Pink Ombre 5-Drawer Waterfall Dresser Makeover
Are you a fan of the gradient Ombre paint finish on furniture? I think it is so pretty and have been wanting to try this technique for at least a year. Waiting for the right piece of furniture and mustering up the courage to give it a try, I finally gave it a go with a pink ombre 5-drawer waterfall dresser makeover.
With this technique, it is common to paint each drawer in a different gradient color but I wanted to switch it up a bit by having the gradients meet ON the drawer fronts rather than in between. Perhaps a little risque considering this is my first attempt at an ombre paint finish. Another thing I did differently is not to measure the color sections evenly because I wanted the light pinks to be more predominant.
Feeling a bit nervous about how to blend the color transitions I remembered my friend Denise from Salvaged Inspirations did a tutorial on ombre color blending and so I hopped on over to her blog for some helpful tips. While I definitely need more practice with this technique, I'm quite happy with the results.
I should mention that the makeover was done while battling the nasty flu where my bed was beckoning but the deadline to get it done in time for Furniture Fixer Upper Day was looming. If you're new around here every month five talented furniture painting friends and I come together to breath new life into six pieces of furniture. You can find links to all the makeovers at the bottom of this post. My makeover last month was a Black French Poem Flip Top Table.
But first to appreciate the ombre makeover you've got to see the wood dresser before for comparison.
It is my rule not to buy previously painted furniture for several reasons, one is dealing with annoying paint drips. I think Mr. Frugalista (my official furniture buyer) must have been mad at me that day because when he walked in the door with this one on the dolly, I wasn't jumping for joy.
Painted with four gradient paint colors and aged with dark wax, it looks so much better, wouldn't you agree?
The detail on the top drawer is unique to this style of a dresser and so I highlighted them so they were pronounced.
The pretty sage artisan powder echoes the green in the pretty floral glass knobs.
Once the filler dried and was sanded smooth I primed the dresser with two coats of Zinsser Bulls Eye Primer.
Medium Pink second from the bottom
Ratio = 1:1 Two scoops Red Barchetta and two scoops Pink Cashmere.
Light Pink second from the top
Ratio = 0.5:1:1.5 Half a scoop Red Barchetta, 1 scoop Pink Cashmere, and 1 1/2 scoops Snow.
Pink Cashmere on the top
Ratio = 1:0 One scoop Pink Cashmere
I painted two coats per color except for the lightest pink cashmere color, it required three coats. I started on the bottom with the darkest paint color and worked my way up. So I could get some practice with the technique I painted the sides of the dresser first and then slid the drawers back in and lined up the colors.
Instead of blending wet paint colors together with water and a brush like the previous step, we're going to create the color blends onto three paper plates as follows:
If you have any questions about this makeover, please leave them in the comment section below or press the Contact Me button at the top of the blog to drop me an email. I love hearing from you!
Pink Ombre 5-Drawer Waterfall Dresser Makeover
With this technique, it is common to paint each drawer in a different gradient color but I wanted to switch it up a bit by having the gradients meet ON the drawer fronts rather than in between. Perhaps a little risque considering this is my first attempt at an ombre paint finish. Another thing I did differently is not to measure the color sections evenly because I wanted the light pinks to be more predominant.
Feeling a bit nervous about how to blend the color transitions I remembered my friend Denise from Salvaged Inspirations did a tutorial on ombre color blending and so I hopped on over to her blog for some helpful tips. While I definitely need more practice with this technique, I'm quite happy with the results.
I should mention that the makeover was done while battling the nasty flu where my bed was beckoning but the deadline to get it done in time for Furniture Fixer Upper Day was looming. If you're new around here every month five talented furniture painting friends and I come together to breath new life into six pieces of furniture. You can find links to all the makeovers at the bottom of this post. My makeover last month was a Black French Poem Flip Top Table.
But first to appreciate the ombre makeover you've got to see the wood dresser before for comparison.
It is my rule not to buy previously painted furniture for several reasons, one is dealing with annoying paint drips. I think Mr. Frugalista (my official furniture buyer) must have been mad at me that day because when he walked in the door with this one on the dolly, I wasn't jumping for joy.
Painted with four gradient paint colors and aged with dark wax, it looks so much better, wouldn't you agree?
The detail on the top drawer is unique to this style of a dresser and so I highlighted them so they were pronounced.
The pretty sage artisan powder echoes the green in the pretty floral glass knobs.
So here's how I did it...
