Creating a white stain by using chalk paint makes for a simple application and beautiful look…without all the mess!
Hey friends!
You might remember that I mentioned in this post how I am giving this once made over piece, another makeover!
Who does that? Oh right, I already told you….me! Lots and lots of times….me.
So I gave it one!
A brand new look, white stain.
And I thought I’d share it today for Trash To Treasure Tuesday with my friends and their treasures.
If you are new around here, the first Tuesday of every month, I get together with a few friends and we share our finds that we’ve given a makeover to.
Be sure to scroll all the way to the bottom to catch their makeovers, too!
And you guys, this piece of mine truly is a treasure to me.
It’s not really trash except…it was left behind in a garage in a vacant home so that qualifies, right? Yep!
The story behind it is simplistic but hey, what can I say, I’m a huge sentimentalist!
My husband and I got this dresser for free when I was pregnant with our first child.
We brought it home and I gave it a mini makeover (a little sanding and a fresh coat of poly). But that was 26 years ago…gasp!
How can it be???
Anyway, we used it in our daughter’s nursery and when she was a toddler. Our son came along almost 6 years later and we used it for him as well.
I still have the baby-styled liner (pink and blue) lining a couple of the drawers. lol
So this one has such sweet memories attached to it, I’d never let it go.
Once they grew out of it, we’ve used it in our living areas ever since, in one way or another.
Here it is at one point…
Ignore the mess. And obviously, this is a photo of a photo but it gives you an idea of how it started.
Then I did this to it…
I hand-painted the graphic onto the Coco chalk-painted dresser.
Which then finished up looking like this…
Which I really enjoyed for many years.
That brings me to today.
Today my home decor is completely different and this style just didn’t really go anymore.
I previously had a French country, coastal cottage look.
Now I’m a bit more coastal glam, or that’s what I’m calling it anyway.
Since the dresser stays, it had to have a makeover.
I used my absolute favorite paint remover, Citristrip, to get all the old paint off.
I love it because I hate using strong chemicals and this works so well.
I did it right inside my house (on a huge tarp, of course) and was done in no time!
Came off like a charm.
If you follow along with me on Instagram, you might have seen my “stories” on Friday night as I was doing this.
I shared a snippet or two.
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.
Then on Sunday, I took it outside to lightly sand it all over.
(this was after Citristrip and before sanding)
You can see it is very rustic looking with all the knots, etc.
Once it was sanded (It was freezing, of course! I don’t like working outside in the cold. lol) I brought it back in and got busy with the white stain.
I washed all the wood to remove the sanding dust and then mixed up a somewhat watery mix of paint for the white stain.
I used this white paint and water.
I applied it with a chip brush all over and then gently wiped it away with a soft rag (like an old t-shirt).
You don’t have to be too perfect here, you just want the white stain to sink into the wood some before you wipe.
This wood had so much of its own color, I was getting more of a “pickled” look which is fine, but not what I was after.
So I let that dry and then I applied another coat.
It still wasn’t white enough for me so I added some “dry” brushing over the whole thing.
Dry is in quotations because it wasn’t really dry this time but I did it in the same manner as I usually dry brush.
Only, I used the watered-down paint. I did it this way so I wouldn’t apply too much paint.
After that, I decided I wanted it a little whiter still.
So I used the same “wet” brush and full paint this time, not watered down, in the typical way of dry brushing. (except with a wet brush) You can see my how-to video for dry brushing in this post here >>> How To Dry Brush
I’m sorry if that all sounds confusing! That’s how it goes sometimes when things don’t immediately turn out as you plan.
You just have to keep going, keep adding, etc. If I completely lost you and you have any questions, just ask me below.
That sweet wood bowl was hand carved by an elderly gentleman that I found at a market. He had such beautiful pieces and he loved to tell you how he made his wares. And I loved to listen.
