I found this great dresser in Ancaster from a lady named Jen. I decided then and there to name this cabinet “Jennifer”. I love it’s curvy front, solid construction, dove-tail joints and classic hardware. I stripped and refinished the top and painted the rest of the dresser with my favourite old white Annie Sloan Chalk Paint with a hint of aubusson blue .
I first stripped the top surface of the dresser by applying my stripper and letting it soak into the varnished finish for about 30 minutes. I used garbage bags to keep the surface moist.
I then used a putty knife to remove the varnish from the veneered surface. Please remember to use all your personal protective equipment which includes your gloves, respirator if not working in a well ventilated room and goggles.
I cleaned off the remainder of the stripper with mineral spirits and cold water. After allowing the surface to dry thoroughly I applied my first coat of Minwax special walnut stain allowing it to soak in for about 5-10 minutes before wiping it off. I later applied a second coat and followed the same procedure as above.
The next morning I applied my first coat of polycrylic that is a water-based Minwax sealing product in a satin finish to this surface. The directions indicate that you must wait at least 2 hours to sand and reapply the polycrylic.
I mixed my paint and watered it down a bit to allow for a thinner texture. I used both a brush (the Annie Sloan medium size paint brush) and a roller (4″ foam) on the flat areas. Because the wood was so dark I had to apply 3 coats of paint.
I then distressed all the corners and edges of the drawers and dresser. After blowing all the dust off I began waxing the drawer fronts and the rest of the painted and distressed surfaces with Annie Sloan Clear Wax.
The “Jennifer” shabby chic dresser measures 56″W x 20″D x 35″H. It provides six good size drawers for storage in the bedroom or even a beautiful piece for the dining room.
This is a fine example of refinished and painted furniture and what you can do to create your own style at home.
Before and After:
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