Painting a Knock Off
August 25, 2009
I had a little problem. In my recent attempt to spruce up the guest bedroom space, I realized I had a small closet for my guests, but no dresser. And the end table next to the bed was a bit small. So when I spied a small three drawer chest at the local thrift for $13 dollars, my brain clicked into gear.
Now most people would walk past this piece, and for good reason. It had a spotty black paint job with gold trim and gold hardware. It’s a Dorothy Draper knock off, but I’m just not a fan of this paint job. Funny, because I typically adore classics. I really loved the lines and the design, just not the traditional black and gold paint - this color combination was simply unsuitable for my blue and white space.
I’m all about freshening a classic piece with great lines in a new and modern way, and I am not alone.
I loved the detail of this chest, just not the paint job, so I decided to make it my own. As much as I long to paint everything white, I like to mix it up with dark wood tones or pieces painted something other than white.
Instead, I chose a fresher, less traditional, more casual style – a slate blue front trimmed in white to enhance the routed detail.
First, I gave the edges a good sanding. Then since I was going for a medium tone blue, I used two coats of gray primer instead of white primer to cover the old paint job.
Next, I gave the dresser three light coats of Rustoleum’s Slate Blue spray paint.
Finally, I hand painted the ridges with three coats of my own mixture of white primer and cream acrylic paint. Then I spray painted the hardware and reused it.
One thing about older dressers: often, the drawer guides aren’t as sophisticated as modern pieces, so your drawers can scratch up your paint job as they slide back and forth and rub up against one another. Here’s a little trick. Apply a thin line of hot glue to the bottom of your drawers and let it completely solidify. The dried glue will act as a small buffer between your drawers and help protect your paint.
I also sewed a custom pleated table runner to protect the top of the freshly painted dresser. To the runner, I added some beading and velvet ribbon for another layer of texture.
A chest made new for my guests.
I am certainly enjoying every last one of my garden’s latest blooms of the summer season. Sigh. Simple pleasures.
Even though many would have passed it by, or kept the paint job because “it looks like a classic Dorothy Draper”, I chose instead to paint it blue. I don’t regret the color choice, or the fact that I rescued it from a spotty paint job.
After I painted my own find, I was emboldened when I found how some other designers are painting the classic Dorothy Draper style in a fresh new way.
Century Design Ltd on 1st Dibs
Coral version from Antique Center on 1st Dibs
Ellen Ward Scarborough Antiques
Carleton Varney for Kindel Furniture
Gorgeous lines. Fresh color. Classic design with a modern twist. Just my style.
Tags: dresser, painted, primer, spray paint, thrift store find, tips & tricks
I like the color choices. They really pop. I think covering up the bad paint job was worth it!
Seriously, you need your own TV show. I'm in awe!
great job! i'm never afraid to paint something if i don't like the current paint job or color…regardless of who's classic it looks like! good for you!
This is SO CUTE! You did a fantastic job! I can't wait till I have to get all new furniture just so I can paint it and make it my own!
Love it! I just love that blue. You DID rescue it! :)
That's pretty amazing for $13, paint and some work. One thing I really like about transformations like this is that it's done to suit your color and style for so cheap! (Okay frugal, not cheap.)
Going through blogs like your blog has really given me a better eye towards rethinking what can be done rather looking at an item "as is"…I picked up some Hobby Lobby fleur-di-lis things that are on stands for under $3 ea (two were $29.99 and one $24.99 full price) and plan on taking them off the stands, painting them and hanging them on the wall. I noticed they were secure with screws in places that wont show. Due to blogs like yours, I look for little details like that and I thank you (and the others too).
Looks Fabulous!!
Where is the Heirloom White??? Hee hee. Super fantastic job!!!
Kate, I love your choice to go with blue. It looks amazing. The black and gold made me gag a little bit. I liked the yellow and white inspiration pic too. :)
I am in awe, you are AWESOME!!!!
I ADORE this transformation! and I'm completely inspired. I have a nightstand that I was going to just get rid of. But I'm pretty inspired to transform it to fit into my decor. Thanks for the tutorial. I'm quickly becoming addicted to checking out your blog to see the latest transformation!! :D
Alicia
Oh my beautifulness!!! I loooove everything you do, but this is definitely one of my favorites! Thanks for all the never-ending inspiration!
Kate…you have the most amazing style and talent fot transforming ugly ducklings into beautiful swans! LOVE the slate blue color.
Have a relaxing few days off…enjoy!
~Amanda
You definitely made the right choice! It looks great. Thanks for sharing the other photos as well. I loved seeing the same piece interpreted in so many ways.
Beautiful!
Hi
I came across ur site by accident and LOVE it:-) It is so inspiring and I love what you did with the drawer much better than all the others:-)
X M
Thanks for the glue gun suggestion. I have an old dresser that could use this tip.
That looks great! I love the color you chose and your flowers are beautiful too!
Just wanted to say “great job on the dresser!” I’m all about repurposing something old and turning it into something fresh and new (especially when it’s incredibly inexpensive). Thanks for the ideas, hope you keep em coming.
[...] you spot my painted knockoff Draper chest that I found at a thrift store [...]
I’m glad I found your site. I love finding furniture pieces at junk stores, dumpster and such and giving them new life. Thanks for the ideas.
[...] Painted Knockoff Draper Dresser [...]
I hope you don’t mind if I reference this post on my blog! It’s truly inspirational!
I just cannot believe how lucky you are to find furniture like this for $13! I am truly envious. Original paint or not, this is a fantastic find! I love it!
gotta ask, how do u prevent ‘drip’ marks when using spray paint?
[...] #10 The Draper Dresser [...]
You are incredible! I never stop learning from you…. and I really appreciate you letting a way for us (those that are not any artistic like me or have any handly-woman instint in them–like me) in details of how to transform things… Oh how I wish you could stop by my blog and tell me what would you do with a table like the one I’ve found! ;) I know it would be turned into a treasure in your magic hands…
cielo
Hi Kate,
Just happened upon your blog and I love it!! I noticed you have completed a lot of projects using spray paint which I love. However it is hard to find the colors I need in the ergonomic spray can holder…where did you get your little red spray can handle adapter thingy??? After spray painting a rattan chair last summer my hands and forarms were sore for a week from holding down that little nozzle!
[...] Draper knock off in blue and white last summer for the guest space ~ read all about it in this post. But this little chest wasn’t getting used in there, and I needed a new nightstand, so [...]
I love this! What a beautiful piece! Thanks for sharing!
I love these painted dressers! I too have discovered my love for spray paint and can’t wait until the Spring to be able to revamp more furniture. I have a great dresser I painted. Check it out!
http://allycents.blogspot.com/2010/12/dresser-for-baby.html
No photos… Black squares.