| Journal | Painted Stained Antique Dresser
Layered Labour of Love— Vanity Dresser
Layers of life. Each one teaching, shaping, and blessing me in unexpected ways. I picked up this painted stained antique dresser in 2019, and for four years, it sat untouched in our shop loft. It watched farm life unfold—calves being born, barn cats stirring up trouble, dogs chasing cats, and cats chasing dogs. It stood through messes, clean-ups, and memories I wish I could bottle up. It was the first and only antique dresser with an oval mirror I’d ever found, so I hesitated before taking my brush to it. And despite waiting four years, my first attempt was still a fail. BUT… life is about learning. And with every failure comes another chance to try again.
Painted Stained Antique Dresser
This dresser tested my patience, my creativity, and my ability to pivot. I started by removing the mirror and hardware, then applied milk paint, hoping for a layered chippy look. It chipped—way too much. So, I sanded, repainted in mineral paint, and sealed it with stain and finishing oil for warmth. Still, it needed more. I waxed for depth, added metallic cream for dimension, and decoupaged the drawer sides. The final touch? New cup pulls— because the perfect hardware isn’t always what you first imagine. A transformation full of trials, but oh, was it worth it.
A transformation of many trials, tribulations, and triumphs—a painted stained antique dresser that became a true layered labour of love! I’ve been all over the place with this piece—milk paint to mineral paint, back to milk paint, then stain, oil, wax, cream, and more wax! From original hardware to what I thought would be the perfect replacement, only to land on a completely different style—one that turned out far more perfect. From warped drawer bottoms to no drawer bottoms to waiting on material for new ones! But geez… I’m so glad I didn’t give up. Because honestly? This just might be my favorite flip to date!
All products mentioned in this post—and every post I share—are ones I regularly reach for. They’ve earned a spot in my toolbox because they’re reliable and deliver results. Simply what I use, trust, and recommend, shared honestly with you. No affiliate links, no commissions—just straight talk from my whole heart.
Fusion Mineral Paint / ReDesign with Prima
Featuring
These are the products that brought this transformation to life—ones I trust, recommend, and share honestly with you. Select any to explore other projects for inspiration and see where to buy.
My Step-by-Step Transformation
These are the steps that brought this transformation to life—shared to guide and inspire your own project. Learn better by talking it through? Let’s connect for a consultation to bring your vision to life.
- Removed original mirror ~ ever so carefully; for ease of product application
- Removed original hardware ~ with plans to replace
Thoroughly vacuumed and washed ~ certainly required before transforming preloved furniture - Applied 3 coats of HOMESTEAD HOUSE MILK PAINT in the colour ‘Porcelaine’ ~ with hopes to achieve a layered chippy finish
- Applied 2 coats of HOMESTEAD HOUSE MILK PAINT in the colour ‘Matinee’ ~ which turned out a far different colour than I anticipated
Milk paint application turned out FAR too chippy for my liking ~ hmmm what shall I do now?! - Heavily sanded down all milk paint from the dresser top and first drawer ~ with a second plan to two-tone
- Lightly sanded down remainder of milk paint from the dresser body ~ intentionally leaving some of it behind for a desired textured/time-worn finish
- Applied 2 coats of FUSION MINERAL PAINT in the colour ‘Homestead Blue’ ~ a colour that has NEVER failed me, and quickly became my favourite to-date
- Applied 1 coat of Fusion Stain & Finishing Oil (SFO) in the colour ‘Cappuccino’ to the painted portions of the piece ~ a wood conditioner, stain and top coat all in one
- Applied 1 coat of HOMESTEAD HOUSE MILK PAINT in the colour ‘Homestead Blue‘ to the entire piece ~ because I wasn’t pleased with how the SFO finished on the mineral paint
- Applied 1 coat of Fusion Stain & Finishing Oil (SFO) in the colour ‘Cappuccino’ to the painted portions of the piece ~ ahhhhh so much nicer on the milk paint
- Applied 1 coat of Fusion Furniture Wax in the colour ‘Ageing’ ~ for some added time-worn depth
- Applied some Country Chic Paint Metallic Cream in the colour ‘Belt Buckle’ to chosen areas ~ because I was still looking for more pop
- Applied 3 coats of ‘Espresso’ colour stain and poly to the dresser top and first drawer ~ for a two-toned transformation
- Reinstalled original mirror ~ ever so carefully
Selected, purchased and installed new CHARTRES CUP PULLS ~ from Lee Valley; I am seriously in love with this hardware - Decoupaged drawer sides with Re-Design with Prima’s PATINA FLOURISH DECOUPAGE TISSUE PAPER ~ what I feel is a perfect match with the colour ‘Homestead Blue’
- To Do: I still have to install new drawer bottoms! Just haven’t got to Home Depot for material yet! On my list for this week!
One-Hour / One-on-One / $80
Looking to achieve a similar look? Getting started with furniture transformations can feel overwhelming, but with hands-on experience since 2017, I’ve learned so much along the way. I’d love to share what I know and help guide you through the process.
Let’s work together! Whether it’s over the phone, via a screen-share session, or even over a coffee (or wine!), we’ll make a plan to bring your vision to life.
With all my heart and hands
There’s something about the unpredictability of refinishing that keeps me hooked. No matter how much you plan, pieces like this painted stained antique dresser always have a way of teaching you something new. This one pushed me through trial and error, unexpected color shifts, and more layers than I originally planned—but in the end, that’s exactly what made it special.
Furniture holds more than just function—it carries history, stories, and character that can’t be replicated. Watching this piece transform from forgotten to full of life again? That’s what makes the process worth every twist and turn.
I never expected this dresser to turn out quite like this, but honestly? I wouldn’t change a thing. The blend of paint, stain, and texture gave it a whole new personality—one that feels both refined and timeworn in all the right ways.
If you’ve ever had a project that didn’t go as planned, let this be proof that the detours can lead to something even better. Sometimes, it’s the unexpected steps that make a piece truly one of a kind. Thanks for following along—until next time, may your creative journey be just as rewarding!
Faye Caroline
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