Tuesday, April 2, 2013

before and after :: black antique dresser

I tried out a new milk paint for this dresser.  Have any of you tried the General Finishes milk paint?
It's amazing, I tell you.
It comes premixed in a pint can, goes on smooth and distresses like a dream.  The only drawback is the limited color selection.


The before…
This paint sands very easily, so I used a 400 grit sandpaper to distress and brushed on two coats of oil based poly, rubbing with a fine grit steel wool in between.


I underestimated how difficult it would be to find hardware for this thing.  I was hoping to spruce it up with colorful knobs, but five (yes FIVE!) trips to get hardware later, I decided glass was the only thing that was going to work.

It's up for grabs!  Email for pricing - nattycox@gmail.com

22 comments:

  1. that is my go-to black paint. i use it ALL the time and love it! the finish is always perfect! it's actually just acrylic paint though- so not as authentic as milk paint- but the finish is meant to be like it i think. either way, i love it! the dresser is stunning!

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    1. I didn't know that. Either way, I love it. Have you ever tried mixing the colors???

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  2. Beautiful! I love the General Finishes Milk Paint also! But like you said, colors are limited. I'm sure you could mix them for custom colors though. I do all the time with the chalk paint and the milk paint. :)

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    1. I'm going to have to try it because the color selection is lacking, but I love the paint.

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  3. I love it! Such a classic, custom look! Checking into those paints now... :-)

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  4. Beautiful!! Have not tried that paint yet!

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  5. You did a great job! I actually haven't tried milk paint yet, but your finish is so pristine, I'm curious now :)

    Serena
    Thrift Diving

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  6. It's a beautiful finish and the perfect color choice! Have you ever tried Etsy for knobs? There is a great selection and wonderful vintage knobs at really good prices... Just a thought :) - Susan

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    1. I have, but I'm so impatient!! I need to just start collecting ahead of time.

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  7. I love the way you finished this Natty! The perfect amount of distressing to look like it's always been this way. I would love to try this paint. One ?: did you sand and prime first or just apply directly to the bare wood? I know they say you don't need to prime, but I'd trust the opinion of an expert like you!

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    1. I lightly sanded first with a 220, but only because I'd coated it with shellac first. Even though they say it's unnecessary, I always play it safe if painting over a glossy surface. Peeling paint is the worst thing ever!

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    2. Just brushed on two coats today. You are right- what a dream! How long did you wait before distressing? I cannot believe how fast this paint dries. Also, I have been using the wipe on Minwax poly lately.. would you not suggest that for this type of paint?

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    3. Yay! I waited a day to distress, but with how fast it dries I don't think that's necessary. The wipe on poly should work just fine.

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    4. Awesome- thanks SO much for replying right away!!! Really appreciate it. :)

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  8. Those knobs really are just right! I like that there's a shine to the dresser, even though you've distressed it ~ what poly do you use?

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  9. love love this. Will be redoing my mom's dressers this spring and going to try out this out for her.
    thanks for sharing girlie!
    N

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  10. I always love your work, you inspire me! keep it up

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    1. Thanks, Kamaila! I love the dresser you just refinished! And for only $20?!

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  11. Love it!! Did you spraty or brush?

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    1. I brushed both the black and the clear coat.

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