Cassie Bustamante

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Emmy’s New Midcentury Modern Dresser featuring Rockwell’s Multi Tool

January 12, 2015 by Cassie 83 Comments

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Rockwell Tools provided me with a Sonicrafter F50.  I was not otherwise compensated for this post and all opinions are my own.
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WARNING: This post is not for the wood purists.  Continue to read at your own risk.

This past Fall Emmy and I started talking about revamping her room a bit… not any major change, but small changes with big impact.  One of the necessities was a larger dresser, and I wanted a longer low dresser she’d be able to access easier.   She also seemed to want to tone down the colors a bit, requesting a basic palette of pink, gold, black, and white.  (And since then she’s modified it to add a little aqua).   And yes, we just changed up her room last year, but her room is the most fun to play in, and she loves to rearrange!  So why not?

After perusing pinterest, she was fairly certain she wanted a French dresser, but it’s nearly impossible to find a triple french dresser in our price range.  I showed her some more inspiration images in the way pf midcentury modern pieces painted white.  I also showed her a few I found locally, and after about a month, we made a decision and purchased a very solid and sturdy dresser with more modern lines.  I forgot to take a total before picture, but here it is after it was sanded with my orbital sander.

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As you can see, this dresser has LOTS of lines and corners that were hard to reach with my orbital.  I couldn’t get the corners inside each drawer panel.

I had recently received the Rockwell Sonicrafter F 50 and it was perfect for getting into those little nooks and edges with its sanding head (not pictured below).

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This power tool has many functions and a hyperlock tool-free blade changing system, which makes it really safe and easy to use.  It also is easily hand held, and provides a ton of power!  It made sanding all of these smaller corners so much easier!  And neon pink running shoes make anything more fun.

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Once this piece was completely sanded and ready to go, Chris and I put it in the garage, until one month later I was finally ready to pick up a paint brush after an almost two month hiatus!  As soon as Christmas passed, we dragged it into the basement for me to finally get cracking.  And once I started, I was so excited to see the finished product.

I gave it two coats of Zinnser oil based primer (this is THE BEST for adhesion that I have found), and used super fine sandpaper to sand smooth between coats.  I then gave it a coat of water based Zinnser.  I did this becauase I really wanted one more coat of primer for a solid white base, but the oil primer is harder to work with and slightly toxic.  I try not to use it as much as possible, but it was really needed for this dresser and I was going for a modern finish (I didn’t want any paint chipping ever!).

After the 3 coats of primer, sanding after each coat, I applied two coats of General Finishes Antique White milk paint.  This paint is not “chippy” milk paint but rather an acrylic paint with a smooth finish and I knew it would be perfect for this piece.

To protect it, as a final step on the body, I added a coat of General Finishes Top Coat in Satin which gave it a nice slight gloss.  While that was drying, I applied Rub-N-Buff to the hardware to revitalize it and make it gold.

And in the end, I was so happy with the results.  It was a lot of work to get here, but worth every effort.  We’ve already hauled it up to her room (THAT was an adventure!).   Many things you see below will probably change, but for now….

Midcentury Modern Painted DresserPin

I just love the lines on this dresser.  It’s a gorgeous piece that can easily grow with Emmy.

Midcentury Modern Painted DresserPin

And the base of it… it’s those little design details that really make a piece.

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For now, Emmy and I decorated the dresser with items we had in her room already.  The only addition is this awesome “Do What You Love Print from Lucy of Craftberry Bush (You can find her shop on Society 6 here).  I bought it for Emmy for Christmas because I just loved the look and sentiment.  I had this pink vintage molding frame in storage in the basement.  Emmy and I loved the way it suited the print.dresser8Pin

 

On the other end of her dresser lives her happy Beta, Kaleidoscope.  She wanted to set up her little gnomes so that they were playing music for him.

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I took a few more pictures so that you could see progress, but I feel like I’ve already said so much, so we’ll save that for later.

