Friend, don’t you love a lucky curbside score? This little dresser was sitting by the curb on a busy road when I was driving to pick up my kids from school, but I didn’t have time to stop. Thankfully it was still there when I came back, and in great condition.
I knew it would be perfect to show you guys how to refinish a dresser using the Minwax 2021 Color of the Year! 🎉
Thank you to Minwax for sponsoring this post, but honestly I’d choose their products anyway. You can see some of my past Minwax projects here: Refinished Card Catalog, Farmhouse Stained and Painted Side Tables, and How to Build and Stain a Wooden Crate Bookshelf.
There’s also a short video tutorial included in this post for those of you who like to see my projects in action – and there’s a fun giveaway too!
Below you can see the inside of the drawers. I’ll also show you how to line drawers with paper for an extra finishing touch.
First, the handles had to come off. These wooden pulls were attached with two nails instead of screws, and not evenly spaced. So I knew right away that I’d have to drill new holes for different hardware. (I didn’t fill these with wood filler because the new pulls would cover the old holes.)
Next it was time to sand the surface with an orbital sander. I planned to completely update the drawers with new stain in the Minwax Color of the Year, so I sanded the existing finish off. The body of the dresser was just lightly sanded to remove the topcoat.
Supplies used for staining this refinished dresser:
- Minwax Water Based Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner
- Minwax Wood Finish Semi-Transparent Color Stain in Vintage Blue (2021 Color of the Year)
- Vintage Blue is a gorgeous blue-green color with gray undertones
- The Semi-Transparent Color Stain allows the natural wood grain to show through
- Minwax Design Series Transparent Color Wash in Barnwood Brown
- Minwax Water Based Polycrylic in Clear Ultra Flat
- Synthetic bristle brush
- Lint-free cloths
- 220-grit sandpaper
How to Stain a Dresser
After sanding the wood, make sure it’s clean and then you should always start with the Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner. It’s kind of like primer and helps the stain have a more even finish.
You can apply it with a brush or a clean lint-free cloth. Wipe it on and then let it sit for a few minutes, but don’t let excess conditioner dry on top of the wood. Wipe it away fairly quickly.
Then after about 20 minutes, lightly sand the wood again with sandpaper. Sometimes the conditioner raises the wood grain a little bit, so this step makes sure the finish is extra smooth before staining. Wipe away any sanding dust.
Next, apply the Minwax Semi-Transparent Color Stain in Vintage Blue. In full disclosure, this product usually allows the wood grain to show through, but I applied about 5 generous layers because I wanted a really deep color with the plan to distress it afterward.
Once you wipe the stain on, wipe it away within 2 minutes. (Wipe on, wipe off.) This product dries very fast. Let it sit for about 20 minutes before adding another coat, depending on the look you’re trying to achieve. Don’t sand between coats.
After staining, I measured and drilled new holes in the drawers for copper cup pulls I found online.
Finally I sanded over the drawers to distress them, focusing more on the edges to make it look more natural and let the original wood peek through.
The body of the dresser was updated with the Design Series Color Wash in Barnwood Brown. It’s a transparent stain that you can layer over another stain as long as you’ve removed the topcoat first (which I did earlier when I used the orbital sander). It gave the wood a little darker tint.
For a protective finish, I used Water-Based Polycrylic. All of the products I used are water based which makes cleanup much easier!
After staining, wait at least 2 hours and then brush on the Polycrylic thinly with a synthetic brush. Let it dry for at least 30 minutes. Lightly sand with 220-grit sandpaper, wipe clean, and then apply another coat. At least 3 coats are recommended. Let dry 3+ hours before light use.
How to Line Drawers with Map Paper
Next, I knew Vintage Blue would look amazing with the colors in a traditional world map. This one is thick with a little sheen to it, which is easy to measure and cut to line the drawers.
This map was big enough for all 5 drawers (12×13 inches inside) with some paper leftover.
I raided my kids’ supplies and put a thin line of glue across the front of the paper and pressed it down for a few minutes, and then did the same with the back area. The paper is thick and won’t rip easily, so I didn’t see the need to rub glue all over the back.
Almost done! Lastly, I found these gorgeous copper pulls but they were way too shiny and “clean” for the look I wanted. So I used some brown and black furniture wax to make them look aged and kind of dirty. I wiped the wax on, let it sit for a few minutes, and then wiped some off.