So of course, I had to bring something home with me. Yes, I could have gotten something similar (and have) from TJ Maxx or the like, for probably less than half what I paid. But this is SO special to me. Every time I see it, I smile at the thought of the pride this man had in his work and the love he put into his pieces.
A treasured piece, for sure.
Okay, back to the dresser.
Once that was all done and dry, I tried out this top coat. I’ll let you know how it holds up and if I like it.
I happened to have 2 more packs of these knobs, 8, in the garage left over from when I did our buffet makeover.
They came as gold but very brassy gold. For the buffet I linked above, I painted them white and turned them the other way.
I wanted them long ways, sideways this time.
And used this gold paint to tone them down a bit.
I like that they have a nautical look.
(by the way, that second drawer doesn’t have a dark run in it…that’s a knot. Take a look at the “before” photo above and you’ll see it)
But dang, it looks just like a run! lol
Oh well, we call that charm….or character, right.
I’m pretty happy with how it turned out. I think it looks SO much better in this room, with my decor, with the updated look.
Curious about those pretty, new wood floors? You can find out all about them in this post.
The white stain gave it sort of a washed look and even though I had to add more white, you can still see some of the wood, knots, and grain underneath.
I am hoping the wood doesn’t bleed on me and turn this project yellow.
Time will tell!
Even though I only completed this yesterday, I’m really enjoying the new white stain looks so much better in here.
Plus, this little dresser is smaller than what I had in this spot previously, so it feels a little roomier too. (and even more so now that it’s a light color)
PIN this for later to save it! :) (don’t forget to scroll on down and see my friends’ makeovers)
But wait!!
Don’t go just yet! Hop on over and see what kind of treasures my friends made of these finds today. (links are below)
Ha, right?! Yes, it was and I enjoyed it that way for years. But it was time for change and fresh is exactly how I feel about it! :) Thanks Larissa!! xo
Thank you Julie! Yes, white wax is fun too! I considered using that actually! I just love the fresh, light and relaxed look it (and white wash) gives everything.:) xo
I really love this look! I have a similar old dresser in the garage that I would love to try this on. Anxiously awaiting to see if you get bleed through. Do you think it would have the same results if I used the clear shellac on it first?
Thanks Susan! Yes, I’m so hoping not! I’ve already been devising a plan just in case though. ;) Yes, you could get a similar look if you applied Shellac first since I ended up adding so many coats of paint (washed, dry brushed, etc). I considered using it but didn’t because I wanted the paint wash to sink into the wood and give that white stained effect. But in the end, I could have, since like I said, I added more paint than I had planned so I honestly don’t think it would’ve changed the end look that much. IF I have to redo it, that’s exactly what I’ll do and instead of giving it a “stain wash”, I’ll just do some wet and dry brushing to get a similar look. :) xo
Thank you Christina! I’m really happy with it! Like a breath of fresh air. I wasn’t sure what color or what type of knobs I’d use when I started. So happy I remembered I had these! :) xo
I can understand why you wouldn’t want to get rid of it and it is such a great size that you can easily find a place for so that works out great. You know I love the relaxed coastal feel of it for sure! XOXO
So Pretty!!! I understand what you mean about a technique not always turning out the way you want and having to tweak it as you go until you get it right! That happened to me recently when I did a paint wash on my brick fireplace and also painted the wood trim around it. I thought I was only going to do the wash with watered down tan paint on the brick and same paint color on the wood but it looked very blah. Then I had the idea to use antiquing glaze on both the bricks and painted wood that added warmth and depth, and oh my goodness! It wasn’t what I envisioned before but I like it so much better! I really enjoy your projects!
OH my gosh yes, Vicki! That happens to me a lot! I have all these lovely visions and ideas in my head and they don’t always go as planned. But that’s okay, sometimes I do them completely over or like you said, tweak them until they’re right…or right enough. ;) And what you just described….I LOVE when that happens!! That is the absolute best. :) Thank you!! xoxo
I know!! haha I did have to think on it for awhile before I went through with it. But I knew it needed to be done since it’s one I’m keeping. :) And thank you Jen! xo
When I saw you were going to redo the beautiful Coco graphic dresser I thought “Oh no!” because I loved it so much. But, I love this lighter brighter version,too. It feels airier and happier for some reason. It’s hard to say because I really liked the Coco version but I do believe I may like this even better – and I don’t like white! Fantastic!