This post contains affiliate links for your convenience so you can see what products I used or recommend to make this project. See my full disclosure policy.Prep the dresser for paint
I'm not going to lie, this is the most tedious BUT important step of a makeover. Concerned whether the glossy black paint may contain lead, I had no intention of sanding the dresser. After a good scrub with vinegar and water, I patched the scratches and dents with filler compound.Once the filler dried and was sanded smooth I primed the dresser with two coats of Zinsser Bulls Eye Primer.
Custom paint colors
The chalk paint colors I used are Pink Cashmere, Red Barchetta, and Snow from FAT Paint Company mixed into four custom paint colors.
I measured the paint with a coffee measuring scoop and mixed the colors in small glass mason jars. Next, I labeled the jars with each ratio on masking tape just in case I ran out of paint and needed to mix another batch. Thankfully I had enough for two coats of each color.
Dark Pink on the bottom
Ratio = 2:1 Two scoops Red Barchetta and one scoop Pink Cashmere.Medium Pink second from the bottom
Ratio = 1:1 Two scoops Red Barchetta and two scoops Pink Cashmere.
Light Pink second from the top
Ratio = 0.5:1:1.5 Half a scoop Red Barchetta, 1 scoop Pink Cashmere, and 1 1/2 scoops Snow.
Pink Cashmere on the top
Ratio = 1:0 One scoop Pink Cashmere
Tips for painting Ombre
The first thing I did was mark with painters tape where the color changes would land on the dresser. Like I mentioned at the top of this post, I didn't separate the colors per drawer so some landed on the actual drawer front. Next, I removed the drawers so I could paint the rails on the dresser first.I painted two coats per color except for the lightest pink cashmere color, it required three coats. I started on the bottom with the darkest paint color and worked my way up. So I could get some practice with the technique I painted the sides of the dresser first and then slid the drawers back in and lined up the colors.
Ombre blending technique #1
Where two colors meet dampen the paint with a spray bottle and blend them together with light pressure on the brush in a wispy up and down motion about four inches. Keep the paint damp with a spray bottle as you work. Move onto the next color change and do the same. This is a much quicker blending technique than the one I used below.Ombre blending technique #2 (the one I used)
If you're new to color blending this is a foolproof method of blending ombre paint colors. Let the paint dry to the touch before moving onto the next color. Where the color transitions meet, use a criss-cross motion with your brush to avoid a straight line.Instead of blending wet paint colors together with water and a brush like the previous step, we're going to create the color blends onto three paper plates as follows:
Mix 1 teaspoon each of the dark pink and medium pink paint colors.
Mix 1 teaspoon each of the medium pink and light pink paint colors.
Mix 1 teaspoon each of the light pink and pink cashmere paint colors.
With a damp brush (use a spray bottle), dry brush (very little paint on the brush) the blended colors where they meet about four inches. Paint in random up and down and criss-cross pattern to avoid a straight line. To keep the paint moving, dampen the brush with a spray bottle. Move to the next color transition and blended paint color mix.
Protecting and aging the paint with wax
My biggest challenge was deciding whether to keep the ombre colors clean with just clear wax or age the waterfall dresser with dark wax. I went with my gut and aged it.
First I applied clear wax with a wax brush to the entire dresser and buffed it in. Next, I dipped just the tips of a hard bristle paint brush into dark wax and dabbed the excess onto a paper towel. With very little pressure on the brush, I applied the dark wax along the edges of the dresser and each drawer front. I did not buff the dark wax (another tip learned from Denise at Salvaged Inspirations).
First I applied clear wax with a wax brush to the entire dresser and buffed it in. Next, I dipped just the tips of a hard bristle paint brush into dark wax and dabbed the excess onto a paper towel. With very little pressure on the brush, I applied the dark wax along the edges of the dresser and each drawer front. I did not buff the dark wax (another tip learned from Denise at Salvaged Inspirations).
Artisan powder highlights
Knowing the knobs I planned on using were pink and green, I highlighted the carved details on the top drawer with both dark wax and sage artisan powder, applied with a small artist brush. I love how it pulls the green from the glass knobs.
New glass knobs
On the top drawer, I added pretty glass knobs salvaged from my farmhouse dresser makeover. The pretty floral glass knobs on the remaining drawers I've had in my stash for a couple of years just waiting for the right piece of furniture.
The pretty pink cashmere color on the top portion of the dresser has just a hint of pink. The stacked books on top of the dresser may look familiar. Recently I shared a tutorial on how to chalk paint hardcover DIY Decorative Books For Spring.
