I am SO excited to share this super fun project with you all today!!! I mean really excited. It might just be my all time favorite painting/graphics project to date.
For real. Coastal themed chest, Chalk Painted & BLUE? All things I adore.
If you follow me on Instagram (I’m addicted to Instagram…I love it!) you’ve already seen this in action and little snippets of the finished piece before now. I post pictures there as I go long before they get here. Plus fun, random things too.
So ya ready?
I picked up this dresser at the thrift store for $50. More than I usually pay but it was made well and in good shape. And I’d been wanting a tall chest type dresser for awhile to do something like this on…so I took it home with me.
I created a new custom graphic on my computer about 3-4 months ago…just waiting for the right piece to use it on. I had originally planned to take this up to the shop once complete but um, no, it is still with me.
I couldn’t part with it.
Now, before I get going on the tutorial part, let me warn you, this is a photo heavy post. Hopefully it will load okay for you all. :)
The “before” is shown above…and yes, it did come with all the knobs attached but I had already removed them when I remembered I had forgotten to take a “before” pic.
I mean, really, I never forget to do that. (ha)
Paint Process:
First coat – “Provence” Chalk Paint
(and PLEASE disregard my lovely paint job on the wall behind it -half white-ish/half yellow. I recently repainted this room (more pics also on Instagram ;) ) and didn’t have to paint all the way around because we are in the process of building an entire wall of bookcase/cabinets on that back wall )
Second Coat– A blend of Old White & Pure White Chalk Paint (I left the middle section slats Provence because of the graphic I’ll be doing there)
I painted the Provence underneath because I wanted it to show through when I distressed it.
I did only one coat of the Old White/Pure White blend on top so the Provence color would show through a little bit all over.
I dry brushed the drawers (and the top)
To dry brush, I used a blend of Provence, the White blend I mixed up & some water to give dimension and a more weathered appearance.
(Dry brush is just that…taking a dry brush and putting only a small amount of paint on the edge of the bristles…then wiping away most of it before applying to the furniture piece)
Want to see some of these projects in “live” time? Hop on over and follow along with me on INSTAGRAM. I’m always sharing in my stories as I’m doing projects, finding new furniture, fun finds….just all the day to day behind the scenes.
I went back a few times and kept adding until I had it how I wanted it. Multi step process.
After that dried I started putting on the graphic with the help of my projector.
I use this method of transfer quite a lot, like on this Chalk Painted Estate Sideboard —>here)
Want to see ALL of my favorite transfer methods?? You can find them all in one post, here.
This is the time laborious part ….but it’s mind therapy for me. ;)
You can see the dry brushing I did better in this photo.
Want to see a VIDEO on exactly how to dry brush? All the ins and outs, here >>> “How To Dry Brush – Video“
Up close….
I used a white watercolor pencil to draw in the graphic since I was going to be painting the letters white.
I then used the same white blend of Chalk Paint I used on the rest of the piece to paint in the wording.
Finished painting the graphics on my little coastal themed chest…a little light sanding (with a fine grit sandpaper) to distress –
Looks like the paint color is a mess from sanding but it will be okay.
And now…see the blue peeking through the white on the sides? I finished it with one coat of Clear Wax.
Close up of the distressing, graphics and dry brush.
And yes, those are different knobs. (in case you didn’t notice) I wanted crystal style but didn’t have enough of one type….so I mixed it up a bit.
I was thinking I would do it for picture taking purposes only and change them out to match later…..but I actually like the look of the mixed knobs now.
I believe they will stay.
A little nautical styling on my “brand new” coastal themed chest….
And a full frontal ;)
I really do like the knobs mismatched…it’s a bit whimsical & eclectic to me and I like that.
Such a super fun piece! And a keeper….cause I’m keeping it. ;)
Want the free printable?
PIN this coastal themed dresser for later! :)
So what do you think? You like? How about the mismatched knobs? Yes or no?
Be sure to check in next, when I share what I did with this old table!
I LOVE your knobs and don’t mind at all that they’re mismatched. ;) In fact, they make it way cuter than if they were all matching. The whole piece rocks!!!
I love this little dresser. Having a projector to do graphics would be great. Have you always used it and do you like it better than a stencil?
I would keep this dresser too!!!! Thanks for sharing!
Hi Kelly!
Thanks so much. :)
No, I don’t use stencils much. I do mostly graphics (from The Graphics Fairy or ones I create on the computer) and transfer with the projector, or by coloring the back of the graphic and tracing it onto the piece. Sometimes I will hand draw the letters in. (though not often! ;) ) And yes, it’s so funny…it really was meant to go to the shop but the more I worked on it, the more I knew it was going to stay right here!
