While at a huge estate sale, I spotted a yellow dresser shoved in the corner in the back of the garage. It had definitely seen better days, but then again, those are my favorite kinds. 
When my father-in-law said he would help me load it into the truck, we had no idea just how heavy it would be. This is a solid piece.
I was so excited to get started that this is the best "before" pic you will get!
Here are the drawers, ready for painting. I've already removed the sturdy hardware.
For this piece, I just sanded it by hand, spray primed it and spray painted it. The color I chose was Rust-Oleum, satin “Claret Wine.”
Here she is!
I painted the hardware with a metallic silver – before it was dingy gold. I love the shape of this hardware.
The fun thing about painting a piece like this and knowing that there is a coordinating color underneath, is that you can distress it and have the original color shine through. Well, I couldn’t resist. Had I planned to do this, I would have gone about it in a different way…but out came the razor blades and sandpaper. (My friend Lisa helped me add a little character. I think she was just happy to take out a little aggression.) It was just enough to give it that added character.
Here’s what the piece turned into – perfect for a dresser or a buffet table. I heard she was adopted by someone very nice.
Can’t wait to find another one of these in need of some TLC! (Hey Lisa, keep that sandpaper handy, I’ll put you to work again.)
Sarah McCurdy catches her breath when it comes to rusty, vintage items that need a little love. She spends her time imagining ways to repurpose and reclaim fab junk finds through Midwest Junk, in addition to running a writing business,