Cassie Bustamante

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Rustic Orange Dresser

July 23, 2012 by Cassie 71 Comments

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Happy Monday!  I hope you all had a fabulous weekend!  The sale went well, and we ended the weekend with a lovely dinner with friends.

How about we start the week with a fun furniture makeover?  If you like me on facebook, then you may have already seen this dresser. 🙂  I purchased it last week off craigslist and it had such a classic shape that I could have gone any which way.  I took an impromptu vote on facebook to see what colors you guys wanted to see and several of you mentioned orange, so I ran with it!

Let’s check out where we started.

Ok, so that is not exactly where I started…. that was taken after I scraped and scraped all the veneer off the top as it was warped and missing a square section (this the painted square area you see).  It was painted a burgundy.  Aside from the veneer issues on the top, it had great bones and the drawers opened beautifully.
The heat and humidity worked in my favor and made peeling he veneer off a little easier.  I worked in sections, taking breaks to let the humidity soak in when I reached a tough point.  Once it was all scraped off, I sanded it down with a higher grit paper (80), then switched to 160, and then finally ended sanding with 220.  It was an awful lot of sanding, but well worth it.  The top was constructed of 4 boards, so I knew a rustic wooden top would look great.  I conditioned the wood, and then stained it with a light coat of Jacobean.  Once that was dry, I waxed the top with a clear wax.  I applied two coats of wax for protection and then buffed it.

For the body, I sanded the whole piece with 160 grit paper.  I knew I was using orange, and because I am thrifty, I used leftover Orangeen paint from Dutch boy that was used in my kids bathroom.  Now, if I had ben smart I would have used a tinted primer, but I decided to experiment instead.  I made a DIY chalk paint with the orange paint, and planned to use that as primer.  I applied two coats of that, but then still had to apply 4 coats of the paint to get the look I wanted.  Lesson learned- trust my instinct on tinted primer!
Anyhow, once it was all painted and dried, I gave it a good distressing, and then went over the whole piece with Annie Sloan dark wax.  I don’t typically like this wax because it can be so dark, but I wanted to really deepen the orange, and it seemed to help!  Once that dried, I buffed it, reapplied the existing hardware, and voila!

I loved asking you all for your opinions and I might make that a regular thing on facebook!  It was fun!

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Comments

  1. Lesley says

    July 23, 2012 at 10:38 am

    Love this color…it’s almost yellow. I totally get the ‘skip the primer’ part of this project. Unfortunately, I do that more than often and always find myself regretting it. So, I guess I could say “lesson learned.” But for some reason I do it again. So did I really learn a thing? lol I think it is because I am anxious to get the project going…impatience. Oh well…

    Reply
  2. Catherine says

    July 23, 2012 at 10:56 am

    I love it! The colour is beautiful and the dark wax is amazing!

    Reply
  3. Kirby Dunton Carespodi says

    July 23, 2012 at 11:01 am

    Love the orange–and maybe you’ll get more free paint! (Ask for the kind with primer included.)

    Reply
  4. Katie @ Wildwood Creek says

    July 23, 2012 at 11:10 am

    Beautiful makeover! Love the color and distressing.

    Reply
  5. Full Circle Creations says

    July 23, 2012 at 11:22 am

    Great job! Such a pretty color!

    Holly

    Reply
  6. Dana Frieling says

    July 23, 2012 at 11:39 am

    I bet this one will get snagged up fast. Great color and I love the rustic top!

    Reply
  7. Fiona, LilyfieldLife says

    July 23, 2012 at 11:55 am

    wow Cassie – I wasn’t sure when you said orange but i should have trusted you as it’s fantastic. love your makeover
    cheers Fiona

    Reply
  8. Tam says

    July 23, 2012 at 11:57 am

    I really like the orange and the rustic top!

