Waterfall Dresser (Chest of Drawers)
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
If you don’t like painted waterfall dresser furniture, you may want to look for another furniture makeover on my site.
This waterfall dresser (chest of drawers) was headed to the dumpster when I saved it. Not only was it headed FOR the dumpster, but the owner was about to beat it up and break it apart so it would take up less room in said dumpster.
You can see that it was really in rough shape. It had been stored in a damp shed building for years.
The first layer of veneer came right off very easily. The second later needed a little more elbow grease.
After removing the layers of veneer, I could see the damage done from years of storage.
I patched the cracked wood with spackling.
Because this was a quickie makeover, I didn’t attempt to patch this missing piece at the bottom.
Most of the drawers were rickety and not sturdy. I used my new Ryobi Airstrike Stapler to secure the sides of the drawers.
After a good cleaning, the chest of drawers heads to the paint booth for the HomeRight Max Pro Sprayer treatment. I used a light coat of flat white paint as a primer all over the piece, with the drawers in place.
After the light coat of primer, I used Behr Premium Plus Ultra paint all over.
Then I got busy mixing some paint to change the color. The gallon can of blue is Tiffany Blue, and the White is the Behr that I used for a basecoat. I mixed the paint in one of my Homeright cups to shake and store it.
Painting drawers is pretty straightforward, so I used a brush on them. This is after one coat. I decided the color was too light, so I added more Tiffany blue for the second coat.
This picture shows a better real-life color than the pictures below.
While the chest of drawers was drying, I got busy on the hardware. Some of the hardware was very rusty. I used a wire brush to remove some of the rust.
Then I washed them off with the hose.
I reached for my Krylon Rust Protector Spray Paint. Gotta love that it dries so quickly and has the EZ Touch 360° dial spray tip.
I was a little impatient and did a lot of coats—the hardware was a little tacky to the touch, so I laid it on a piece of scrap wood so it could dry better. It’s best to read the directions on the can, many brands vary on their dry times.
Then I reinstalled the pretty white hardware! Do you love the white handles against the pretty blue color?
This vintage waterfall chest of drawers is far from perfect. It’s been through a lot in it’s lifetime. Some may think I should have restored it. I wish I could have, but I didn’t have it in me to take on such a project. At least it can still live a nice, long, purposeful life instead of being chopped up and thrown into a dumpster.
Should I call it done? Or would you do a stencil or some distressing on it?
gail
Related Content: Navy Blue Waterfall Dresser
Here’s a helpful hint; if you plan on painting the furniture and there is damage, missing corners, etc Bondo works wonders. You can shape it, sand it, and it’s much sturdier and dries faster than spackle or wood putty. I broke up an old waterfall vanity and turned it into 2 night stands. I used Bondo to fill in the space where the vanity shelf fit. They came out perfect.
Rebecca,
Thanks for your hint! I once had a clock with severe damage repaired and I’m sure they used bondo. It was an amazing transformation. In all the years I’ve been doing this, I’ve never used it. 🙂 strange but true!
gail
I’m another that doesn’t usually care for wood furniture to be painted, but this piece is gorgeous! I love the colors! The only thing that I would consider doing, is painting the engravings white. I would be pleased to have the piece in my home just as is now, tho.
Thank you June. I appreciate you stopping by and taking the time to leave a comment.
gail
Leave it as is….gorgeous!
I would do some mild distressing on a few edges and call it done! Looks great
It looks great! I LOVE the color combo! How did you fix the warped veneer on the drawers?
Tina,
I didn’t do anything to the drawers, they are just less noticeable now that they are painted. 🙂
gail
I love what you have done. Had you thought of outlining the details on the drawers in a darker blue?
The chest of drawers has already gone to a new forever home “as is” 🙂
happy you stopped by to check it out and thanks for the input!
gail
Perfect and i bet it likes its new home better than a smelly dumpsite too! Good call not fixing the molding at the base, hardly noticeable
I love it the way it is; don’t di another thing!?
Looks waaayyyy bettern being in a dumpster smashed… I think distressing it would add to its character, and perhaps tracing the etched lines in a deeper color?
Nancy,
Thanks so much for stopping by and taking the time to leave a comment. This piece has already found a new home. 🙂
gail
I am a wood purist so to speak, but I think paint is used well for orojects like this. When
The wood is not “good hardwood”, mdf or pressed or plywood, etc then it’s time to bring out the paint can. You did a beautiful job. nice color choice! Leave as is.
Thank you for your input! I so appreciate the fact you “get” why I painted it. I treat all of my stuff on a case by case basis. 🙂
gail
It’s beautiful! It’s done imo.
thank you Laurelei!
You made it into something very lovely! I don’t think it needs any tweaking — as that sometimes appears desperate. Thank you for sharing this project. You’re a creative genius!
I truly appreciate your sweet comment Lynne!
gail