But I won’t totally leave you hanging because I want to tell you about this amazing sweepstakes from Rockwell Tools!  Through January 31, you can enter to win two full sets of your own Rockwell power tools- one for you and one to give to a friend!  Head here to enter!

rockwell_tools-for-people-that-rock_give-one-get-one-sweepsPinHave a great Monday!!!!  Stay warm!
Sharing here: Finding Silver Pennies, Your Designs This Time, Inspiration Monday, Found & Foraged , The Makers, Inspire Me Monday, Be Inspired, Inspiration2Link Party, Furniture Feature Friday, Link Party Palooza, Best of the Nest

TDC Before and AfterPin

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Filed Under: Dresser, Emmy's Room, furniture transformations, making our home, Midcentury, My House

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A Few More Photos from Emmy’s Room (and Thoughts on Comments) »

Comments

  1. [email protected] says

    January 12, 2015 at 7:07 am

    This looks amazing, Cassie! All of the hours that you put into updating this piece were well worth the effort. Emmy will enjoy this piece for years to come.

    I need a sander like this. I hate it when I can’t get into the nooks and crannies when sanding a piece. We have ordered from Rockler for years and like their products. I’ll have to check this out!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      January 12, 2015 at 11:01 am

      thank you so much, paula! yes, it was great to get in those inset panels- otherwise, i would have been hand sanding forever. i had to still hand sand the “molding” as it was more narrow, but that part was easier to hand sand that in those panels would have been.

      Reply
  2. [email protected] says

    January 12, 2015 at 8:02 am

    I want that dresser for myself in the worst way. It’s so gorgeous! And I love your warning too

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      January 12, 2015 at 11:00 am

      haha! i don’t want any paint haters. 🙂

      Reply
  3. Bethany @ Dwellings By DeVore says

    January 12, 2015 at 8:04 am

    I love the way it turned out Cassie! I’m sure it’s so fun working with her too and hearing her ideas. My daughter’s room is pink/black/gold/white too, I just love that combo!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      January 12, 2015 at 11:00 am

      thank you so much, bethany! yes, we love that color combo, to! the other day though she told me she needed a little aqua in it…. she is my child after all! 😉

      Reply
  4. Gretchen says

    January 12, 2015 at 8:36 am

    SO pretty! I need to take notes about what primer to use so paint doesn’t chip; my kitchen chairs are chipping all over the place and driving me crazy! Also, I think I need more gnomes in my life 🙂

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      January 12, 2015 at 10:59 am

      who doesn’t need more gnomes in their lives? thank you! 🙂

      Reply
  5. Jennifer @ Dimples and Tangles says

    January 12, 2015 at 9:51 am

    Emmy has great styling skills! This is such a beautiful piece, Cassie!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      January 12, 2015 at 10:59 am

      she’s masterful. 😉 thank you!

      Reply
  6. Michele @ The Joyful Home says

    January 12, 2015 at 9:54 am

    Cassie, I found your blog through Cassie @ Hi Sugarplum. I love this dresser makeover! I’ve refinished a couple of vintage pieces using a similar process, and I just love the classic design and sense of history they carry. I can’t wait to look around your blog to see your other projects.
    Best,
    Michele

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      January 12, 2015 at 10:56 am

      hi michele! thank you so much for coming over here from cassie’s! i will have to pop over and check out your projects, too!

      Reply
  7. sarah dorsey says

    January 12, 2015 at 9:59 am

    Looks so good!! I can’t believe that I have the same dresser 🙂 I don’t know when I’ll get to mine .. Also, the wood wasn’t pretty (except the chevron veneer on the top drawers, I wish it all looked like that!) .. speckled wood finish, no thank you!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      January 12, 2015 at 10:55 am

      i can’t wait to see yours! i almost didn’t buy this because i didn’t want to ruin the pretty drawers, and i KNEW emmy and i wanted a painted dresser… i hemmed and hawed for almost a month over it!

