The Red White Blue Chest makeover was the easiest ever. I didn’t even open a paint can.
I didn’t paint it. I worked with what was there. Now for the details…..
I think this chest came from the Nashville Flea Market a couple of months ago but I can’t find any pictures of it. Or maybe it came from My Favorite Junk Shop? I can’t remember. I think I paid $30 for it. That figure is stuck in my head for some reason.
Can you see where the paint is peeling off and there is blue paint underneath? It’s really hard to see but on the drawer fronts there is red paint peeking through the peeling paint.
I’ve learned a few things in my painting journey and one of them is that everything doesn’t have to be re-painted or…. painted at all.
I took my electric sander and some 100 grit sandpaper and went to town on the chest.
Really dirty. I used the shop vac to clean it up and after distressing I cleaned it all over with Simple Green.
If you noticed in the before picture, the knobs were pink and there was one missing. I found two matching replacement knobs for the top drawer and I spray painted all of them with Rust-Oleum automobile primer. Hey, that’s what I grabbed, don’t know where the automobile primer came from. Then after the primer dried I spray painted the knobs red!
I could not have improved on this piece by adding yet another coat of paint.
For the final touch and to prevent more peeling, I applied a coat of clear wax.
You notice the distressing job on the knobs.
The Red White Blue Chest
I know this look isn’t for everyone. Some of you will hate the over-the-top peeling/distressed paint finish…..and some of you will love it. To me….. the red, white, and blue color combination was too good to paint over.
When I first started painting furniture I would make a plan and it always included painting….always.
Now I’ve learned to look at the furniture differently and see if I can work with what is there. Sooooo…..let me know what you think.
Do you like the Red White Blue Chest??
If you like this makeover view my DIY Furniture Tutorials below….
Pamela says
That piece is seriously amazing. LOVE IT.
Jeanette says
Mark me on the love it side. Fun project!
Mary Soulios says
Love it. I am getting so inspired to paint. Doing my first project next week with the help of a friend and fellow blogger. Can’t wait!
Teresa Gunn says
Beautiful piece. Love that you stopped before starting to decide that it only needed some tweaking to turn it in to such a beautiful piece.
Dotte says
Love all the distressed, chippiness (is that a word?) of the piece… Just amazing! I’d have it in my home, no problem.
SmallMomentsBigJoy says
That is so cool! I would never have thought of looking for what was underneath. I love how it turned out!
Peggy says
I love this. It turned out great.
Susan @ SunfowerHugs.blogspot.com says
Very smart. I would have thought you painted it to look like that for sure!!
Christy says
I love it! I keep going back and re-reading this over and over again and looking at the pictures of it. It’s gorgeous!
Lisa Conforto says
That is a wonderful look , came out stunning!
Nancy @ Artsy Chicks Rule says
Oh wow, see, that is just awesome. The colors couldn’t be more perfect!
Thanks so much for sharing on Project Inspire{d]! Pinning!
Nancy
Carol says
I like it!. You can’t go wrong with red white & blue.
April says
Love it! Unique and Fresh. I agree sometimes you can work better with the dresser without paint! Awesome job and vision.
Heather says
I featured your beautiful chest tonight!! You can see your feature here! http://www.settingforfour.com/2013/07/20-patriotic-ideas-for-fourth-of-july.html
Lori @Vintage Charm Restored says
Kathy, I love it!! It looks so much better letting those colors come thru!! Beautiful!!
Still Woods Farmhouse says
I love it! You did a fabulous job on the dresser. I have one bedroom that is decorated in red, white, and blue most of the year. Something like this would be so cute in the room. I may have to rethink the creamy white furniture that is in there presently! I joined you email subscription so that I will not miss your next blog post. I would love to have you stop by Still Woods Farmhouse for a visit when you have the opportunity!
Blessings from Still Woods Farmhouse
Marty Walden says
Love this, Kathy! You’re one of my favorites from the Home{work} Wednesday link party. Thanks for linking up!
Debra says
Looks so awesome and I would have left it as well. 🙂 thanks for sharing it with all of us.
Dawn says
Wow, what a better look. I love the color choices and the distressing:)
[email protected] says
I so agree with you about not having to paint everything. Some things are best left alone. You gave this piece just enough to make it absolutely perfect!
Stopping by from Allis and happy to meet you!
Studio 39 says
Such a gorgeous piece!
And you are so right. I first look at an item to see if it could be preserved as it is or partly painted.
Your projects are always an inspiration!
Dinna says
LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!
Annette says
I LOVE it!!! It reminds me of the white enamel with red enamel dish pan that my mom had (and still uses) as I was growing up!! Good memories!!!!
Alberto says
Love it.
Gwen says
LOVE IT.
Couldn’t improve on an original. What you have there is the REAL thing! It is what we try to imitate with multiple coats of paint and distressing. Good for you for recognizing it.