I know!! lol I was worried everyone would think I’d lost my mind and gone one re-makeover too many by removing all that hard work! ;) And yes, it truly feels like a breath of fresh air in here so your description of it is just perfect! So fun that you may even like this one better, yay!! Love that!! :) Thank you Christie!! xoxo
What a gorgeous transformation, even though I really loved the previous look on this cherished dresser! With all the other changes you’ve made in your room, this new look is sooo beautiful and perfect!
Thank you Kaycee!! I was worried that everyone would think I’m crazy for removing my old work on this one! ;) But like you said, this really does go so much better with my new decor! :) xoxo
Nancy: Yours is one of the few furniture blogs I still get. Am getting too feeble to do anymore painting of my own, but enjoy your attitude and your posts so much I just keep reading. The energy of the young wears me out just thinking about the work and creativity they produce.
I liked the earlier finish, but graphics are yesterday and this one is today, so march on, time!
I like this finish, but there was something not quite “right” in the final picture. It was the electric lamp and candles on the same chest! Just strikes me as “off.” Hope I’m forgiven for mentioning it. And imagine you already have change the accessories anyway? Thanks for another good one. If you have a post on what to do with a shopful of paint and “stuff,” I hope you’ll post it for moi….and others with the need to simplify their lives.
Hi MJ!! I am SO happy to have you here still! And I absolutely love that you felt comfortable enough to tell me that! Yes, lol, I hadn’t even considered that. But you are right, it is somewhat silly, isn’t it?? I wasn’t looking at it as how they are used but more from a design aspect. You opened my eyes though!! Surprisingly, I haven’t changed that yet. But now I’ll have to change it up! haha It’s about that time anyway. ;)
Are you on Facebook? Maybe one of the local “trash to treasures” or “garage sale” type groups would be a good place to list all your old supplies. I bet they would get snatched up quickly as there are furniture painters, and crafty people selling on there all the time! xoxo
Good idea. I am on FB, but so much to do, so little time……….Will start making my list to post. Maybe on my local garage sale FB page to start. Hate to toss so much expensive paint and supplies.
Thanks for your gracious reply to my comments. Keep those projects coming.
It’s been two years or more since i took the seats off the Habitat dining room chairs. And I need to get them reupholstered before my house sells!!! LOL. Not going to happen!!!! Cheers, MJ
Wonderful “flashback” to a beautiful makeover. Still one of my favorites! Love the white “stain” look. Very nautical with those pulls. Have a wonderful weekend!!
I didn’t see this was a previous post and wondered why you didn’t mention that you’re taking it to the beach house ;) Did you have any bleeding on this piece? I love the whitewash! Sometimes I get an image in my head and have to just keep playing around with the paint until I get what I’m after! Good to know I’m not the only one!
Hey Denise, no, none at all! Yes, it would and it has also held up very well. Not only that but I’ve had little to no yellowing which is a definite win! xo
Well, I’m not in love with this redo! This old pine cottage chest with brass keyholes would be so warm and cozy in a country pine . The handles do not look nautical to me more modern.
It’s a beautiful piece . Sorry!
No need to be sorry! That’s okay, I understand not everyone will love everything I do! I might even have left it more natural had I made it over now. But I do love and enjoy it as is with the white stain. And yes, I can see what you mean about the handles. I feel like they looked like dock cleats for boats so thought they were a good fit. :)
Nancy, I have a herringbone patterned wood floor on my first floor in it’s natural color. I can’t get it refinished but I’d really love to do a white or gray wash treatment so that it would blend more and compliment my gray color scheme. Do you think this treatment that you did on the chest would work for my floors?