Nancy
If I were hunting for a projector like yours….where would I find one like that? I have seen a few small kinds at joanns but reluctant to buy cuz I didn’t know if they were worth the $110+ Yes Graphic Fairy has beautiful graphics….I need to figure out the whole download and sizing thing~ I’m sure it’s a gazillion times better than stencils.
Thanks K
LOVE it Nancy!! So pretty (or should I say handsome?!). Your technique is awesome and added such character and sense of age and history to it. Wonderful!!
Love, love, love it. I will check craigslist for a projector, who knew in this world of digital everything that a projector would be a gal’s best friend. My dad had so many and well, got rid of so many :)
I love crystal knobs and found a place to get them that are reproductions and aged. I use them on everything almost. If you didn’t say it I wouldn’t know the knobs were mismatched. The whole thing is just fantastic.
Thank you Patti-Ann! :) I know! Old school projectors are my best friend anyway. ;) And I do love crystal knobs myself. I also put them on my China Cabinet when I painted it last year. :)
Nancy
Lovely! I love the coastal theme of your dresser and also the color. Our school is loaded with old overhead projectors that aren’t being used. I just may have to take mine home for a weekend at some point for a project like yours.
OMGoodness this turned out AMAZING! I saw it the other day and wanted to comment, but I was at an appointment and didn’t have time. I’ve been meaning to come back ever since! I LOVE this. I can’t believe you created the graphics. I found a projector this summer for $30 at a yard sale, but I have yet to put it to work! Great job! :)
XO,
Christy
This is just amazing!! You did such a great job on the entire project. I still haven’t used my thrift store overhead!! Looks like yours is one that attaches to the computer…lucky girl! Just shared to my buffer and pinterest! Hugs~Christy
Could you tell me what you use to paint your letters with. I am not sure that I would be able to use a paint brush for this. I found you on a utube video, first time here and love your stuff :)
Hi Millana,
I used a small artist’s brush (very small). You can find them at any Arts & Crafts store. And thanks so much…so happy to have you here!! :)
EEEKKK- I am so excited you linked this one up Nancy! I am featuring it on my blog tomorrow- Thank you, thank you, thank you for linking up to Get Your DIY On last week. I hope you’ll come back tomorrow with any holiday signs :)
Oh yay! :) Thank you so much Mandy!! And yes, I just so happen to have a holiday sign I can link up. ;) (and another fun one in the works!! but it won’t be ready by tomorrow!!lol)
Thanks again!!
Nancy
Thanks so much Marie :) It’s one of my favorites! And my most complex (not that it’s all that complex ;) ) graphics I’ve designed myself. A fun one to do, for sure!
Nancy
Oh my gosh, this is so pretty! Makes me want to go find an old chest of drawers and paint them up, just like this. Don’t know where I’d put it, but I’d find room. Somewhere. :)
Oh thank you so much Karin. :) This is one of my favorite pieces! I had not planned to keep it originally. It was to be one of the pieces I was painting to sell….but I couldn’t part with it!! So here it stayed. :)
Nancy
This is the most beautiful painted piece I have EVER seen. Be still my heart…you are incredibly talented and you should be extremely proud of yourself! BEAUTIFUL!!!
OH thank you so much!! :) It is one of my favorite pieces. I worked on the graphic for awhile to get it just right and had originally planned to sell it…but then couldn’t part with it!
Nancy
Hi Sheila!
Thanks so much! I am actually putting together an entire ebook of graphics/printables I’ve created for the blog, including brand new ones never featured on the blog, that I hope will be ready very soon.
I am including other “knots nautical” items as well.
I can keep your email handy and let you know when it’s ready.
Nancy
Thank you! I went ahead with some other graphics, but would still love to use yours when it is ready. Thanks!
OH I’m so sorry Sheila! But yes, I will keep your info handy with a note to let you know when it’s up and ready to go! :)
I’ll be sharing it here on the blog when it’s ready also.
Have a great weekend!
Nancy
Nancy, This dreser has my name all over it! I tracked it down from Meegan Makes when she featured it on her Blue Monday! Beautiful! I’m bummed that I gave my projector away before I moved here:( I see how useful it is. Your dresser will be on my mind when I finish one for our bedroom makeover!
I LOVE this! And after a quick look around your blog I pretty much love everything you do! Not sure how I haven’t found your blog before today, but I’m so glad I did! You have so many cute ideas Nancy!!
