Black and Linen Dresser

This poor dresser. She finally got finished! I have about 4 different paint sample pots laying around with colors I thought I would use on her but then decided they were "Meh". She had been sitting in the basement for about 2 months while I decided what to do and then when I did finally get to work on her, it was in between LR reno time. 

She had some serious veneer issues which required some fancy filler. I actually used Bondo, a car repair epoxy. It works like a dream and I felt like I was icing one of my cakes so it does take a bit of finesse. I was not completely happy with how it turned out but then again, I am a perfectionist with some of this.  Most people wouldn't notice unless it was pointed out to them.

A few tips about Bondo:
You do have to work fast because once you mix it you only have about 5 minutes before it sets up. It is best to mix it in small batches if you have a lot of holes to fill. I would also suggest that if you have a deep gouge or scratch, to do several thin layers, sanding in between for a better finish. Oh, one more thing, it dries pink so if you want to distress a piece, don't distress where you applied the Bondo. Or just do it lightly in those spots.

Before:

I used wood putty to fill in the veneer chips on the drawers and I like the Bondo finish much better.

I dreamed up this black and cream combo one night looking at a bathroom re-done in this color scheme and I knew this would look great on my little highboy. I wanted a linen look on the drawers so I first painted on my base coat and let dry. Then while my second coat was still wet, I dragged (drug?) a stippling brush through it, horizontally. Third coat I dragged it through vertically. Once it was all dry, I rubbed some stain into it and wiped it off so the lines were more pronounced and obvious. Then I sealed it with 2 coats of matte wipe-on poly. 

After:

Same corner with the Bondo. 

Here you can see not only the great knobs but also the striation for the linen look.

I thought it was interesting how these drawers looked the same size on the outside but the top one was not as deep. This was the same for the bottom set of drawers and all drawers had a very specific way they fit into the frame.....hence the numbers. 

Maybe I should have been on trend and stenciled the outside of the drawers!

She's already going to a good home!

Would you ever try a cream and black room? Or just stick with a little bit of it on a dresser?

Always being renewed,

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