      Reply
  8. [email protected] says

    January 12, 2015 at 10:10 am

    This is the EXACT dresser I want for my bedroom. What can I bribe Emmy with? Candy? American Girl dolls?

    This turned out so good! When I find it’s twin, I will fly you in to paint it. And eat cookies. I hope your Whole 30 is done by then.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      January 12, 2015 at 10:54 am

      ha ha! yes, whole 30 must be over before i can visit you ever. 🙂

      Reply
  9. Trina @ Let's Just Build a House says

    January 12, 2015 at 10:33 am

    i love this! her room is adorable, i want my bedroom like hers 🙂

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      January 12, 2015 at 10:54 am

      come on over and share with her- it’s a full bed. 😉

      Reply
      • Trina @ Let's Just Build a House says

        January 12, 2015 at 11:20 am

        haha still not big enough… this preg lady is about to kick her husband out of the king size…i need room for all my giant pillows!! 🙂

        Reply
        • Cassie says

          January 12, 2015 at 11:29 am

          ha ha! yeah, i don’t think emmy wants to share with you… 😉

          Reply
  10. Patty Day says

    January 12, 2015 at 10:43 am

    The dresser is so amazing…..classic, timeless and sophisticated! It will grow with Emmy over the years!
    xo
    Patty

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      January 12, 2015 at 10:53 am

      thank you so much, patty!

      Reply
  11. Krystine www.KrystineEdwards.com/blog says

    January 12, 2015 at 10:53 am

    Cassie- Emmy is a lucky girl! What a FABULOUS piece of furniture for her room! Great job! I cannot get motivated to pick a paint brush right now. I’ve burned myself out on redoing furniture

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      January 12, 2015 at 11:07 am

      i felt that, too! glad to be back at it though with a couple pieces!

      Reply
  12. Kenz @ Interiors By Kenz says

    January 12, 2015 at 11:03 am

    Such a gorgeous piece of furniture!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      January 12, 2015 at 11:07 am

      thank you, kenz!

      Reply
  13. Haley says

    January 12, 2015 at 11:13 am

    Love this dresser! I also love how Emmy gets you to redecorate her room every year #futureblogger

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      January 12, 2015 at 11:30 am

      thank you, haley! having a girl is so much fun, right? sawyer meanwhile buts in and says things like ” i like my room as it is- keep it!” i think i scare him.

      Reply
  14. Crystal says

    January 12, 2015 at 11:26 am

    This looks beautiful! But have you ever had any issues using an oil based primer and water based top coat? Ive seen where those who have peeling or chipping issues when used together.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      January 12, 2015 at 11:28 am

      hi crystal! nope, i have never had problems with that combination. and thank you! 🙂

      Reply
  15. Catherine says

    January 12, 2015 at 11:28 am

    That piece is perfect for Emmy’s room! I can’t wait to see the rest. Also I am so glad she came to her senses and realized that her room needs some aqua. How can you have a room without aqua?!

    Reply
  16. Chaney says

    January 12, 2015 at 12:32 pm

    The dresser looks awesome, Cassie! I have a can of general finished antique white in my stash that I haven’t cracked open yet…I may have to now!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      January 13, 2015 at 3:59 pm

      ooh yes! whatcha gonna paint?

      Reply
  17. Trisha D. @Black and White Obsession says

    January 12, 2015 at 1:59 pm

    Emmy’s has amazing taste! Those lines are wonderful. Definitely a piece that she will surely appreciate for years to come!

    When I saw the ‘before’ of the dresser, I actually thought the swirls were kinda interesting, I’m sure they looked better from afar

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      January 13, 2015 at 3:58 pm

      she’s learning from a pro. 😉 kidding! and thank you so much! and yes- it had sorta that speckly finish that was so in fashion in the 50’s/60’s. eeew.