    Reply
  9. Nancy says

    July 23, 2012 at 12:07 pm

    This dresser is so beautiful! I love the dark wax over it.
    Nancy
    Powellbrowerhome.com

    Reply
  10. Heather @ The JUNKtion says

    July 23, 2012 at 12:39 pm

    Cassie, This is absolutely hands down my favorite piece of yours since I’ve been following you. Something about the rusticness, the colors, the worn look, the perfectly imperfect top, and the overall look of it just speaks to me. I really, really love this!

    Reply
  11. Terri says

    July 23, 2012 at 12:44 pm

    Great transformation! Love the final color however on my screen it looks more yellow/gold than orange.

    I wish I had the nerve to remove veneer, I have missed out on a lot of good pieces because I am afraid I would mess up the removal!

    Reply
  12. Tam says

    July 23, 2012 at 12:47 pm

    Gorgeous! I am a fan of orange & yo did a fabulous job! Gotta pin it!

    Reply
  13. pam {simple details} says

    July 23, 2012 at 1:07 pm

    ANOTHER gorgeous makeover! You are the queen of taking a sad piece of furniture and giving it new life!

    Reply
  14. Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. says

    July 23, 2012 at 1:13 pm

    Oh pretty! I love that color, it sure looks like fall! And the rich wood top is a perfect compliment!

    Reply
  15. daiseyjayne says

    July 23, 2012 at 1:15 pm

    Great color and love the texture, can see it with some Fall harvest fruit and veggies right on top!

    Reply
  16. Bliss says

    July 23, 2012 at 1:26 pm

    Now Cassie…. I’m just not sure how to tell someone who is the queen of furniture and has about 10 million redo’s under their belt, that this might just be my favorite. I’m scanning my brain file of the other 9 million 999 thou, and can’t come up with one I like better.

    ~Bliss~

    Reply
  17. Lesli at My Old Country House says

    July 23, 2012 at 1:37 pm

    Cassie, this looks fantastic! You have helped me figure out what I will do to Coopers dresser/hutch, after he goes back to school, dark stain and alll!!!!

    Reply
  18. Chrissie says

    July 23, 2012 at 1:50 pm

    I love it! the top and the rustic vibe. Awesome!

    Reply
  19. Jenny says

    July 23, 2012 at 1:55 pm

    What a fantastic color! And the rich wood top just makes it even more interesting. Well done!

    Reply
  20. Heidi @ Decor & More says

    July 23, 2012 at 1:55 pm

    Superb!! Love the rustic top with that burnished orange… cheerful way to start the week, Cassie!
    xo Heidi

    Reply
  21. Rebecca says

    July 23, 2012 at 2:06 pm

    I know what you mean about the dark wax, but it looks FAB on this dresser!

    Reply
  22. McKae @ Kaes Corner Design says

    July 23, 2012 at 2:26 pm

    It looks awesome! I love the color, I painted my sons dresser a color similar to this, minus the distressing.

    Reply
  23. [email protected] says

    July 23, 2012 at 3:22 pm

    I love it! Especially since the orange looks like a squashy type color instead of in your face orange.

    Reply
  24. Linda Leyble says

    July 23, 2012 at 3:24 pm

    Hi…(love the above note you have for writing a comment…may have to steal it!!)

    I love this color and what you did to this dresser – it’s beyond gorgeous! I wouldn’t have thought of that color although I am a huge orange fan.

    Re the dark wax – when I have put ASCP dark wax on first…it just dug into the surface so I’ve always put the clear wax on first. Would love to see how you have gotten around this one – becuase I am always looking to save a step.

    I am going to try to put mineral spirits in to the dark wax and see how that works. I do that when I am waxing authentic Venetian Plaster before it’s cured in order to avoid getting dark splotch marks.

    Thanks for the inspiration!

    Linda

    http://www.studioofdecorativearts.blogspot.com

    Reply
  25. Deidre says

    July 23, 2012 at 3:32 pm

    Who knew orange? Im so loving this piece,it totally works:) Great job!

    Reply
  26. Stacey says

    July 23, 2012 at 3:51 pm

    Cassie –
    That dresser is so pretty and so unique! LOVE IT!
    Stacey of Embracing Change

    Reply
  27. Good Time Charlie says

    July 23, 2012 at 3:53 pm

    I love this so much and it is just the perfect shade of Orange. Wow, this is gorgeous. The top looks amazing too! I have yet to try to peel off veneer, but you have inspired me to try it. The top is gorgeous. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  28. [email protected] Repurposed Life says

    July 23, 2012 at 4:00 pm

    Love the color!! usually not a fan of orange/yellow. but it looks great.

    huh what? you asking color advice? I thought YOU were the expert on that, that’s why I always ask you!

    gail

    Reply
  29. Ali Richardson says

    July 23, 2012 at 4:38 pm

    Orange you glad I didn’t say banana ?! Haha! I looooove it! Perfectly perfect just like you!
    xo

    Reply
  30. Twice Nice says

    July 23, 2012 at 5:42 pm

    LOVE this! I’ve been wanting to do something in a Fallish color in the worst way. This dresser is to die for!

    Reply
  31. Twice Nice says

    July 23, 2012 at 5:42 pm

    LOVE this! I’ve been wanting to do something in a Fallish color in the worst way. This dresser is to die for!

    Reply
  32. DecorandtheDog says

    July 23, 2012 at 6:12 pm

    Perfection!!! Love how it turned out!

    Reply
  33. DecorandtheDog says

    July 23, 2012 at 6:13 pm

    Perfection!!! Love how it turned out!

    Reply
  34. Lisa @ Turning Tables says

    July 23, 2012 at 6:23 pm

    Gorg!!!!! That looks awesome! Xo

    Reply
  35. Judy says

    July 23, 2012 at 6:51 pm

    If I had never seen it and you would have said “orange” or “rust”, I would have thought “Oh no…” But this…this is fabulous! I love the top…and the color of the dresser is so rich and saturated, like a deep pumpkin. I think this one gorgeous dresser.

    Reply
  36. Karah @ thespacebetweenblog says

    July 23, 2012 at 8:04 pm

    Love, LOVE!!!

    Reply
  37. uniquelyyoursormine says

    July 23, 2012 at 8:23 pm

    Wow! I am sooo not an orange lover but I REALLY love this color and what you did for this piece.. Bravo! – Susan

    Reply
  38. vintageshabbychicks says

    July 23, 2012 at 10:26 pm

    Oh my Cassie…I love this!!! So rich and yummy…makes me want fall to come;-) Julie

    Reply
  39. Kelly says

    July 23, 2012 at 11:48 pm

    I love the orange but that top is AMAZING. Such a cool piece, great work!

    Reply
  40. Bella says

    July 24, 2012 at 12:17 am

    Dark wax scares me but after seeing this I think I will finally break down and buy some. And I love the top!!

    Reply
  41. Anne says

    July 24, 2012 at 12:37 am

    This is beautiful Cassie. I never thought I would like the orange but you totally change my mind. Love this piece.
    Anne

    Reply
  42. Allison says

    July 24, 2012 at 12:51 am

    The orange is fun Cassie! I love the depth it has to it with the dark wax. A beautiful dresser!

    Reply
  43. Lets just build a house! says

    July 24, 2012 at 1:17 am

    When you said orange I was a tad concerned…but this is gorgeous!!

    Reply
  44. Rita says

    July 24, 2012 at 1:34 am

    Wow Cassie this is Gorgeous!!!! I’m in Awe/Love with it!!

    Reply
  45. samaa @ Honey Sweet Home says

    July 24, 2012 at 2:27 am

    gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous! I’m totally in love 🙂 on my screen it looks like a mustard yellow, love it so much! Beautiful job 🙂

    Reply
  46. Meg and Mum's says

    July 24, 2012 at 3:30 am

    Stunning! I am obsessed with orange – a little too much maybe. This is hands down gorgeous! 🙂

    Reply
  47. Kacey says

    July 24, 2012 at 4:49 am

    Awesome color, Cassie! I love it with the dark wax – gives it such a rich depth. A lot of work, but worth it!

