Rustic Grey Dresser

For the two dressers I got at this auction, this was the one I got for free!  And funny enough it was in better condition than the one I paid for.

The top was already stripped, but the paint was chipping terribly on the rest and what the heck color is it?  Peach and darker peach?  

I know the chippy look is in, but this is not the right version of it! I knew I was going to have to distress the piece and whatever color I painted it would have to go with the peach since it would probably show up in the distressing.  

I Googled colors that are complimentary to peach and this was one of the photos that popped up.

Source

How perfect is that grey and peach combo?  I was totally inspired and found in my stash that I had a sample pot of Behr Stealth Jet color which is the match to ASCP Graphite.  Jackpot!

I thought it was too dark though and chose to do the first coat of paint in white and the second coat in the Stealth Jet in homemade chalk paint thinking the white would tone down the Stealth Jet.

The magic happened with the distressing!  Instead of the peach coming through the white did and highlighted all the layers of chipping paint and all the other textured details that were on the dresser.  The Stealth Jet color turned out to be the shade of grey that I wanted.  I can't even explain how happy I am with the results.

I stained the top with Minwax Dark Walnut, but there were issues with the top. There were six holes around the edge that were filled and stood out like a sore thumb.

I hated to paint the entire top to hide the holes, so I taped off a 2" strip around the edge--just enough to cover all the holes and did the same treatment of one coat white and the next coat in grey and distressed heavily.

It became a gorgeous added detail that I think brings so much to the overall look. I never would have done it if I didn't have to cover up the holes.  Now I am glad the holes were there!

I waxed the body and drawers with Minwax Finishing Paste and applied two coats of wipe on poly on the top.

I absolutely love the way it came out.  I chose to give the hardware a light coat of antique gold Rub 'n Buff after I soaked them in vinegar and cleaned them with a wire brush.  I think they look great with the grey!

The dresser is very big and it was hard to get a photo that really showed all the amazing texture and details.  I hope all the closeups really convey what it looks like.  It is my top favorite of anything I have painted.  I truly wished I could keep it just so I could keep staring at it.  Somebody must have felt the same way I did because it sold the same day I dropped it off at the consignment store--that has never happened before!

My almost 12 year old son asked me why I paint old furniture to look old again. How funny is that? I told him I made it better looking old furniture--he didn't get it.

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