I actually did not paint the inside of these drawers. If I were going to, I’d probably paint them white and then line the bottoms with a pretty, patterned paper or fabric. :)
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I love this! And I want to do this! Love the painting and distresing techniques. Where/how did you get the graphic?
P.S. The mismatched knobs…YES!
Thanks Karen! I created the graphic from scratch in one of my computer programs. I came up with the wording/design, etc. :)
Nancy
I LOVE your knobs and don’t mind at all that they’re mismatched. ;) In fact, they make it way cuter than if they were all matching. The whole piece rocks!!!
-andi
Thanks Andi! :) I did this piece a few months ago and the knobs are still mismatched! Think they are staying. :)
Adorable!!
I love this little dresser. Having a projector to do graphics would be great. Have you always used it and do you like it better than a stencil?
I would keep this dresser too!!!! Thanks for sharing!
Hi Kelly!
Thanks so much. :)
No, I don’t use stencils much. I do mostly graphics (from The Graphics Fairy or ones I create on the computer) and transfer with the projector, or by coloring the back of the graphic and tracing it onto the piece. Sometimes I will hand draw the letters in. (though not often! ;) ) And yes, it’s so funny…it really was meant to go to the shop but the more I worked on it, the more I knew it was going to stay right here!
Nancy
If I were hunting for a projector like yours….where would I find one like that? I have seen a few small kinds at joanns but reluctant to buy cuz I didn’t know if they were worth the $110+ Yes Graphic Fairy has beautiful graphics….I need to figure out the whole download and sizing thing~ I’m sure it’s a gazillion times better than stencils.
Thanks K
I picked up my projector off of Craigslist for around $40. I always tell people to check there, it seems there are always some for sale! :)
SO beautiful, Nancy! Love it! And you’re right– the mismatched knobs really suit it! Hope you’re having a great week, friend!
~Abby =)
Thanks friend! :) Everyone seems to love the mismatched knobs!! So glad I’m not the only one that thought that looked kinda cool! ;)
xo
Nancy
LOVE it Nancy!! So pretty (or should I say handsome?!). Your technique is awesome and added such character and sense of age and history to it. Wonderful!!
Thanks so much Krista! :) This was a fun one to do! But I love anything with graphics! ;)
Nancy
Love, love, love it. I will check craigslist for a projector, who knew in this world of digital everything that a projector would be a gal’s best friend. My dad had so many and well, got rid of so many :)
I love crystal knobs and found a place to get them that are reproductions and aged. I use them on everything almost. If you didn’t say it I wouldn’t know the knobs were mismatched. The whole thing is just fantastic.
Thank you Patti-Ann! :) I know! Old school projectors are my best friend anyway. ;) And I do love crystal knobs myself. I also put them on my China Cabinet when I painted it last year. :)
Nancy
omgoodness how cute is this! I love it.
Thank you! :)
Lovely! I love the coastal theme of your dresser and also the color. Our school is loaded with old overhead projectors that aren’t being used. I just may have to take mine home for a weekend at some point for a project like yours.
Oh lucky you Paula! Yes, do, bring one home and play! :) Nancy
OMGoodness this turned out AMAZING! I saw it the other day and wanted to comment, but I was at an appointment and didn’t have time. I’ve been meaning to come back ever since! I LOVE this. I can’t believe you created the graphics. I found a projector this summer for $30 at a yard sale, but I have yet to put it to work! Great job! :)
XO,
Christy
Thank you Christy! It’s one of my all time favorites now. And to think, I almost had it going to the shop!! ;)
Good find on the projector!
Nancy
lOVE THE NATICAL DRESSER! cute idea,i would love to feature it,if that would be ok please let me know,
lauren
Oh yes! Thank you so much, I would be honored. :)
Nancy
Beautiful!! My new favorite of yours :)
Aw thanks Mandy!! I think it might be my favorite too! ;)
Nancy
This is just amazing!! You did such a great job on the entire project. I still haven’t used my thrift store overhead!! Looks like yours is one that attaches to the computer…lucky girl! Just shared to my buffer and pinterest! Hugs~Christy
Hey Christy!
Thanks so much…and nope, mine doesn’t attach to my computer, I don’t think it does anyway! ;)
Thanks so much for the shares!
xo
Nancy
This is just gorgeous! It turned out amazing and agree with everyone else on the mismatched knobs..
