This flea market furniture flip was as easy as pie. The ugly chest of drawers was covered in layers of paint when I spied it at the Nashville Flea Market. Cleaning it up and distressing the paint gave it a whole new look. I didn't even open a can of paint for this one. The piece was already painted with three colors.....red, white, and blue. What could be more perfect.
This project just goes to show that before jumping into your usual thing you should consider what you already have to work with. In my case that meant no painting required. For this project I just worked with what was there.
White paint with chunks of red and blue paint showing thru after the distressing. The details…..
I bought the chest from the Nashville Flea Market a couple of months ago. 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. Work smarter not harder.
I took my electric sander and some 100 grit sandpaper and went to town on the chest. I ran the sander all over the chest and the drawers. The sanding removed the yellowed layer of white paint. I didn't really notice how the white paint had yellowed until I started distressing it.
The piece was really really dirty. I used the shop vac to take off as much of the crud as I could then 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. The only spray primer I had on the shelf was Rust-Oleum automobile primer. I have no idea where the automobile primer came from. Anyway, I sprayed all of the knobs with the primer. Then after the primer dried I spray painted the knobs with this pretty gloss red!
I could not have improved on this piece by adding yet another coat of paint. The red and blue colors are deep and rich. That's how I like them. For the final touch and to prevent more peeling, I applied a coat of Howard's Neutral Wax.
I gently distressed the painted knobs. The swirls on the replacement knobs were perfect for distressing.
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. I really liked the little chest of drawers and was in no hurry to sell it. I kept it for a number of years before changing it out for other decor.
The red, white, and blue chest looks great in the blue bedroom. The perfect decor for patriotic holidays.
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 layered paint look? Thanks for being here friends, Kathy
(This post first appeared on Petticoat Junktion in 2013. I thought those of you who weren't around here in 2013 would enjoy it. The photos and posts have been edited to add new details.)
Lola Fields
Love the chest!
Naomi S.
It's very cute, and will look great in just the right spot. It's just a bit over the top for me with distressing, but maybe that's just because I don't have a place where it would look right in my home. I think in a kid's bedroom--boys, specifically, it would be perfect. Good call, Kathy!
Lori Sawyer
I've seen this post before and love it! Happy Holidays!
Suzee B
Have loved this since I first saw it!
Cheryl
What a lucky find and brilliant on your part to do this! Love it!
SharonFromMichigan
Perfect piece for the upcoming Memorial Day weekend! You have a great eye. The piece looks beautiful! It should fly out of your shop!
Kathy Owen
Thank you Sharon!
Gwen
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.
Alberto
Love it.
Annette
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!!!!
Dinna
LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!
Studio 39
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!
[email protected]
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!
Dawn
Wow, what a better look. I love the color choices and the distressing:)
Debra
Looks so awesome and I would have left it as well. 🙂 thanks for sharing it with all of us.
Marty Walden
Love this, Kathy! You're one of my favorites from the Home{work} Wednesday link party. Thanks for linking up!
Still Woods Farmhouse
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
Lori @Vintage Charm Restored
Kathy, I love it!! It looks so much better letting those colors come thru!! Beautiful!!
April
Love it! Unique and Fresh. I agree sometimes you can work better with the dresser without paint! Awesome job and vision.
Carol
I like it!. You can't go wrong with red white & blue.
Nancy @ Artsy Chicks Rule
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
Lisa Conforto
That is a wonderful look , came out stunning!
Christy
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!
Susan @ SunfowerHugs.blogspot.com
Very smart. I would have thought you painted it to look like that for sure!!
Peggy
I love this. It turned out great.
SmallMomentsBigJoy
That is so cool! I would never have thought of looking for what was underneath. I love how it turned out!
Dotte
Love all the distressed, chippiness (is that a word?) of the piece... Just amazing! I'd have it in my home, no problem.
Teresa Gunn
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.
Mary Soulios
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!
Jeanette
Mark me on the love it side. Fun project!
Pamela
That piece is seriously amazing. LOVE IT.