Hi Jay, I don’t see why not. I would just make sure you clean it very well beforehand and make sure you use a good, hard poly finish. (Varathane Floor Finish – water- based – is a good one)
I really like this look and this piece came out so pretty. I have to say though, there are so many paints available without harmful odors and VOC’s so I don’t understand why you would be exposing yourself to these harmful things when you do so much painting. I hope you don’t mind my saying that.
Oh goodness, I’m sorry I don’t know what you mean? The paint I used was low to no VOC. And I don’t mind at all, I am just confused, which paint are you referring to?
Oh, I am sorry, Diana, I don’t remember. BUT it’s okay because you kind of mix and play with it until you get the right consistency. I would start more watery and add from there. (easier to wipe away watery white paint than too thick white paint) Your set will look amazing done like this! xo
I enjoy a “walk back in time” and this post did not disappoint! I loved it several years ago, but seeing a few years later, I “see” more of the details and elbow grease that went into the transformation! I love the knobs and the chest looks amazing in its new home. Thanks for sharing. Have a wonderful and fun weekend.
I love this dresser! Very coastal looking! Do you remember where you got the knobs? I am transforming two dressers and can’t seem to find the right knob…
I think I got them from TJ Maxx. But take a look on Amazon or online for “dock or boat cleats”. You can use those and paint them whatever color you need! I did that on this console table I painted recently. https://www.artsychicksrule.com/aqua-console-table-with-driftwood-stain/
Hope that helps!
Nancy
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Beautiful makeover Nancy! I love the whitewash look very much and the handles are perfect for a nautical look. Well done!!
Thank you Christina! I’m loving the new look so much! It’s like a breath of fresh air when I walk into the room. :) xo
Wow times two!! The first redo was fun, but I adore the new look. So fresh! Great job, Nancy.
Ha, right?! Yes, it was and I enjoyed it that way for years. But it was time for change and fresh is exactly how I feel about it! :) Thanks Larissa!! xo
I have a pine chest too I like this look for it and my taste has lightened up through the years.
Oh yes, you should give it a go then! :) And I’m with you there, my tastes have lightened tremendously over the years, too. :) xo
Love the dresser!! I’m obsessed with white wax!!!
Thank you Julie! Yes, white wax is fun too! I considered using that actually! I just love the fresh, light and relaxed look it (and white wash) gives everything.:) xo
I really love this look! I have a similar old dresser in the garage that I would love to try this on. Anxiously awaiting to see if you get bleed through. Do you think it would have the same results if I used the clear shellac on it first?
Thanks Susan! Yes, I’m so hoping not! I’ve already been devising a plan just in case though. ;) Yes, you could get a similar look if you applied Shellac first since I ended up adding so many coats of paint (washed, dry brushed, etc). I considered using it but didn’t because I wanted the paint wash to sink into the wood and give that white stained effect. But in the end, I could have, since like I said, I added more paint than I had planned so I honestly don’t think it would’ve changed the end look that much. IF I have to redo it, that’s exactly what I’ll do and instead of giving it a “stain wash”, I’ll just do some wet and dry brushing to get a similar look. :) xo
Turned out very nice, love the color scheme.
Thank you Christina! I’m really happy with it! Like a breath of fresh air. I wasn’t sure what color or what type of knobs I’d use when I started. So happy I remembered I had these! :) xo
I can understand why you wouldn’t want to get rid of it and it is such a great size that you can easily find a place for so that works out great. You know I love the relaxed coastal feel of it for sure! XOXO
Yes and yes…chridty!! ;) hahaha Had to after our text earlier! lol But yes, it’s a keeper and also smaller which is nice too. Thanks! xoxo
So Pretty!!! I understand what you mean about a technique not always turning out the way you want and having to tweak it as you go until you get it right! That happened to me recently when I did a paint wash on my brick fireplace and also painted the wood trim around it. I thought I was only going to do the wash with watered down tan paint on the brick and same paint color on the wood but it looked very blah. Then I had the idea to use antiquing glaze on both the bricks and painted wood that added warmth and depth, and oh my goodness! It wasn’t what I envisioned before but I like it so much better! I really enjoy your projects!
