Get ready to see a remarkable before-and-after with Salvaged Inspirations! In this guest blog, Denise shares how she refreshed a thrifted Sequoia dresser using Dixie Belle Paint products. From worn and tired to stylish and renewed, this makeover is full of practical tips and creative ideas perfect for anyone who loves furniture flips or DIY projects.

(The following is an excerpt from Salvaged Inspirations. Read the full article here) 

Today, I’m sharing how I transformed this previously painted child’s dresser into an ‘adult’ piece of furniture using three things. A bold color, an inexpensive set of Amazon legs, and new hardware! I can’t wait to hear what you think of this color and the new look!

Here’s the previously painted dresser I started with.

Yellow vintage wooden dresser with four drawers, showing signs of wear and chipped paint, sitting on a concrete floor with other furniture around it. The image is labeled "BEFORE" and includes the Salvaged Inspirations logo.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

Thrift Store Dresser  – SALVAGED
White Lightning Cleaner
Bondo Putty Filler
Shop Towels
Sanding Sponge
Bonding Boss Primer
Sequoia SILK All-In-One Mineral Paint
Paint Brush
Smooth Roller Kit
Black Furniture Legs
Straight Bar Drawer Handles

PREVIOUSLY PAINTED DRESSER MAKEOVER

Here’s how it all came together…

CLEAN

I started by removing the knobs and then giving this previously painted dresser a good cleaning. I used this heavy-duty furniture cleaner mixed water in a spray bottle and cleaned it from top to bottom.

Close-up of a gloved hand wiping a yellow wooden surface with a white cloth, with a clear spray bottle in the background. The image is branded with the Salvaged Inspirations logo.

PAINTING

Now for the fun part – picking a paint color! I wanted to paint this dresser a more ‘mature’ bold color.  To create a statement piece using one color, I went for this Sequoia SILK All-In-One Mineral Paint. Another reason I choose the SILK brand is so I wouldn’t have to topcoat. It’s a huge timesaver.

Hand painting the edge of a wooden dresser drawer with red Chalk Mineral Paint using a Dixie Belle brush.

I used my brush and roll paint technique to get a super smooth finish. It’s easy to do. I brush a coat of paint on with a synthetic paint brush. Once I have the surface covered in paint, in this case the top of the drawer, I grab my inexpensive ‘smooth’ roller, and lightly roll over the brushed on paint. This smooths the paint out beautifully – so well that once it has dried, it looks very similar to a spray on finish!
Hand painting the edge of a wooden dresser drawer with red Chalk Mineral Paint using a Dixie Belle brush. Applying bright orange paint smoothly on a surface with a small foam roller.

FINISHING DETAILS

For the finishing details I added these affordable legs that I found on Amazon and also some matching black hardware.

THE BIG REVEAL…

Here’s the finished look. By using a bold ‘mature’ color, and adding new legs and hardware, this little girl dresser has been upcycled and restyled into a sophisticated piece of furniture.

Modern red dresser with three drawers and black handles, styled with a plant, books, and decorative items on top, set against a white wall with a framed abstract art piece.

Here are a few close-ups of the smooth paint finish using the brush and roll technique.

Close up of modern red dresser with three drawers and black handles, styled with a plant, books, and decorative items on top, set against a white wall with a framed abstract art piece. Close up of modern red dresser with three drawers and black handles, styled with a plant, books, and decorative items on top, set against a white wall with a framed abstract art piece.

Denise’s Sequoia thrift dresser makeover shows how the right techniques and quality products can bring new life to your favorite finds. Thanks to Dixie Belle Paint and Denise’s skillful approach, this dresser now has a fresh, inviting look ready for years to come. Feeling inspired to start your own project? Explore Dixie Belle and Salvaged Inspirations for all the tools and ideas you need!

Blog Pinterest PIn

How To

About the Author

Salvaged Inspirations

Denise is a blogger, self-taught furniture artist, writer, photographer and the owner/creator of Salvaged Inspirations. She is a lover of all things vintage, repurposed and restyled. A thrift enthusiast, she’s always in pursuit of the next creative upcycle.

View All Articles