This beautiful antique dresser had seen better days.
But I just couldn’t pass it up because I loved the dramatic grain of the veneer. And at $25, it was a steal!
Step One: The Damaged Veneer
At some point, this dresser had been exposed to excessive humidity, and sections of the veneer had peeled away. I really, really, didn’t want to paint this dresser because I didn’t want to cover the grain, but the top definitely had to go. Given the damage on the sides, too, I decided to save as much veneer as possible and paint the rest. Here it is with the top veneer removed.
But the surface was still pockmarked. I had read a tip online about using a slurry of wood filler and water to smooth larger surfaces.
So, I gave it a try! It filled in the irregularities nicely. After this, I sanded it to a nice flat surface again.
Step Two: Repairs
In addition to patching any missing veneer on the sides with wood filler, I had to tackle a section of missing trim on the front doors.
Luckily, being a “this-might-come-in-handy-one-day” kinda gal, I had fragments of matching trim left over from previous projects. Serendipity! I removed the broken trim and replaced it with a new section using the original tiny nails and wood glue.
Then I painted the trim on both doors to match the painted portions of the dresser. Black accents would carry the paint theme through to parts that still had original veneer. I also polished all the brass hardware to make sure it gleamed once again.
Step Three: Paint & Poly
Once the dresser surfaces were repaired and sanded smooth, I painted the top, sides, and drawer frames in “Black Noir” from Farmhouse Paint®. Here, I’ve painted just inside each frame so when the drawer is slotted into place, no original wood color is distractingly visible around the edges.
Then I added Polycrylic® in satin finish over the paint to protect the dresser. No need to line the drawers — they were already an absolutely beautiful wood. Instead, I polished them with my favorite Wise Owl® furniture salve. I love all the cubbies and compartments of this dresser!
And here she is!
All fancied up in her little black dress for her big reveal. As much as I wavered about painting any of this dresser, I think the end result is stunning and really brings out the grain I loved even more. And all the damage is repaired, rescuing this little lady from an uncertain fate.