The pretty pink cashmere color on the top portion of the dresser has just a hint of pink. The stacked books on top of the dresser may look familiar. Recently I shared a tutorial on how to chalk paint hardcover DIY Decorative Books For Spring.
Normally I like to line the drawers with pretty paper but the flu got the best of me and I didn't get it done in time for this post. I will definitely finish the drawers before listing the dresser to sell.
While I'll be the first to admit I need more practice with this technique, I think the dresser turned out pretty good considering. I can see this pink ombre waterfall dresser in a little girls room but it would also be lovely in a big girl's dressing room or walk-in closet.
Repurposed Waterfall Headboard Upholstered Bench
Decoupaged Burlap Waterfall Dresser
Vintage Waterfall Vanity Goes Hollywood Glam
More Waterfall Furniture Ideas
Black Painted Waterfall HutchRepurposed Waterfall Headboard Upholstered Bench
Decoupaged Burlap Waterfall Dresser
Vintage Waterfall Vanity Goes Hollywood Glam
If you have any questions about this makeover, please leave them in the comment section below or press the Contact Me button at the top of the blog to drop me an email. I love hearing from you!
Now let's take a look at how my talented friend's transformed these furniture pieces...
Press the links below to see the after photos and tutorials...
- Girl In The Garage
- Confessions Of A Serial DIYer
- Petticoat Junktion
- Prodigal Pieces
- Just The Woods
- The Interior Frugalista (that's me)
I share my projects at these inspiring link parties.
Oooh...you totally nailed it, Marie! The pink is perfect and the bits of green are the icing on the cake. Bravo!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much my dear mysterious reader 😉
DeleteThat turned out great. You did a beautiful blending job.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Virginia! There's a few things I'd do differently on my next attempt but all things considered, I'm happy with the outcome.
Deletesometimes i have no interest in seeing an ugly piece redone - i guess that's my lack of imagination coming through! this ugly piece is now absolutely gorgeous - the blending of colors (waterfall for sure!) and the drawer pulls! nice work!
ReplyDeleteThat means a lot coming from someone who isn't a fan of before & after furniture makeovers! Thank you Gwen, I'm glad my ombre dresser made you look 😊
Deletewhat a difference Marie! Love the pretty pink
ReplyDeleteThank you Kandice 😀 I so appreciate your visit and taking the time to comment. xo
DeleteHi, Marie, you certainly know how to mix-it-up, literally. Great job in doing the colors--a really perfect blend... love the results!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Sandi! I learned a lot during this makeover and looking forward to trying it again sometime soon.
DeleteWhat a beautiful piece, Marie! It turned out amazing!
ReplyDeleteThank you very much, Ginette! I can't wait to practice more on another piece. Thanks for the visit and your sweet comment 💕
DeleteVery cool! Although, ANYTHING you did to that dresser would have been a great improvement. You certainly gave it a new life.
ReplyDeleteGreat job, Marie.
Sheila
Thank you Sheila 😊 Yup, she was pretty UGLY before.
DeleteOmgosh, when I scrolled down to the before I wasn't expecting that black! Amazing makeover my friend. I love the gradient/ombre pink and the top - oh my heart - what beautiful detail. I've never seen that kind of detail on a waterfall dresser! Pinned.. and thanks for the shout out btw. :) Hugs. XO
ReplyDeleteI know, right, me either! That's the only part of the dresser I liked when he brought through the door. LOL You were in my head tons during this makeover and your tutorial was most helpful during my moments of panic. I definitely need more practice on color AND wax blending but so glad I finally had the courage to give it a try. Hugs backatcha my friend 💕
DeleteWow, what a difference. I love it!!
ReplyDeleteThank you very much Cheryl!
DeleteOh, my soul and body, as my Grandma would say! That was one uuugly black dresser with those ridiculously large white knobs! No wonder you weren't thrilled to see your guy walk through the door with it! But what a wonderful change you made in it's whole personality! I love the shades of pink you chose and the way you blended them on the drawers rather than painting each drawer a separate color. That little line of carving on the top drawer is a really distinctive feature and your treatment of it is the frosting on the cake!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful work, Marie! And all while battling the flu, too. If I had four thumbs they would all be up for you on this one!
I'm still battling that dang flu so I have to thank you for the love and chuckles this morning as I sit here reading your sweet comment with a box of kleenex. You made my Saturday morning, Naomi 💕
DeleteWow what a difference. I love the effect and the pink. I'm thinking of upcycling a small chest of drawers in Scandinavian Pink, having seen your tutorial I'm going to do it now.