Hugs
Karin
Hi Karin,
Thanks so much! So funny how something like that (the mismatched knobs) turns out to be a good thing! Love when that happens. :)
Nancy
Could you tell me what you use to paint your letters with. I am not sure that I would be able to use a paint brush for this. I found you on a utube video, first time here and love your stuff :)
Hi Millana,
I used a small artist’s brush (very small). You can find them at any Arts & Crafts store. And thanks so much…so happy to have you here!! :)
Nancy
Saw this DIY on Pintrest it really is amazing thanks for sharing it and the steps to create it.
Hi Joyce,
You are so very welcome! :)
Nancy
EEEKKK- I am so excited you linked this one up Nancy! I am featuring it on my blog tomorrow- Thank you, thank you, thank you for linking up to Get Your DIY On last week. I hope you’ll come back tomorrow with any holiday signs :)
Mandy @ The Hankful House Blog
Oh yay! :) Thank you so much Mandy!! And yes, I just so happen to have a holiday sign I can link up. ;) (and another fun one in the works!! but it won’t be ready by tomorrow!!lol)
Thanks again!!
Nancy
I love the dresser! Great job!
Thanks so much Marie :) It’s one of my favorites! And my most complex (not that it’s all that complex ;) ) graphics I’ve designed myself. A fun one to do, for sure!
Nancy
Oh my gosh, this is so pretty! Makes me want to go find an old chest of drawers and paint them up, just like this. Don’t know where I’d put it, but I’d find room. Somewhere. :)
Oh thank you so much Karin. :) This is one of my favorite pieces! I had not planned to keep it originally. It was to be one of the pieces I was painting to sell….but I couldn’t part with it!! So here it stayed. :)
Nancy
This is the most beautiful painted piece I have EVER seen. Be still my heart…you are incredibly talented and you should be extremely proud of yourself! BEAUTIFUL!!!
Have a great day! Pamie G.
OH thank you so much!! :) It is one of my favorite pieces. I worked on the graphic for awhile to get it just right and had originally planned to sell it…but then couldn’t part with it!
Nancy
Hi Nancy – This is absolutely phenomenal! Is your graphic available for sale? I would love to use it on a dresser I am working on. Thanks, Sheila
Hi Sheila!
Thanks so much! I am actually putting together an entire ebook of graphics/printables I’ve created for the blog, including brand new ones never featured on the blog, that I hope will be ready very soon.
I am including other “knots nautical” items as well.
I can keep your email handy and let you know when it’s ready.
Nancy
Thank you! I went ahead with some other graphics, but would still love to use yours when it is ready. Thanks!
OH I’m so sorry Sheila! But yes, I will keep your info handy with a note to let you know when it’s up and ready to go! :)
I’ll be sharing it here on the blog when it’s ready also.
Have a great weekend!
Nancy
Nancy, This dreser has my name all over it! I tracked it down from Meegan Makes when she featured it on her Blue Monday! Beautiful! I’m bummed that I gave my projector away before I moved here:( I see how useful it is. Your dresser will be on my mind when I finish one for our bedroom makeover!
Thank you Wendi! :) Oh, you need to get another! ;) I got this one for about $40 off of CL. It has definitely been very handy!!
Nancy
What a fun project, I love the color you chose. Thanks for the great tutorial!
Thanks Betsy!
I just love all the blues!! Oh and you are welcome…I hope it is helpful to you!! :)
Nancy
This is gorgeous. I love how you use the projector.
Thank you Kelly! Yes, the projector makes the job a bunch easier. :)
Nancy
Really fabulous, Nancy! I like the look of mismatched knobs and the paint looks fantastic!
Thank you…it’s one of my favorites! :) I wasn’t sure about the mismatched knobs but they have stayed! ;)
Nancy
It is fantastic. The knobs are great. I wouldn’t be able to part with it either.
Thanks Michelle! I have come to love the mismatched knobs…they stay to this day! :)
Nancy
I LOVE this! And after a quick look around your blog I pretty much love everything you do! Not sure how I haven’t found your blog before today, but I’m so glad I did! You have so many cute ideas Nancy!!
Aw thanks so much Amy!! :)
Hope you have a fabulous weekend!
Nancy
I love the graphic you used, it’s so stinking cute! Love it!
Thanks so much Betsy!! :)
Nancy
Love the nautical dresser. I know the post is older. I was wondering if you painted the inside of the drawers and what color?
Hi Karen!
I actually did not paint the inside of these drawers. If I were going to, I’d probably paint them white and then line the bottoms with a pretty, patterned paper or fabric. :)