to be wiped clean.
High-use surfaces
Kitchens, bathrooms, doors, windows, trim, cabinets, shutters, interior furniture
High
Set the right curb appeal with exterior painting efforts that last.
A flat sheen is non-reflective, and easy to apply and touch up. It will minimize the appearance of minor surface imperfections.
Wood and vinyl walls and siding; brick and other masonry; fences
Medium-Low
A satin enamel sheen creates a pearl-like finish that's durable and dirt-resistant. It will also resist moisture, fading and stains.
Virtually all exterior surfaces
Medium-High
A semi-gloss enamel sheen is sleek and radiant with a hard, durable finish. It is formulated to withstand wear, and will also resist moisture, fading and stains.
Doors, trim and shutters; Exterior furniture
High
Hi-Gloss enamel sheen have a brilliant, shiny appearance and a durable, glass-like finish that allows dirt and grime to be wiped clean.
High-use surfaces
High
Set the right curb appeal with exterior painting efforts that last.
A flat sheen is non-reflective, and easy to apply and touch up. It will minimize the appearance of minor surface imperfections.
Wood and vinyl walls and siding; brick and other masonry; fences
Medium-Low
A satin enamel sheen creates a pearl-like finish that's durable and dirt-resistant. It will also resist moisture, fading and stains.
Virtually all exterior surfaces
Medium-High
A semi-gloss enamel sheen is sleek and radiant with a hard, durable finish. It is formulated to withstand wear, and will also resist moisture, fading and stains.
Doors, trim and shutters; Exterior furniture
High
Hi-Gloss enamel sheen have a brilliant, shiny appearance and a durable, glass-like finish that allows dirt and grime to be wiped clean.
High-use surfaces
High
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