“With Love Elizabeth” Antique Dresser
What a stunning makeover this one turned out to be. I’d like to introduce you all to my most recent piece “With Love, Elizabeth”.
She was brought into the shop in deplorable condition. Her drawers were sagging (literally), her heels were broken and her dress was less than admirable. Tossed aside like a piece of trash, she was begging to be restored back to her original beauty and charm.
She was Stripped: the old stain finish was stripped off this piece using Klean Strip Premium Stripper (purchased from Home Depot).
She was repaired: our favorite wood filler here at Rehab 2 Fab Designs is Pro Finisher Wood Filler. (You can find it here https://amzn.to/2jKSsoM). Using a putty knife, we smear the filler into any scratches and dings in the finish that cannot be sanded out. We also use it to rebuild small areas in the wood or trim that are broken off. It is very versatile. For larger more complex rebuilding, we use Bondo (You can find it here https://amzn.to/2lfOhll).
She was sanded: Using our Dewalt Orbital Sander and Diablo Sanding disc sandpaper, this piece was sanded down to remove any remaining old finish and to smooth out any imperfections. We’ve used many brands of sandpaper over the years but prefer Diablo or 3M brand sandpaper for their superior quality. They smoother, the grit will not just rub/fall off as is seen with some cheaper brands and they last longer. (You can find them here https://amzn.to/2l9dfCG).
She was cleaned numerous times using TSP (you can find it here https://amzn.to/2lf7wvi). She was primed for her upcoming debut using Zinsser BIN Oil Based Primer (you can find it here https://amzn.to/2lfaXlH).
She was given a whole new look using Wise Owl Chalk Synthesis Paints and a transfer by Redesign With Prima. By blending the beautiful colors Begonia, Petal and Mandarina, I was able to create a color scheme that complimented the transfer I chose, Rose Celebration.
I placed the dominant part of the transfer on the front of the drawers and used the corner floral designs to place on the top and sides of the piece so as not to leave them out. The transfer design itself has a background of cursive script throughout it. By cutting the design, I was able to arrange it in a way that reminds me of an old tattered letter, maybe one written to a sweetheart that was lovingly carried around in a pocket for decades. I spaced the script out on top of the dresser to resemble that old, worn letter I saw in my mind and I like to think that it gives it a little more meaning. Clearly written on top now is the name Elizabeth. So without further adieu, I’d like you all to meet “With Love, Elizabeth”.
You can purchase all your Wise Owl products and select ReDesign With Prima Transfers right here on our website, found in the Shop section.
This piece is available for purchase with nationwide shipping also available. Pm to discuss.
Thanks for viewing!
Xoxo
Rehab 2 Fab Designs
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You can find videos explaining the refinishing of this piece on our YouTube Channel, Rehab 2 Fab Designs. Found here: https://youtu.be/ahQQ029mo6w and https://youtu.be/icTtwgscWaQ
