Are you ready to see some pretty photos? Today I am sharing a dresser I painted in a spectacular blue. I came across this particular color during my search for exterior paint colors for my home. It’s one of the colors I am considering for my front door. I decided to test it out on a vintage empire dresser I picked up from a neighbor. I think it is one of my favorite blues I have used so far. Maybe the favorite.
This dresser started out in decent shape. It’s made of oak with veneer on the top and the drawers. I love vintage empire dressers – the curves on the front are so beautiful.
Here’s the CL photo:
Poor thing had been sitting outside all summer.
I started the makeover by sanding the top down, being careful not to get too aggressive and sand through the veneer. I initially stained it with Varathane Early American, but the color was a bit lighter than what I was going for. I applied a second coat of General Finishes gel stain in Antique Walnut and the color was perfect. I didn’t want to go too dark, and I think this color complements the blue perfectly.
I sealed the top with General Finishes high performance topcoat in satin.
I sanded the rest of the dresser and then sealed it with a coat of shellac to prevent bleed through. I was thinking I might distress this piece a bit or let the wood tones come through the paint, so I didn’t want to use a primer. I then painted it with a coat of Benjamin Moore Advance in Calpyso Blue with a satin finish. I almost stopped after the first coat. It looked great, but I decided I wanted a bit more blue and a little less wood. I gave it a second coat and it was perfect.
Can you see my dog Kiko? She photobombed this one.
And those empire curves? Swoon-worthy.
I added new glass knobs to the bottom two drawers and some fun deer head knobs to the smaller top drawers.
The deer knobs were originally silver, so I added a coat of Rub n Buff in Gold Leaf to give them a brass look.
Have I mentioned how much I love this color? I told my husband I am changing the name of my blog to Saw Nail and Calypso Blue Paint.
These gerbera daisies from Trader Joe’s make me happy, too.
Thanks for stopping by!
Susan
Linking with The Curator’s Collection, The Painted Drawer, McCall Manor, Finding Silver Pennies and Thirty Eighth Street
I’m totally with you… That color rocks! Love the lighter stained top as well!
Oh My Goodness!!! I think you may actually be my long lost twin! I’m not even kidding when I say that I JUST picked up an empire dresser exactly like this one in really rough shape … I also picked up the same color to paint it! WOW! It looks wonderful and you did an amazing job! Love, love, love it! I can hardly wait to get started on mine now that I know for sure how it will look! I hope you have a great weekend!
Smiles!
Terry
That is incredible! What are the chances? Have fun with your project and I would love to see it when it’s done.
Well … I may have to revamp it somehow so as not to be a copycat :0) Also.. It wouldn’t be a great reveal to reveal something already done! Great minds think alike! ha ha You really nailed it though! Well done! I’d love it if you shared it at my Making Broken Beautiful Party tonight! You are welcome anytime, I love your work!
Smiles!
Terry
Ooh, my new favourite colour! Nice job!
Such a gorgeous color. I love when painters choose a color that’s not the usual. So pretty.
Love it, Susan! I saw the photos earlier on FB and had to stop by to see all the details. I love all of the blues that you do, but this one is really fun. Great work. Oh, and I LOVE the basket of flowers. 🙂
Thank you so much Christina! Picked up the pretty flowers from Trader Joe’s today.
Your dresser is gorgeous. I love the color and the knobs are absolutely charming.
Fantastic job!
Connie 🙂
Really really cute!!
Thanks Bret!
So pretty! Love the blue tone!
You did an amazing job, I love the color and how it fits in your space.
Regards,
Anne.
Susan, I love the blue color on the dresser. I’ve had a similar one for years, but it’s one piece I haven’t had the courage to paint. Just might now. Thanks for joined our Inspired Design Link Party.
Oh, my goodness I love this color and am so glad you shared it! I may use it on the interior of my door 🙂 Thanks for linking up to The Painted Drawer Link Party – featuring today!
Thank you so much Suzanne!
Beautiful job! The colour is stunning, and I love that you left the wood showing on the top. I’ve been thinking about doing something similar with one of my dressers that was passed down to me from my grandmother! Oh, and those little fawn shaped knobs are adorable!!
xo
Alex
http://www.sincerely-alex.com
Hi…just found your website…love it and your work! I have a small hutch I’m going to paint–was wondering if you think the Calpyso Blue would be a good color (I plan on selling the hutch). Also, I would like a contrast color on the back wall of the upper part of hutch–any suggestions for a good contrast with the blue? Thank you!