It’s been HOT here! That’s probably an understatement. Unbearable? Sweltering? With an average of 95-97 degrees every day this week (and no rain in sight) I’ve had to keep the garage closed while painting… bummer. And spray painting outside isn’t the most fun either. Did you know you’re not supposed to spray paint when it’s above 90 degrees? Maybe one day I’ll learn to follow the directions. 😉
Recently I was lucky enough to find this dresser in a state of unfinished wood and vintage hardware, and even the green crayon didn’t detract from it’s potential. It was pretty much a blank slate!
It needed some major beautification so I sanded it and then pulled out my paintable wallpaper
that I used last year on the front of this armoire (which is still being used every day in our bedroom, by the way). I cut panels for the sides of the dresser and then for the drawer fronts, and carefully used Mod Podge to glue them on.
Then I painted it all in Paris Grey Annie Sloan Chalk Paint. Let me just say this- paintable wallpaper is a very cool thing. It can make something boring look fabulous. But it’s also a pain to paint. If it’s very textured (like mine is) you may need to give it several coats to get all the little grooves. I did it first with a big brush and then twice with a little artist’s brush.
Finally I gave it a couple coats of Annie Sloan clear wax, and spray painted the handles white.
Would you ever wallpaper your furniture?
Jen
*Recent posts:
Jamie Koenig says
The dresser came out very nice. That’s quite a unique way to do it! New follower look forward to seeing more.
Shanna Gilbert says
Great job Jen! It turned out so cute!
Rebecca says
It looks terrific. I love upcycled furniture projects. The texture is gorgeous and it looks very classy. I haven’t used paintable wallpaper, but I can think of quite a few uses for it.
Jen says
Thanks Jamie- glad to have you following along!
Jen says
Rebecca, thank you! I love upcycled projects too- they’re a great way to bring new life to something old!
Audra @ Renewed Projects says
What a lovely visual effect this makes. Especially with the uniform color. Its gorgeous!
Julie {Lilacs & Longhorns} says
This looks great! The wallpaper gives it so much character and I love the white pulls.
I have the same paintable paper on the doors of my built-in in my living room. Love it!
suburbsmama says
Gorgeous transformation. If you get a chance, please link up to my Linky Party: http://suburbsmama.blogspot.com/2013/07/sunday-linky-17.html
Ann says
Clever makeover. The painted wallpaper looks so elegant!
Cassie @ ThePenny-WiseMommy says
I love the transformation! I wish I could find furniture in it’s natural state! And yes, I actually have wallpapered furniture before! I had a night stand with a severly damaged top and wallpaper did the trick!
Diana Rambles says
Love it!! Thanks for sharing at my Pin Me Party!
Rachel Paxton says
Love it, Jen! The wallpaper is the perfect touch. And, for the record, it’s always unbearable in Houston!! 😉 Thanks for linking up to Give Me the Goods!
Rachel @ Maison de Pax
Jeri says
This is brilliant! I pinned it for later…I have another dresser I need to redo soon.
Amy @ StowandTellU says
Turned out just gorgeous, Jen!!! The hardware in white really pops, and oh how I love that textured wall paper!! pinned – Amy
Jen says
Thanks Amy! The wallpaper was a bit of a pain to paint, but worth it. 🙂
Jen says
Thanks Jeri- I see you’re a fan of Mod Podge-ing dressers too! 😉
Jen says
Cassie, that’s awesome! We may be the wallpapering minority though. 😉
Patti-Ann says
It is A-MAZE-ING!!!!!!!!!!! No more words 🙂
Susie says
It looks great! How did you get the ends to not peel up?
Jen says
Thank you Susie! After gluing the panels on, I applied extra Mod Podge around the edges to keep them flat. Then I painted over everything, so they were pretty firmly attached.
JaneEllen says
Excellent idea using the paintable wall paper, great job with having to go over the details a bit more. It’s worth it tho, how it turned out makes all your hard work shine. How did you decide to use that wallpaper on this? Love how dresser looks now, really gave it some pizzazz. The white hardware sets off color and dresser also. Pinning this
Jen says
Thank you! 🙂 I don’t even remember how I got the idea to do paintable wallpaper, maybe on Pinterest a long time ago.
DEBRA AUBIN says
Hi, I just finished reading your transformation on the dresser with wall paper. I plan on taken your idea to do on a small buffet server but I just have one question for you. Which Mod Podge did you use (as they have different ones) and also how did you apply it? Did you apply it to the dresser then lay your paper down or did you apply it to both and then apply a coat over the top? I love how your dresser looks, it really is beautiful. I appreciate your help with the mod podge application. Thank you very much for your help.
Debbie
Jen says
Hi Debbie,
I used the Matte Mod Podge (I usually do, because I like that it dries clear). I find it easier to apply the Mod Podge to the furniture first and then carefully lay the paper over it, pressing it down onto the glue. I wouldn’t apply the Mod Podge to the paper/fabric first because it could get messy and curl up before you have a chance to lay it on your piece. Hope that helps – good luck!
Jen
peppi reed says
i have been trying to mod podge the top of two tables with wrapping paper and it keeps tearing. i have some paintable wallpaper and i think i’ll try that. the only other alternative is some polished cotton in a bold green, red, purple and cream/golden hue. it is a big, bold pattern. will let you know how it turns out. peppi