      Reply
  18. Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. says

    January 12, 2015 at 2:22 pm

    That is one big beautiful dresser! I love the lines and white was the perfect color choice. Now all the other colors get to pop. Such a fun and happy room for Emmy!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      January 13, 2015 at 3:56 pm

      thank you so much, sharon!

      Reply
  19. Allison says

    January 12, 2015 at 2:24 pm

    I love this piece so much Cassie! I’m really drawn to clean simple lines lately. You did a beautiful job painting it! White is nice and fresh and works perfectly in Emmy’s room. Her room is darling. I am working on a dresser for my niece’s nursery right now. As I shared with you I lost my motivation for awhile but it feels good now to pop open a can of paint!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      January 13, 2015 at 3:56 pm

      thank you so much, allison! i can’t wait to see the dresser! what color?

      Reply
  20. Jessica @ Dear Emmeline says

    January 12, 2015 at 2:25 pm

    Turned out so sleek and gorgeous!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      January 13, 2015 at 3:56 pm

      thank you!

      Reply
  21. Heidi @ Decor & More says

    January 12, 2015 at 3:31 pm

    That dresser is awesome! She will have it for a lifetime! Beautiful work, CAssie!
    xo Heidi

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      January 13, 2015 at 3:55 pm

      she better- we aren’t moving it any time soon! 😉

      Reply
  22. Suzanne says

    January 12, 2015 at 4:37 pm

    I just love this piece and the finish is flawless! Perfect for Emmy’s room! It looks beautiful with her sweet accents 🙂

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      January 13, 2015 at 3:55 pm

      thank you so much, suzanne!

      Reply
  23. [email protected] says

    January 12, 2015 at 8:47 pm

    Oh my goodness! That dresser is absolutely gorgeous and amazing! If Emmy ever decides she doesn’t want it, I will gladly take it off your hands! 😉

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      January 13, 2015 at 3:55 pm

      we won’t be hauling it down the stairs until we move… it is HEAVY. she’s stuck with it. plus we love it. 😉

      Reply
  24. designPOST interiors says

    January 12, 2015 at 9:36 pm

    This is the best tutorial and makes me think I could almost paint a piece of furniture! I am still hoping I can just buy one of your pieces one of these days though 🙂 Love the neon shoes!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      January 13, 2015 at 3:54 pm

      you totally can do it! if you wear magic neon shoes.

      Reply
  25. [email protected] Chronicles of Home says

    January 12, 2015 at 10:21 pm

    This came out SO beautiful, Cassie! I love that you shined up the hardware a bit and I had no idea the Sonicrafter could do sanding work. So good to know. I removed some kitchen cabinet doors to start painting today and you have me wondering about using an oil based primer. I’ll be working in the basement though (not ventilated at all) so I wonder if the fumes would be too much. Kind of thinking yes…

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      January 13, 2015 at 3:53 pm

      well i am glad i taught you something new. 🙂 yeah the primer is not the best for toxins and i am sure i didn’t do us any favors…

      Reply
  26. Lisa @ Shine Your Light says

    January 12, 2015 at 10:58 pm

    This piece came out beautifully, Cassie. I love the lines of it! Looks like it weighs a ton!!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      January 13, 2015 at 3:53 pm

      it does- there may have been some cursing and arguing as we shlepped it up to emmy’s room….

      Reply
  27. [email protected] says

    January 13, 2015 at 8:37 am

    You know what I love most about this? That your daughter was actually an integral part of this design? That she helped pick out the colors and style of the pieces and you helped her make it happen. Seriously, it just gives me the warm and fuzzies. It looks great.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      January 13, 2015 at 3:47 pm

      i love to have her involved and she loves it, too. it’s her room, after all, and it needs to be her escape and sanctuary. not mine.

      Reply
  28. Jenn @ My Fabuless Life says

    January 13, 2015 at 10:59 am

    Love it! And I love that orange headboard above the dresser!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      January 13, 2015 at 3:40 pm

      thank you, jenn!

