There's something undeniably charming about giving new life to old furniture. Whether you've stumbled upon a neglected dresser at a flea market or have an antique piece with sentimental value, refinishing it can be a rewarding project. In this blog post, we'll explore the journey of transforming a dresser with Homestead House Milk Paint Loyalist, a classic light blue-green shade that exudes a vintage duck egg blue feel. The dresser itself boasts beautiful etched floral patterns on the drawers and cupboards, making it an ideal candidate for a fresh makeover. Join us as we bring new life to this piece, adding faux pink florals, vintage touches, and a touch of rustic charm.
Materials You'll Need:
- Dresser with etched floral patterns or any dresser
- Homestead House Milk Paint Loyalist
- TSP Alternative
- Clear Furniture Wax
- Staalmeester Paintbrush
- Sandpaper (various grits)
Step 1: Prepare Your Dresser
Before starting the transformation, prepare your dresser by removing any hardware and placing it in a well-ventilated workspace. Next, give it a thorough cleaning with TSP Alternative to remove any dirt and dust. Then, give your piece a quick scuff sand for better paint adherence. For this project, we used Homestead House Milk Paint in the elegant shade Loyalist, a perfect choice for achieving that vintage duck egg blue look. This paint is known for its eco-friendliness and classic appeal.
Step 2: Mix and Apply Loyalist Milk Paint
Homestead House Milk Paint is a powdered paint that requires mixing with water. Simply mix a 1:1 ratio with Milk Paint powder and water and stir until all the pigments are dissolved. Loyalist, with its light blue-green hue, is reminiscent of a bygone era and pairs perfectly with vintage aesthetics. Apply 2-3 coats, waiting approximately twenty minutes between each coat.
Step 3: Distressing
For a more aged, distressed look, you can lightly sand certain areas of the dresser after the paint has dried. Pay particular attention to edges, corners, and any areas that would naturally accumulate wear over time. This step adds to the vintage charm of the finished piece.
Step 4: Apply Your Top Coat
It is always recommended to add a top coat over Milk Paint as it brings out the true depths and hues of the colour. For this dresser we used Furniture Wax, simply use a clean cotton cloth or brush to apply wax in a thin layer, working into recesses of carved details or surface imperfections. Wipe away excess. Allow it to dry for 3-5 minutes. Buff to a shine with a clean lint-free cotton cloth.
Step 5: Decorate with Vintage Accents
With the dresser's transformation complete, it's time to add those final touches. Place faux pink florals in a vase on top of the dresser, introducing a pop of colour that complements Loyalist's soothing tones. Add a vintage clock, white vases, and a wooden windowsill to create a vignette that evokes a sense of nostalgia. Hanging lace decor adds a touch of delicate elegance to the ensemble.
