Shelly, a new client of mine, was in the process of decorating her daughter’s room when she came to see another dresser that I had just completed. But unfortunately, the other dresser was wider and lower and just didn’t work for her. I suggested that I could keep an eye out for her to see if I could find a tall French provincial style dresser. So just before Christmas, I came across this lovely piece.
I finished it in the same matter that I finished the other dresser in. I first stripped the top surface with a chemical stripper then hand-sanded it. I like to use a rubber block with my sandpaper while sanding.
Quick Tip: First refinish the top surface (or surface you will be stripping, sanding and staining) then move on to your painted surfaces. This will reduce the likelihood that the stripper will drip on your newly painted surfaces. Believe me I have learned this the hard way.
After the sanding is complete, use a tack cloth to get all the dust off. I sometimes use a damp cloth and allow to fully dry before applying your first coat of stain. Shelly wanted a dark finish so we went with the General Finishes Java Gel Stain. After two coats, allowing to dry for at least 24 hours between coats gives a great coverage over the maple surface. Once left to dry for another 24 hours before applying the final coat of Minwax Wipe On Poly.
The body of the cabinet was finished with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Old White. It was also very lightly distressed. I like to do the distressing prior to the waxing. As the finishing touch to this dresser, a spray of Rustoleum Spray Paint in Stainless Steel.
What a wonderful transformation!! I hope you daughter loves it Shelly!
Before and After: