Mid-Century Modern Dresser Makeover

Hello friends,

I’m finally wrapping up a bunch of projects all at once and am super-excited to share this beautiful mid-century modern dresser makeover.  This piece had seen better days, but it has a new lease on life now, thanks to primer, paint and stain.  Gotta love it.  Let’s get down to business!

I shared a bit of progress with you last week in this post, but I think you’re going to love the finished product as much as I do.  This post contains some affiliate links.

Here’s where we began:

But with legs – here is a shot that I took as it was being hauled out when I bought it.

I love the shape and the lines of it, and how clean and simple it is.  Unfortunately, the top had some wear and tear, so I had to patch and paint it.

Primed the frame:

Sprayed the legs (the great feature about removable legs on mid-century pieces):

And here it is now.

So pretty, yes?  I’m loving it.  I’ve been wanting to do a mid-century modern piece for awhile now, and I love all of the inspiration that’s out there to bring them into the 21st century (even though I love the classic mid-century modern look).

Some close up shots –

Is the wood perfect? No. But definitely an improvement from where it all began.

The Details

Here are the details on the process:

The paint/primer (sprayed via HVLP):

• Dresser frame:
  • Patched with Minwax High Performance Wood Filler (because I was filling hardware holes on another dresser)
  • Sanded with 180 grit Mirka sanding pad
  • Primed with BIN Shellac Primer, painted in Queenstown Gray by General Finishes
• Drawers: 50/50 mix of General Finishes Walnut Stain and Satin Poly
• Top Coat: Deft Clear Shellac in a satin finish

I know a lot of you have questions about using HVLP (high volume, low pressure) to spray furniture, and I have more coming on that soon – I promise.  Exciting news in that department (hint: new tools to review and share with you).

Here is a side by side comparison (since that’s always my favorite).  Just imagine the before has legs, okay?

How about this one for a before and after?

Are you a fan of the mid-century modern style?

Have a great day!

Jenny