$10 Dresser MAKEOVER! A Beginner's Guide to Furniture Flipping

Written By Ashley Brandfass

Welcome to an exciting journey of transforming a simple $10 dresser into a stunning piece of furniture! Whether you are a complete beginner or someone looking to refresh your furniture flipping skills, this guide is packed with tips and tricks to help you achieve a beautiful makeover. Let's dive into the process step by step!

Products Used in this Video:

Finding the Perfect Piece

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of the transformation, let’s talk about where to find those hidden gems. My favorite spot? Online auctions! Seriously, the deals you find there are incredible, and they eliminate the stress associated with platforms like Facebook Marketplace. You know exactly where to pick up the item, who you’re dealing with, and the prices are unbeatable.

For this project, I snagged a small chest from highbid.com for just $10. It’s small but has great bones, perfect for a makeover!

Preparation: The Key to Success

Before diving into the transformation, we need to prep the dresser. This step is crucial for ensuring a smooth finish. First, test for lead, especially if the piece is older. Testing kits are affordable and can save you a lot of hassle later. Luckily, my dresser tested negative for lead.

This is the lead test kit that I use.

Next, it's time to clean! I decided to try a new cleaner from Dollar Tree, which turned out to be a fantastic degreaser. It’s called “All Purpose Cleaner - Pink Formula”. It’s important to remove all dirt and grime that has built up over the years to ensure the paint adheres properly.

Sanding: The Foundation of a Flawless Finish

With the dresser clean, we move onto sanding. Scuff sanding is essential here. I used my orbital sander with 220 grit sandpaper. The goal isn’t to strip the surface but to create tiny scratches for better paint adhesion. This technique is crucial for achieving that smooth finish we desire.

As I sanded, I discovered some uneven surfaces and damage. I kept going until everything felt smooth to the touch. Remember, a solid foundation makes a world of difference in the final result.

Priming: Preparing for Paint

Now it's time to prime! Priming helps to highlight imperfections that need fixing. I applied Bondo glazing putty to fill any holes or scratches. A little goes a long way, so be sure to overfill the holes slightly to ensure a perfectly level surface once sanded.

After that, I used my favorite primer. If you find spray painting tiring, consider using a spray paint handle to ease the process. It’s a game-changer!

Painting: Bringing Your Vision to Life

For the paint, I chose Valspar Cabinet Paint in a beautiful shade called "Shade Grown" from Sherwin Williams. This tough enamel paint goes on smoothly, and I opted for a satin finish—my personal favorite. I used a pre-flocked foam roller for a spray-like finish. When painting, be careful not to overload the roller; you want an even coat without drips.

As you paint, work in sections and maintain a wet edge to avoid visible lines. If you see any drips, roll over them with a nearly dry roller to smooth them out. It’s all about patience and technique!

Lining the Drawers: The Finishing Touch

To give the drawers a polished look, I lined them with peel-and-stick wallpaper. This not only enhances the aesthetic but also protects the drawer bottoms from future stains. It's a simple yet effective way to elevate the overall appearance of the dresser.

Align the drawer on the wallpaper and make a rough cut. It doesn’t have to be perfect! With a little air bubble removal tool, place it in the drawer and cut off the excess. If you have any questions about this process, feel free to ask!

The Final Reveal

And just like that, we’ve transformed this $10 dresser! The organic, grounded feel of the piece is truly stunning. It’s ready to bring character to its new home. Let's take a moment to appreciate the before and after—what a difference!

Conclusion

This makeover proves that with some creativity and effort, you can turn a simple piece of furniture into something spectacular. Whether you’re flipping for profit or just for fun, remember that the process can be enjoyable and rewarding.

Don't forget to check out my favorite online auction sites for more hidden treasures, and happy flipping!

 

Ashley Brandfass
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