    Reply
  48. Mary says

    July 24, 2012 at 11:52 am

    Cassie that piece is amazing! I LOVE the color! Beautiful job!

    Mary

    Reply
  49. Kara @ June & Bear says

    July 24, 2012 at 12:06 pm

    oh cassie–i wish i was close enough to grab this one. i adore this dresser. the dark wax works so well with that orange and i love the rustic look of the top. fabulous job!

    Reply
  50. René says

    July 24, 2012 at 12:49 pm

    This piece looks like a million dollars – no kidding! It is perfect!

    Reply
  51. Maury Kilgo says

    July 24, 2012 at 1:30 pm

    LOVE the yellow with the wood tones. It looks great!

    Reply
  52. Suzy www.savedbysuzy.blogspot.com says

    July 24, 2012 at 11:59 pm

    I think that piece is perfectly distressed. Too bad I’m just distressed 🙂

    Reply
  53. Cathy and Paul @One Creative Couple says

    July 25, 2012 at 2:06 am

    I love the dresser. Great choices for both the top and the body finishes.

    Reply
  54. Tausha says

    July 25, 2012 at 3:50 am

    I heart this! I love love love the color choice! Thanks so much for the awesome inspiration! Have a happy week!

    Tausha
    sassystyleredesign.com

    Reply
  55. Jessica @ Simply A Farmer's Wife says

    July 26, 2012 at 6:21 pm

    I absolutely love this piece! The color is to die for!

    Reply
  56. [email protected] says

    July 27, 2012 at 12:46 am

    Cassie, I love this rich color.

    Reply
  57. Shabby Marilyn says

    July 27, 2012 at 1:09 am

    Perfect! I love the color, great job. I want to work with orange, thanks for the inspiration!

    Reply
  58. Liz says

    July 27, 2012 at 6:48 am

    Beautiful color!

    Reply
  59. Ashley C. says

    July 28, 2012 at 2:22 am

    This is the most perfect shade of orange – I just love it! Thanks for always taking a bold route for inspiration!

    Reply
  60. Vintage Street Designs says

    July 28, 2012 at 3:46 am

    Love the color! It looks amazing!!! ~ Judy @ http://www.vintagestreetdesigns.com

    Reply
  61. Maryann @ Domestically-Speaking says

    July 28, 2012 at 5:17 am

    Love it Cassie! I’m featuring it the Spotlight this weekend. Thanks for sharing with us at the party.

    Reply
  62. Jenn says

    July 30, 2012 at 4:07 am

    I love how it turned out – great color choice!

    Reply
  63. Jenn says

    July 30, 2012 at 4:07 am

    I love how it turned out – great color choice!

    Reply
  64. Jenn says

    July 30, 2012 at 4:07 am

    I love how it turned out – great color choice!

    Reply
  65. Stacey says

    July 30, 2012 at 9:19 pm

    Amazing dresser Cassie – as usual!
    Thanks for linking!
    Stacey

    Reply
  66. Bettsi McComb says

    August 1, 2012 at 2:12 pm

    That is gorgeous! I’m painting a little piano bench orange right now- this is a wonderful inspiration! Pinning!

    Reply
  67. Its So Very Cheri says

    August 10, 2012 at 12:28 pm

    Cassie I featured you today.

    Cheri

    Reply
  68. SweetPepperRose says

    September 4, 2012 at 3:21 pm

    Wonderful color choice! LOVE! found you thru It’s So Very Cheri.
    JoAnn

    Reply
  69. [email protected] says

    January 6, 2014 at 8:26 pm

    That color is wonderful. AS Dark Wax can really do wonders for a bright/dark color.

    Reply
  70. Nette says

    September 25, 2017 at 2:35 pm

    Just discovered your site 5 years after the makeover. Too many DIY upcycles are white, white, white. This is a gorgeous rich color, beautifully detailed and worthy of emulation.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      September 26, 2017 at 6:30 pm

      thank you so much, nette! i appreciate you coming by! 🙂

      Reply

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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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