It took me a few days to complete this project start to finish, and luckily I had some decent weather to do the sanding and staining outside. 🙂
And ladies and gentleman, here’s the refinished dresser from the curb now made unique and beautiful:
When I first heard that the Minwax Color of the Year was Vintage Blue, I was thrilled. What an amazing color! It’s like a mix of duck egg and turquoise, and it really pops against the brown wood body and faux-aged copper pulls.
And I love how the dresser looks updated, but also timeworn and rustic.
Open the drawers and you’ll discover the beautiful colors of the world map which complement the Minwax Vintage Blue stain.
It’s a little masculine, but this narrow refinished dresser could work in many areas of the home.
Friend, you’re encouraged to pin or share any photos from this project to easily refer back to the DIY tutorial later. I’ve created a couple more images below:
I hope you’ve been inspired by this curbside refinished dresser makeover with Minwax products and the 2021 Color of the Year: Vintage Blue. Click here to learn more about Minwax product trends.
And now let’s have a giveaway: the winner will receive a can of Minwax Vintage Blue stain, the 2021 Color of the Year!
GOOD LUCK!
Gayle Harrison says
Looks great! Loving the new colour. I’m new to furniture makeovers and will definitely look for a piece to try this look on.
Jaime says
I love how you pulled all the colors together!
Leeanne Wheeler says
I’m usually a white, grey, or black paint girl, but I LOVE this!! I will definitely be trying!!
Carla from Kansas says
I’m a sucker for blue. This is a pretty color. I have a mid-century modern dresser that is stained brown similar to yours. This color would look fabulous on it.
Maureen Spencer says
Hi Jen
This is absolutely fabulous ! Very cool looking . It’s so satisfying to be able to transform the oldest and tattiest furniture and give it a new life . Keep up the good work. Kind regards, Mo x
Kelly says
Great curbside find! Color looks great. I always appreciate your step by step instructions.
Rebecca Payne says
Great Job! The color is so pretty and I love the copper cup pulls.
Lizzy says
Like always, your work is top-notch but I’m just not a fan of colored stains. I really like the map drawer liners, though.
Deborah Martin says
I love this color. I have a vintage desk I’d like to try it on.
Jenny B says
Love the drawer liner made out of maps – it’s genius. I could see that color in my daughters room. Need to restain or paint her dresser.
Claire says
Really impressed with the finished product! Where can the map paper be obtained or ordered from? Thank you
Lola Fields says
I really like this. The map paper is great
Kathy E. says
I have an old tv stand that I’m using for storage in my sewing room and it would look lovely in this blue minwax! Your dresser is gorgeous!
Fiona says
Beautiful! I’d love to use this color in my mermaid bathroom.
Mother Deer says
I love everything about this project; great colors and metal finishes. Bravo!
lesley says
i have two vintage dressers in my garage that are begging for this color!!
susan says
It’s really pretty! Love the copper pulls!
Susie Wilcox says
What a find on the side of the road! Love the new look. I use mostly Minwax products too, but needed the tutorial to remind me how to use each product. I have not tried the new semitransparent stain in the various colors yet. Need a project to try it out. Thanks for give away!
Rita says
Beautiful new color! Love to find treasures on the curb. My heart rate goes up!
Meena Scott says
The dresser came out beautiful. I have a small dresser I found by the curb, that I want to makeover for my bedroom. I would like to use the Minwax Vintage Blue stain on it.
Toni says
I love this color. This little dresser turned out beautiful.
Cindy Gaston says
Love the color and the transformation!
W.Jean Sisk says
I love this color of stain. Your project looks great!
Lori Sawyer says
What a fantastic find and i love the blue!
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Thank you Claire! The map is great quality and came from Amazon (and it’s inexpensive!) – here’s an affiliate link if you’re interested: https://amzn.to/3iWFhv5 🙂
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Yes I agree 100%! Thank you so much Mo! 🙂
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Aww thanks so much Leeanne! It’s hard not to love this color 🙂
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Thank you Carla, I definitely love all shades of blue! 🙂
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Thank you Jaime! xo
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Thanks so much Susie – and good luck! 🙂
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Oh that would be perfect, Fiona!