      Reply
  29. the cape on the corner says

    January 13, 2015 at 2:28 pm

    i loooove the look of that dresser! and it’s so good white.
    b

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      January 13, 2015 at 3:38 pm

      thank you!

      Reply
  30. Beth Heim says

    January 13, 2015 at 4:33 pm

    Looks good Cassie. Such a cool looking dresser. Don’t dare post that on Apartment Therapy, they’ll crucify you for painting it! lol. although I do wonder what it would have looked like if you kept the 3 drawers wood (just darkened the stain) or even the pedestal base piece wood?

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      January 13, 2015 at 4:36 pm

      i personally would have loved the drawers wood, but since this was going in emmy’s room and she wanted all white, i followed client orders. 🙂 and yeah, i will stay away from AT on this one! i’d be a glutton for punishment if i emailed it to them. thanks, beth!

      Reply
  31. Kris {Driven by Décor} says

    January 13, 2015 at 8:29 pm

    I ADORE her new dresser – so cute Cassie!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      January 13, 2015 at 9:39 pm

      thank you!

      Reply
  32. Julie @ Restyle Relove says

    January 14, 2015 at 4:13 am

    Your daughter’s dresser looks beautiful Cassie! Looks like it was a bit job but well worth it. We got a Siamese Fighting Fish recently. He doesn’t move much but looks cute. 🙂 Julie

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      January 14, 2015 at 9:28 pm

      ha ha! thank you, julie!

      Reply
  33. Shelley | Crazy Wonderful says

    January 14, 2015 at 7:58 am

    First off I have to address the gnomes playing for her fish. Oh my word that girl is adorable!!! 😀 The dresser looks so great freshed up with white paint! The lines are awesome and I love the hardware.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      January 14, 2015 at 9:26 pm

      she has a mind of her own and it’s usually a very happy place!

      Reply
  34. Sharon - Her Organized Chaos says

    January 15, 2015 at 10:51 am

    I am so in love with this dresser! I want it!! You did a great job. I would love if you linked this up to Totally Terrific Tuesday!! Thanks for sharing.

    Sharon
    herorganizedchaos.com

    Reply
  35. Kyla @HouseofHipsters says

    January 15, 2015 at 2:52 pm

    Paint haters can be soooo silly! Sometimes if you don’t paint it, your place looks like your the neighbor from The Brady Bunch, ya know? This turned out amazing! I love the white and brass. Perfection.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      January 15, 2015 at 8:17 pm

      i totally know what you mean!
      thank you, kyla!

      Reply
  36. Betsy @ Happily Ever After Etc. says

    January 17, 2015 at 9:25 pm

    So sweet! I love the details… it looks so great in white and will hold so much stuff! That’s always a mark of a good dresser!

    Reply
  37. Kim Zigler says

    June 3, 2017 at 11:46 am

    Did the General Finishes Top Coat yellow at all? I saw on your post that you always use paste wax on white furniture. I’m debating on what to use. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      June 3, 2017 at 3:15 pm

      it did not! we have the dresser now in my own bedroom and it still looks the same!

      Reply

Trackbacks

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    January 13, 2015 at 6:01 am

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  2. Silver Pennies Sundays Link Party and Features (103) - Finding Silver Pennies says:
    January 18, 2015 at 4:00 am

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    February 20, 2015 at 4:02 am

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    March 3, 2016 at 2:36 pm

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    March 31, 2016 at 7:55 pm

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Hi, I’m Cassie!

I believe that you don't have to spend a lot of money to live a beautiful life and be your best self.  Here you will find budget friendly ideas to live happily, healthily, sustainably, and most importantly authentically.  We all get one chance at this life, and this ordinary girl plans to make hers extraordinary. How about you? Read more...
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Hi! I'm Cassie.

Mother, wife, shop owner, blogger, writer, incurable diy-er, furniture painter, coffee and wine drinker, friend. Seeking happiness and passing it on. Read More…

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