OH my gosh yes, Vicki! That happens to me a lot! I have all these lovely visions and ideas in my head and they don’t always go as planned. But that’s okay, sometimes I do them completely over or like you said, tweak them until they’re right…or right enough. ;) And what you just described….I LOVE when that happens!! That is the absolute best. :) Thank you!! xoxo
LOVE the simplicity of this piece. The knobs are awesome! Amazing work, as usual.
Thank you so much Brooke! :) And yes, the knobs just make this one I think! So glad I remembered I had them! xo
That looks great!
Thank you Crystal!! :) I’m so happy with how it turned out! xo
Nancy, I can’t believe you got rid of the French words! ;) Tastes change, and it’s seriously beautiful now though. xo
I know!! haha I did have to think on it for awhile before I went through with it. But I knew it needed to be done since it’s one I’m keeping. :) And thank you Jen! xo
I love everything you do!!
Aw, that is so nice of you to say, thank you so much Vickie!! :) xoxo
When I saw you were going to redo the beautiful Coco graphic dresser I thought “Oh no!” because I loved it so much. But, I love this lighter brighter version,too. It feels airier and happier for some reason. It’s hard to say because I really liked the Coco version but I do believe I may like this even better – and I don’t like white! Fantastic!
I know!! lol I was worried everyone would think I’d lost my mind and gone one re-makeover too many by removing all that hard work! ;) And yes, it truly feels like a breath of fresh air in here so your description of it is just perfect! So fun that you may even like this one better, yay!! Love that!! :) Thank you Christie!! xoxo
What a gorgeous transformation, even though I really loved the previous look on this cherished dresser! With all the other changes you’ve made in your room, this new look is sooo beautiful and perfect!
Thank you Kaycee!! I was worried that everyone would think I’m crazy for removing my old work on this one! ;) But like you said, this really does go so much better with my new decor! :) xoxo
Nancy: Yours is one of the few furniture blogs I still get. Am getting too feeble to do anymore painting of my own, but enjoy your attitude and your posts so much I just keep reading. The energy of the young wears me out just thinking about the work and creativity they produce.
I liked the earlier finish, but graphics are yesterday and this one is today, so march on, time!
I like this finish, but there was something not quite “right” in the final picture. It was the electric lamp and candles on the same chest! Just strikes me as “off.” Hope I’m forgiven for mentioning it. And imagine you already have change the accessories anyway? Thanks for another good one. If you have a post on what to do with a shopful of paint and “stuff,” I hope you’ll post it for moi….and others with the need to simplify their lives.
Hi MJ!! I am SO happy to have you here still! And I absolutely love that you felt comfortable enough to tell me that! Yes, lol, I hadn’t even considered that. But you are right, it is somewhat silly, isn’t it?? I wasn’t looking at it as how they are used but more from a design aspect. You opened my eyes though!! Surprisingly, I haven’t changed that yet. But now I’ll have to change it up! haha It’s about that time anyway. ;)
Are you on Facebook? Maybe one of the local “trash to treasures” or “garage sale” type groups would be a good place to list all your old supplies. I bet they would get snatched up quickly as there are furniture painters, and crafty people selling on there all the time! xoxo
Good idea. I am on FB, but so much to do, so little time……….Will start making my list to post. Maybe on my local garage sale FB page to start. Hate to toss so much expensive paint and supplies.
Thanks for your gracious reply to my comments. Keep those projects coming.
It’s been two years or more since i took the seats off the Habitat dining room chairs. And I need to get them reupholstered before my house sells!!! LOL. Not going to happen!!!! Cheers, MJ
Yes, that’s a great idea too! Ha! Good luck with your chairs. :) xoxo
I do love all the inspirations you create. I’ve created few bits but it’s space I need.