ReplyDeleteYay, so glad my dresser motivated you to paint your small chest of drawers! Scandinavian pink is a gorgeous color. Happy painting!
DeletePretty good considering you were in a time crunch & had the flu too! I think I would have gone to bed! What a project to do when you weren't feeling well! Great job though & I love the colors! Such an improvement over that black...UGH! Gonna have to remember that antiquing dust. I'm intrigued by it.
ReplyDeleteWell stubborn is my middle name and I did pay the price for not just throwing my hands in the air and going to bed because I got much worse afterwards. But I'm glad I persevered and am thrilled with the results! Thanks for stopping by Florence, you will love the dusting powder 😊
DeleteThis dresser is lovely, the ombre paint is gorgeous and of course I adore the pink.
ReplyDeleteThank you Leanna, I'm pleased with the results considering! I'm looking forward to trying this technique again.
DeleteOh my Marie, she went from clunky and manly to delicate and gorgeous. I really like the way you transitioned through the different pinks. My lazy ass would have said just paint each drawer a different shade and be done with it :D Your way is so much more effective.
ReplyDeleteP.S. That artisan powder sounds fascinating and it's so subtle on the top drawer. I need to go have a look at those. Thanks so much for sharing a Amazon link.
Michelle, with your artistic skills you'd have a blast with the artisan powder! You can play with them dry or wet and make them as subtle or bold as you want. They come in several colors too. Girl, get your powder on!
ReplyDeleteThat poor dresser didn't look right with the glossy black paint but it looks so happy in the pink ombre! (Yeay for pink furniture!) Those details on the top drawer are just fantastic, what a great save you did Marie.
ReplyDeleteI know, right! Especially with the round ball things on the top. Thanks Jen, I'm quite pleased with the transformation. I might just hang on to this one for my grand-daughter.
DeleteThis is an amazing transformation!! You really blended the paints so well!!
ReplyDeleteThank you very much Cindy, I appreciate that! Especially considering this was my first attempt at an ombre finish.
DeleteWhat a beautiful transformation Marie. I definitely think the pink suits this dresser much better.
ReplyDeleteThank you Mary, I'm so glad I finally had the courage to give the ombre techique a try. I love how it turned out and hopefully will make a little or big girl very happy. I may just save it for my granddaughter.
DeleteBeautiful transformation! I love the color you chose and the ombre effect is gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Sarah, it was such a fun makeover! I'm hoping to find a wardrobe to give a matching makeover.
DeleteThis dresser is so beautiful! I love the pink ombre and the details on the top drawer. Now I want to go antique shopping! Wonderful makeover!
ReplyDeleteThank you very much T'onna! Yay, glad my dresser inspired you to want to go antique shopping. Psssst, if you plan on painting like I did, you'll find it a lot cheaper at a thrift store, garage sale, or online buy & sell sites.
DeleteI was so happy to see this shared at Homestyle Gathering! Love the ombre effect, Marie. And the pink color is so pretty!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you like the dresser Julie and thank you for the opportunity to share it at Homestyle Gathering. xo
DeleteGeez. Is that piece for sale? I saw this on Snickerdoodle Create Bake & Make.
ReplyDeleteHi Kristie! Yes, I'll be listing this dresser soon. But I'm sorry to say that I only sell locally here in Alberta, Canada and do not ship. I'm glad you like it though 😊
DeleteLove this...very creative and the colors so pretty! Thanks so much for sharing at AMAZE ME MONDAY!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Cindy
Thank you very much Cindy! I couldn't be happier with the results, considering it was my first attempt at the ombre paint technique. Appreciate the opportunity to share it at Amaze Me Monday. xo
DeleteAppreciate the pin and share Marilyn! xo
ReplyDeleteLove the pretty pink and the ombre effect is truly artful. You truly rescued this chest from the land of ugly. LOL...
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Susie, I'm pleased with the results considering it's my first attempt. Can't wait to do it again on another piece.
DeleteMarie, this just popped up in my pinterest feed and I am scratching my head over here, wondering how is it possible that I have missed this post!
ReplyDeleteIt is absolutely divine how you have transformed this dresser!!! The before and after are not comparable - you work wonders!!
Hi Maya, I'm thrilled to hear my dresser popped up in your Pinterest feed! I'm even more thrilled that it caught your eye and you clicked to see more. I'm so glad you like the transformation, it is one of my favorite makeovers.
Delete