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Thanks so much Kathy! 🙂
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Aww thank you so much!
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
They would look lovely in Vintage Blue!
Veralynne Malone says
I love the blue. I have been wanting to get into furniture refinishing. I was given a vintage end table, and a vintage round dining table. One of the legs are damaged, but i think it can be repaired. May have to study up to learn how. I just think that little dresser is just adorable. I can see it in a baby boys room maybe with something nautical. Thanks for sharing!!!!!
Sara Walker says
Loving the combo of wood and colour; I can definitely see why Vintage Blue is the 2021 Colour of the Year!
DONNA OVERSTREET says
I love the blue! You did a great job on the transformation!
Sharon Rice says
I love this, it’s a new idea for me. I’m usually a paint person, but…..I love this!
Sarah Padgett says
Beautiful. The stain would be stunning on a headboard I picked up on the side of the road.
Karen Harrison says
Love the Vintage Blue! It will be perfect for my daughter’s dresser.
Also, do you have a source for the butterfly print? It would also be perfect in my daughter’s room. 😉
ANNA KENNEL says
As always, you have fabulous decor ideas!! And a “free” found item to boot. Good reason to case the neighborhoods on trash day.
Rhonda says
It looks great! What a beautiful color
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Thank you so much, Karen! I actually do have a direct link to where I bought the butterfly print on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3sYisvP It’s gorgeous! 🙂
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Thanks so much Donna! 🙂
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Thanks so much, Veralynne – and good luck with your projects! 🙂
Debbie says
I absolutely loce this new color! Love the way the dresser turned out and the copper pulls just finished the whole lookQ
Maryellen Webber says
Love the beautiful vintage blue color! This chest is so cute! Can you tell me where you bought the pretty butterfly print? Thanks very much!
Kris easton says
I would love to use this on the top of an antique table I rescued from being throw out. Its painted John Deer green, yuck!!!
LORRI RAUSCHER says
I love the way you did the drawers one colour and the body the brown stain. Woot Woot for the free dresser.. free is always good!!
Susan says
I’m a sucker for curbside finds. Really, someone has to rescue them! A great job on the makeover! The Minwax Vintage Blue and Barnwood Brown are great choices. Doesn’t everyone love a happy ending?
Joanna Gaylord says
I love love love the color. I have just the piece of furniture to use it on.
Christine Roppel says
WOW! This looks great! I Lovie the new color too.
Martha Whitney says
I’ve always liked blues similar to this because they seem to blend well with so many other colors. But until I saw this transformation I hadn’t thought that this is actually the perfect color and technique for a little chest of drawers that belonged to my Dad, but was so dull and dark that it never made it further than the garage when we last moved. I’m inspired so I am going to give it a go when the weather warms up. Thanks!
JANET SCHEN says
Great job and I love the vintage blue!
Marty says
I love that color of blue. I’m going to be a first time grandma in Sept! So if she has a boy, I know what color I’m using on a dresser!
Linda Dupuis says
I loved the refinish 5 drawer chess. Also the map on the inside. New color is great. I’ve been refinishing pieces for a long time and love minwax products. I’ll have to find something to use that new blue on. The handles add so much to the piece also. I have a question on the table you did what did you use to stencil the design on the top? I saw a round tube looking tool in your hand that you applying the paint to the stencil. What was it? That came out fantastic. I love doing stencils.
Carol San Diego says
I have a display cabinet I’d love to try this technique on. Such a pretty color!
Felicia says
Hi. This little dresser has to be my fave since I’ve been following your blog. I love the new finish from Minwax
MoeWest says
Such a pretty colour! I love the copper pulls with it too.
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
So sweet, thank you Felicia!
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Thank you, Linda! I think you are referring to this project?: https://girlinthegarage.net/2019/08/how-to-stencil-bone-inlay-furniture/ This is the “tube” applicator I prefer to stencil with: https://amzn.to/2YoRoHP (they are wonderful!)
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
That would be wonderful – congratulations, Marty! 🙂
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
I’m so glad you like this project, Martha! 🙂
Annette says
I’d use it on a table at the top of my stairs.
Jen, Girl in the Garage says
Thank you so much, MaryEllen! I actually do have a direct link to where I bought the butterfly print on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3sYisvP It’s gorgeous! 🙂