Aw thanks so much Jennie!! Yes, extra space is always a win! :) xo
Wonderful “flashback” to a beautiful makeover. Still one of my favorites! Love the white “stain” look. Very nautical with those pulls. Have a wonderful weekend!!
Aw, thanks, Christina! xoxo
I didn’t see this was a previous post and wondered why you didn’t mention that you’re taking it to the beach house ;) Did you have any bleeding on this piece? I love the whitewash! Sometimes I get an image in my head and have to just keep playing around with the paint until I get what I’m after! Good to know I’m not the only one!
Haha no…and no I didn’t have any bleedthru at all. I have to do that sometimes too!! And then sometimes start over when it doesn’t go as planned~ lol
I too would like to know if there was any bleed through? Since it was done long enough ago I would guess it would show by now. Love the piece!
Hey Denise, no, none at all! Yes, it would and it has also held up very well. Not only that but I’ve had little to no yellowing which is a definite win! xo
Well, I’m not in love with this redo! This old pine cottage chest with brass keyholes would be so warm and cozy in a country pine . The handles do not look nautical to me more modern.
It’s a beautiful piece . Sorry!
No need to be sorry! That’s okay, I understand not everyone will love everything I do! I might even have left it more natural had I made it over now. But I do love and enjoy it as is with the white stain. And yes, I can see what you mean about the handles. I feel like they looked like dock cleats for boats so thought they were a good fit. :)
Nancy, I have a herringbone patterned wood floor on my first floor in it’s natural color. I can’t get it refinished but I’d really love to do a white or gray wash treatment so that it would blend more and compliment my gray color scheme. Do you think this treatment that you did on the chest would work for my floors?
Hi Jay, I don’t see why not. I would just make sure you clean it very well beforehand and make sure you use a good, hard poly finish. (Varathane Floor Finish – water- based – is a good one)
I really like this look and this piece came out so pretty. I have to say though, there are so many paints available without harmful odors and VOC’s so I don’t understand why you would be exposing yourself to these harmful things when you do so much painting. I hope you don’t mind my saying that.
Oh goodness, I’m sorry I don’t know what you mean? The paint I used was low to no VOC. And I don’t mind at all, I am just confused, which paint are you referring to?
The Rustoleum paint in the link.
Oh! Well, that one is pretty low VOC with no odor. I haven’t had any issues with it but am really not using it as much these days. :)
It looks very nice and a unique look. Well done!
Thank you, Rose! :)
What was the water to paint ratio? Have been wanting to redo my bedroom set and love this!
Oh, I am sorry, Diana, I don’t remember. BUT it’s okay because you kind of mix and play with it until you get the right consistency. I would start more watery and add from there. (easier to wipe away watery white paint than too thick white paint) Your set will look amazing done like this! xo
I enjoy a “walk back in time” and this post did not disappoint! I loved it several years ago, but seeing a few years later, I “see” more of the details and elbow grease that went into the transformation! I love the knobs and the chest looks amazing in its new home. Thanks for sharing. Have a wonderful and fun weekend.
Oh yes, me too, glad you did also, Sue! :) Happy week to you! xoxo
Hi,Nancy,
I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoy reading your posts.It is always a real day-brightener. I admire your talent and creativity!
Aw, thank you so much for that, Gabrielle!! And you just brightened mine…so thank you. Hugs!!! xoxo
I love that whitewashed look, Nancy! Although something tells me my finished piece would never look as gorgeous as yours does! xo
Of course it will!! How many times do I have to tell you?! Haha!! You know I have faith in you! xoxo
I love this dresser! Very coastal looking! Do you remember where you got the knobs? I am transforming two dressers and can’t seem to find the right knob…
I think I got them from TJ Maxx. But take a look on Amazon or online for “dock or boat cleats”. You can use those and paint them whatever color you need! I did that on this console table I painted recently. https://www.artsychicksrule.com/aqua-console-table-with-driftwood-stain/
Hope that helps!
Nancy