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Tuesday, May 12, 2020

Industrial Inspired Multi-Drawer Chest Makeover

A simple way to turn a dated dresser into an industrial inspired multi-drawer chest.


   
I'm always on the hunt for smaller scale, solid wood dressers.   They're affordable, easy to update and perfect for transforming into industrial inspired chests using vintage knobs, pulls and label holders.   

Industrial inspired small dresser makeover
I love the versatility of smaller scale pieces and the opportunity to get creative with mixing hardware paint and stain.



HELPFUL TIP: The Best Sources For Metal Label Holders and Pulls

-SUPPLIES NEEDED TO UPDATE A DATED DRESSER- 
(Affiliate links have been)

- JB Weld Kwikwood
- Simple Green
- Paper towels
- 80/120 grit sanding pads
- Dewalt Drill
- Small drill bits
- Screwdriver
-  4 Caster wheels          


- HOW TO TRANSFORM A DATED DRESSER INTO AN INDUSTRIAL CHEST -

In the past, I've had to rebuild many dresser bases to remove dated curved wood.  Thankfully, this little dresser was already squared off and ready to go.  The only real prep work that needed to be done (besides sanding and cleaning) was to fill the hardware holes in the top drawer with JB Weld Kwikwood.

small wood dresser before
I planned on refinishing the top of the dresser, so I used a Dewalt orbital sander with 80, 120 then 320 grit sandpaper to sand off the original stain.  The rest of the dresser got a light sanding with 120 grit sandpaper.
Sanding stain off top of dresser
I cleaned the dresser to remove all sanding dust, then prepped the wood on top of the dresser with Minwax pre-stain wood conditioner.  I recently started using wood conditioner before staining raw wood and it's made such a difference in preventing blotchiness.
pre-stain wood conditioner and wood stain
I was originally going to use Jacobean stain, but decided to use Early American to create more of a contrast against the Twilight painted dresser base.  I sealed both the paint and stain with clear waterbased poly before finishing off the dresser with caster wheels and new hardware.
Stained dresser top and painted dresser


Dated dresser turned industrial inspired chest

Painted dresser turned industrial chest

Dovetail drawers on industrial chest

This little industrial chest is now perfect for an office, craft room or even a little boy's room! 

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Industrial inspired multi-drawer chest makeover

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Would you like to comment?

  1. That brain of your is full of enticing ideas. You my dear have found your gift!

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  2. Love the chest. You've given me the courage to do one of my own so thank you :)

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  3. Love this! Where did you get the small knobs that are under the label holders? I am ordering hardware on Amazon and would like to find them also. Thank you for all your ideas.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you! The hardware was actually from a past piece that I took off and saved. These are similar from Amazon. https://rstyle.me/+zyasYsSBK51tbqouA-URSQ

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