Dark Neutral— Faux Fabric Furniture Flip

You know it’s a silly thing that when something doesn’t go quite as planned that I let it bother me in any way; cuz honestly, things almost always turn out better than what I had envisioned! This vintage tallboy dresser flip was NO exception! I was planning for a dark neutral with exposed wood, and ended up with a textured faux fabric linen look— a technique I randomly came across, and am now swimming in a sea of swoon over!

DISCLOSURE

This post contains links to products I personally use, trust, and highly recommend— for which some or all contain affiliate links.
I will receive a small commission for any purchases made through affiliate links.
Your support is so very kindly appreciated.

Featuring

10% OFF Oakham

10% OFF CLEAR GLAZE

Redesign with Prima Washed Damask Tissue Paper

Shop Washed Damask

Colour Comparing

Compared to Hazelwood on the left, you can see that OAKHAM is more bold and more grey. When compared to Chocolate on the right, it shows its grey tone strength. This unique colour seems like the perfect blend of these shades creating a beautiful neutral shade.

Before & After

Vintage Tallboy Dresser

So pretty much all vintage and antique dressers catch my eye, however when ALL the original hardware is intact— that’s when you really see me jump! This charming tallboy was tucked away in the sweetest retro basement with a very tricky stairwell. An obstacle that was in no way gonna stop me from getting it into the back of my crossover! I was soooo excited to get this one home and into my workshop, and couldn’t wait to get started!

Selectively Salvaged and Loved by me

For YOU

Looking to add dark, neutral, texture and dimension to your home or cottage? If so, this is the statement piece for YOU! Featuring the colour Oakham— rooted in grey, this dark neutral is balanced in its warm brown and bronze undertones; a complex, dark shade that is sure to make its way into the foundation of any colour palette. A solid vintage tallboy transformation that oozes texture, dimension and charm. Pairs ever so sweetly with exposed wood, jute/wicker textures, greenery, and aged faux pottery that I’d love to share how you too can DIY!

Sold to Ashley

PHOTOS VIDEO STEPS PRODUCTS

Modern Farmhouse Furniture

Vintage Dresser Transformation

Below you’ll find all of the photos I took after completing my Vintage Tallboy Dresser transformation. On-screen colours are merely a digital representation, and will vary from screen to screen (device to device). Depending on your screen/device, the colour(s) seen here on my website may seem slightly different in person.

My Step-by-Step Transformation

FAQs TERMS

Removed original hardware— With full intentions of maintaining such a lovely set
Heavily sanded down top, legs, and top drawer— With plan to stain for exposed wood desire; wasn’t looking hopeful as there was unmatched wood tone, and I sanded through the veneer on part of the top drawer; 80, 120, 220 grit
Lightly sanded down drawers and body— To prepare for paint application; 80, 120 grit
Thoroughly vacuumed and washed— Necessary preparation for any and all furniture restorations
Bleached top— In hopes to achieve a matched wood tone; didn’t turn-out as desired; so onto alternate ideas I went
Applied 2 coats of Fusion Mineral Paint in the colour Oakham to the entire exterior and bottom 3 drawers— Rooted in grey, this dark neutral is balanced in its warm brown and bronze undertones; brush and roller application
Researched other techniques for a two-toned effect— Came across a lovely inspiring artisan @steelbirchstudios and was instantly intrigued by her faux fabric furniture painting technique, and got at it with much enthusiasm

Applied 2 coats of Zinsser B-I-N Shellac to the top, legs, top drawer, and drawer beaded frame— In preparation for faux glazing technique; brush and roller application
Mixed a 1:2 ratio of Fusion Oakham and Clear Glaze— And applied to top, legs, top drawer, and drawer beaded frame; brush application
Without delay (glaze dries very quickly), I used a Small Hand Broom and a Nylon Wire Brush to achieve a faux linen furniture finish effect— So incredibly easy, and so very very cool; horizontal/vertical strokes being sure to wipe with rag in between strokes
Applied 2 coats of Fusion Beeswax Finish to the entire piece ~ for a soft satin finish that works wonderfully on dark colours; lint free application/buff
Decoupaged drawer sides with Re-Design with Prima’s Washed Damask Decoupage Tissue Paper ~ A charming pattern that I felt was a lovely pairing for this dresser transformation; also applied a coat of Country Chic Paint in the colour Simplicity prior to decoupaging
Polished original hardware with my go-to Brasso Metal Cleaner— Quickly and gently removes tarnish from a range of surfaces, including brass, copper, chrome, stainless steel and pewter
Another thorough vacuum and wash— And also gave the interior drawers a nice drink of Wise Owl Furniture Salve in the scent ‘Rioutous Rain’… they were rather thirsty

Photos From My Workshop

Vintage Tallboy Dresser Furniture Flip — Heavy Sand Top

Come Take a Closer Look!

I ain’t no videographer I tell ya! I am however determined to try my very best to share a closer look with YOU! Below you’ll find my best; albeit amateur effort at trying to capture this piece in video format (taken out in my workshop where I do it all— prep, transform, picture and vid).
For my Manitoba followers, perhaps you might fancy slipping out to our farm for the closest look— please do get in touch!

Products Used & Recommended

This post contains links to products I personally use, trust, and highly recommend. Here’s a handy compiled list for your ease of reference:

🌟 Fusion Mineral Paint OAKHAM

🌟 Fusion Mineral Paint CLEAR GLAZE

🌟 Fusion Mineral Paint BEESWAX FINISH

🌟 Faux Fabric Painting SMALL HAND BROOM

🌟 Faux Fabric Painting NYLON WIRE BRUSH

🌟 Zinsser B-I-N SHELLAC BASE PRIMER

🌟 Hardware Polish BRASSO METAL CLEANER

🌟 Decoupage Tissue Paper WASHED DAMASK

🌟 Staging FRAMED BOHO WALL ART

🌟 Staging BRAIDED ROUND JUTE RUG

Have a furniture piece that you’d like to paint, but aren’t sure where to start? Struggling with deciding on colour(s), products, techniques, and finishes? I’d love to help you out! Let’s have a phone chat, or meetup for a coffee!

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Custom Furniture Painting

Manitoba

I primarily select and purchase pieces on my own, and transform them with colours/techniques of my own choosing— Ready-For-Purchase. I do also carefully consider custom furniture painting for customers within Manitoba. If you’re interested in this service, I’d love to hear from you! Please fill out and submit a form so that we can start an exchange. I truly appreciate all interest and inquiries.

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