Just Might DIY

Y’all KNOW how much I love family furniture, and this piece is extra special because it was MY old dresser from my childhood. Built in 1979, this dresser has officially been through the ringer. I started to try refinishing when it made its way back to me over a decade ago, but the process was so overwhelming that I stopped after barely making a dent in the sanding. It’s moved from one garage to the next, never getting the attention it so desperately needed. 

But with D at my side, I knew our combined talents could take what had become a drab old dresser and turn it into something fabulous. And since it would be hanging out in the Caribbean-themed Guest Room, we decided to add some elegant coastal flair with dock cleat pulls and a color-on-color raised stencil. 

Bringing this baby back to life was no small feat. We had to repair broken drawer corners, deal with a badly damaged dresser side, paint the dresser, add legs to the dresser and more. The video below chronicles it all, and at one point also gives you a sneak peek into what our conversations are really like in the shop. 😉

🛒 Tools and Materials (most links = affiliate links):

2 – 2x4s
1/8” plywood
Simple Green – https://amzn.to/2InoraX
ShopVac – https://amzn.to/35fLMUJ
Drill –   https://amzn.to/375oC1y
Screwdriver-   https://amzn.to/2QYURdk
Circular saw – https://amzn.to/3bCH4jK
Bondo Body Filler (auto) – https://amzn.to/3mZOHH4
Vaseline – https://amzn.to/2IlM6YM
Dual temp hot glue gun – https://amzn.to/32stjCe
Knife – https://amzn.to/3peCJLJ
Ratcheting straps – https://amzn.to/38ysZ8S
Mallet – https://amzn.to/3lfFFFt
Wood shims – https://amzn.to/2IkhvLI
Shop towels – https://amzn.to/3pewnMk
Putty knife – https://amzn.to/36iH33L
Miter saw – https://amzn.to/2YDSAGw
Random orbital sander – https://amzn.to/37q46ca
Pneumatic nail gun – https://amzn.to/2Y5n8Tw 
Air compressor – https://amzn.to/2yIY8qt
Screws – https://amzn.to/2U9lInF
Measuring tape – https://amzn.to/3bKyTSz
Spray paint (we used gloss white) – https://amzn.to/2JNHlIh
Super glue – https://amzn.to/2AyK6Zk
Wood glue –  https://amzn.to/2uPBM4y
Sandpaper – https://amzn.to/2N9mYDV
Clamps – https://amzn.to/2U6qYsp
Pocket hole jig – https://amzn.to/3pkmZXF
6” Waddell dresser legs – https://amzn.to/35bcrSm
Heavy duty top plate (for leg attachment) – https://amzn.to/36nX0Wk
Dock cleats – 4” – https://amzn.to/2PJOglm
Dock cleats – 6” – https://amzn.to/2U7zfvV
Rustoleum Chalk Paint – https://amzn.to/38ny5VH
Pencil – https://amzn.to/2WKMfKm
Wood filler – https://amzn.to/3cKrJ1U 
Paint supplies – https://amzn.to/3cPnX6Y
Cricut Maker
Cricut – https://cricut.pxf.io/maker
Amazon – https://amzn.to/2I0OHHZ 
24” Standard grip map – https://amzn.to/36iR0OP
Oracal Oramask 813 stencil vinyl – https://amzn.to/38q90JD
Coarse texture – https://amzn.to/3ndOXm1
Regular paint (we used semi-gloss latex paint) – https://amzn.to/3nbZi1t
Mixing cup – https://amzn.to/3n5bQb6
Foam brush – https://amzn.to/3k9IVRb
Painter’s tape – https://amzn.to/3injICg
Cutting mat – https://amzn.to/2TY7hTU 

We earn a small commission when you click on the links above, as we are a participant in the Amazon Affiliates program. The good news is that you don’t pay any more, we just get credit for referring you! Full disclaimer below. 😉

If you prefer written instructions…

If you prefer written instructions, we have you covered! Check out our Instructable on this project, which includes step-by-step instructions, along with plenty of pictures for each step!

Take a Dresser From Drab to Fab With Common Dresser Repairs and Chalk Paint!

And if you liked this post, pin the graphic below!