I got some stuff from my neighbor way back in August 2012, I talked about it in my post Recent Finds, Love Thy Neighbor Edition. This tall chest was one of the things I got. Soon after I got this, my friend Anne of Design Dreams by Anne, remade a tall highboy and ever since I saw it, I wanted to do the same thing with this piece. Thanks Anne for the inspiration!
I’ve wanted a trim router for a long time, and I got one for Christmas, but had never used it yet. Since then, my sister Jo gave me another one, so it will be very handy to have two, and not have to change out bits so often. So, like I said, I had never used it, so I practiced on a scrap piece of wood to make sure I had chosen the proper bit.
This is the bit I used, a grooving bit.
The first step was to mark the center of each drawer. Instead of measuring, I took the lazy way out and used the original hardware assuming that each was set in the center at the manufacturer. 
I used my speed square to mark a straight line down the center of each drawer.
I clamped my level to use as a guide to keep the router in a straight line. This is probably the best sample I can show you. Not all of the drawers were as perfect as this one. Hindsight 20/20, I should have done the groove a little deeper.
General Finishes sent me a couple of pints of paint, so I decided to use Lamp Black on this project. They suggest using a foam applicator. I gave it a try, but ended up using my favorite—a chip brush.
The drawer on the right has a thin first coat, the one on the left is after two coats. I ended up doing 3 light coats. The dark areas are where I patched the original hardware holes with some wood putty, and drywall spackle.
This is after 3 coats, you can see that it covered really well. After the paint dried, I gave a quick topcoat of Wipe-On Poly from Minwax. I had forgotten that General Finishes had sent me a sealer. I’ll give it a try soon.
I didn’t take any pictures before adding the hardware. Sometimes I get so wrapped up in projects I forget to pick up the camera.
I saw Korrie from Red Hen Home use these Antique Copper Cup Pull Label Holders from D Lawless Hardware, so I ordered some (among some other stuff).
This tall chest had some issues when I got it, such as water damage and the drawers don’t work exactly right. In keeping it real, I’ll tell you I didn’t deal with either problem. I really didn’t know what to do with the drawers. The wooden guides no longer have the wide pieces of wood, they have whittled down too much.
I really like the new look, don’t you?
Now, to get it out of storage and find it a new home! I love these kind of storage (lingerie) chests. They offer so much storage with less footprint, a lot like my favorite Tower of Terror.
gail
Hi Gail,
Glad you left a message on my blog. Thank you for you entry for the giveaway and thank you for your sweet comment. You are a no reply blogger so I wanted to let you know you are entered. I love your blog thanks for finding me know I have found you.
Kris
It turned out great! Love the handles! 🙂
I love it! Super idea to make a groove done the middle of the drawer, very cool. I love the handles too… I am going to have to get some, thanks for the link!
It looks amazing Gail! I LOVE those handles… Would love to find a piece like this:)
It looks great. I love it. That mind of yours is always going.
I LOVE this piece! You turned a plain jain chest into a great vintage card catalog!! Routering a groove in the center is such a great idea, and completely transforms the piece.
That came out great! I love the color you choose. Have you tried the new paint that came out a few months ago, Velvet Finishes? It’s suppose to be like Annie Slone’s but much richer. No sanding, priming, and you don’t need to wax afterwards. Cyndy from The Creativty Exchange used it and every piece is beautiful. Thought I would pass this on since you paint a lot. I enjoy reading all the things you do. 🙂
Looks gREAt!
You”re going to fall deeply in love with that router and it will become a regular tool! I have a dedicated router table and a hand held—and would be LOST without them!
btw–I just recently saw that line of Milk paint—did you like it? Enough to buy more and use it in many more projects?
Catherine
Thanks so much for the link! The dresser looks fantastic!
Thanks so much for the shout-out Gail! Your piece turned out beautifully!
ps, if you run a black sharpie down the groves they would look deeper 😉
Love it, what a great piece! You clever lady, now, I want one too!!