$40.00 Craigslist Dresser Makeover: Painted Distressed White

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I don’t know about other folks who repurpose, but I stay on Craigslist.  It’s where I find a few deals, especially when people are moving and do not want to take certain items with them.  Note:  I always think safe.  My husband is a Police Officer so this comes pretty naturally.  If my gut is telling me it doesn’t feel right, then I move on.  I also schedule meetings in public places, and on the Husband’s days off so that he can go with me.  Never go alone.  Be smart, be safe! Here if my $40.00 Craigslist Dresser Makeover.

$40 Craigslist Dresser Makeover

I found this dresser for $40.00.  I emailed the seller and asked if it was available, and to my surprise, it was!  Dresser’s in great shape usually are not listed for very long.  The Hubs went and fetched the dresser for me the next day.  When he got it home and unloaded it, I was in total SHOCK!  The brand was DREXEL, score!  Drexel pieces are all wood and are very structurally made.  It had a few dings, but nothing that couldn’t be repaired.

Craigslist Dresser Before Makeover
Before

Color Choice

I posted this beauty on my Facebook page advertising it was available for a custom paint job.  The same day, a client purchased it to use in her baby boy’s nursery.  She asked for a neutral color, but she also wanted the worn look. 

After a consultation, we decided on Rust-Oleum’s Chalked Paint in Chiffon Cream.  To make it look worn and aged, I decided to use Valspar’s Antiquing Glaze in Mousse. 

Rust-Oleum Chalk Paint Chiffon cream color
Chiffon
Antiquing Glaze

The client also wanted to keep the original hardware, which in this case, I totally agreed with!  The hardware was perfect for the overall look she wanted to achieve. 

Supply List for the Craigslist Dresser Makeover

Antiquing Glaze, I used Valspar’s Antiquing Glaze for this project but you may also go for General Finishes Glaze

Rustoleum Chalk Paint in Chiffon Cream (This is a color that has to be mixed at your local Rustoleum store)

Paintbrush

Sandpaper

Tack Cloth

Water-Based Minwax Polycrylic

Paint Process

To start the process of the$40.00 Craigslist dresser makeover, I removed all the drawers, then removed all the hardware.  I cleaned the dresser inside and out with my vinegar and water solution.

I then gave the dresser a very light sanding using 120-grit sandpaper.  I did not sand down to the original wood, just enough to rough up the surface for the paint to adhere correctly. 

After using my tack cloth to remove all the dust particles, I was ready to paint.  I gave the dresser one coat of the Chiffon Cream.  I allowed the first coat of paint to dry for 24-hours.  You can paint a second coat after 2-3 hours, but I like my paint to dry for 24-hours to give it time to harden.  I then gave it a light sanding with 220-grit sandpaper.  Then I used my tack cloth to remove the sanding particles.  I then applied a second coat.  I figured this dresser would get a lot of use, so a second coat would not hurt. 

After allowing the dresser to dry for 24-hours, I did the same thing as the first coat, sanded lightly with my 220-grit sandpaper.  This will allow or a very smooth finish.  

I also distressed the dresser on the edges and around the drawers.

I removed the sanding particles with my tack paper, and then applied one coat of Polycrylic.  I allowed this to dry for 24-hours.  The reason I apply the poly before the antiquing glaze is to keep the light-colored paint from absorbing too much glaze.  It makes it look dirty instead of worn. 

Antique Glaze

After 24-hours of drying, I then applied the antique glaze.  Working in small sections is the easiest thing to do when working with glaze.   It’ a simple process.  Wipe the glaze on, and then wipe off any access.  I like to have a damp cloth handy just in case I need to remove some of the glaze in areas I may have applied it to heavily.  Make sure the glaze gets into all the crevices and cracks!  This is what creates the antique, aged look.

Beautiful Hardware back to place after makeover

$40.00 Craigslist Dresser Makeover After

Here it is, all set up in the nursery.  The dresser coordinated very well with the decor the client had chosen!  I was super happy with the outcome.  And keeping the hardware was such a great decision!  

Craigslist Dresser Makeover After

I hope this post inspires you to take a worn, outdated dresser and give it a new face! 

Looking for more furniture makeovers ideas? See my other makeovers below.

Free Armoire Makeover

Thrift Store Table Makeover

Christina xxooo

2 thoughts on “$40.00 Craigslist Dresser Makeover: Painted Distressed White”

  1. This is beautiful. But, it’s for a child’s room? I am just imagining the dirty fingerprints all over it. Ha!

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