Hidden Charm of Eastlake Dresser

I didn't even notice this dresser the first time I walked past it. The bland brown paint, which I later discovered was original to the piece, covered its beauty like a wet blanket.

Time: 8 Hours Cost: $70 Difficulty: Easy

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The brown distracted me from its solid wood structure, shaker sides, intricate pulls and floral design on each drawer. I wish I could say I bought it because I saw its hidden charm, but the truth is I bought it because it was old and cheap.

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When I got it home I took a closer look and the potential was obvious. Right away I knew I would stain the wood top. The shaker sides and floral wood carvings, hidden by the monochrome colour, could be highlighted using a different colour than the base.

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I sanded off the paint, revealing fresh wood and a lovely grain.

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Two coats of Espresso wood stain were applied with a cheap bristle brush, then excess wiped off with a clean rag. After letting it dry for 24 hours, two coats of Polycrylic clear semi-gloss was applied to protect it for years to come.

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Base Painted in Serenity Blue (Rust-oleum Chalked Paint) and the details in Linen White (Chalked Paint, one coat of Polycrylic.

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Painting the lines took a bit of patience!

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Once hidden, her charm is now front and center. This three-drawer Eastlake dresser is still in my home and one of my all-time favourite pieces.

Materials used for this project:

• Rustoleum Chalked Paint in Linen White & Serenity Blue   (Home Depot)
• Minwax Espresso Stain   (Home Depot)
• Polycrylic in Semi-Gloss   (Home Depot)