Queen Anne Keyhole Dresser {before & after}

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I just finished up another great piece, I am so excited to share with you all!  I picked up this beautiful antique solid oak key hole dresser the other day.  It was one of those moments when I looked at it and instantly fell in love; I had an instant vision for its’ destiny!  Of course I used a blend of my favorite CeCe Caldwell chalk + clay paints to revive this piece.  Here’s the Queen Anne Dresser transformation from start to finish!

My first step in this transformation was to mix up the perfect color for this gorgeous piece.  I chose to use a mixture of CeCe Caldwell chalk + clay paint, I blended approx. 1/4 Destin Gulf Green, 1/4 Kentucky Mint, and 1/2 antique white until I reached this silky blue/green.  I used a heavy dry brush technique to achieve an aged-looking finish.  Dry brushing is simply applying a lighter, more whispy coat of paint (rather than using a heavy hand).

Once a got the dresser looking just how I wanted it. It was time to work on the hardware.  I knew I wanted to use the original hardware because it was so unique.  The brass pulls were so ornate and delicate, but they definintely needed some revival.  I used my Ruff n’ Buff in Gold Leaf to shine up the dull finish.  This stuff is so simple to use, and the transformation is amazing!

Here’s the difference between the old and new hardware after applying the Rub n’ Buff…

Wow.  I love that stuff!

After the hardware dried, I reattached it to the dresser.  I applied a good coat of CeCe Caldwell’s clear wax, then finished it off with buffing pad to give the piece a silky smooth finishing, here’s some close ups…

Look at those legs!!

Here’s a great detail shot of the dry brushed, vintage looking finish…

There’s that fabulous hardware again!

What do you think about the transformation?  Share your thoughts and rate below!

 

20 responses to “Queen Anne Keyhole Dresser {before & after}

  1. I love the transformation, the colour is gorgeous. thanks so much for mentioning the RubnBuff I have lots of handles that need to be cleaned up. Also I have been rubbing and rubbing the wax on my furniture with a cloth so it would not be sticky from the wax, a buffing pad is a great idea. thank you so much for sharing, your dresser is stunning. hugs Tobey

  2. Jordan ~

    This is absolutely gorgeous! I especially LOVE the hardware. Can’t wait until I catch up and can do my own first, big piece 🙂 Love It!!

    Catherine~

    1. Hi Katie,

      No, you do not need to sand before painting with chalk paint…that’s the beauty of it! The CeCe Caldwell paint will adhere to any surface without sanding. Actually, sometimes sanding the piece first makes the finish worse because you open up old pores in the wood allowing the paint to take differently in certain areas. So basically, you just slap on the paint, distress or weather it to your liking, then seal it with the CeCe Caldwell wax or satin finish! We have the paint and finish products available to purchase at http://pickleeonspring.com/shop/ce-ce-caldwell-chalk-clay-paint/ if you’re interested in trying it for yourself!

      Best,

      Jordan

  3. Wow, how amazing. Stunning color. Would you mind telling me about how much paint you used and approx. cost if I were to buy the paint from your website, please? Was only one coat required and any special brush? so glad I found your website via Pinterest, it’s great!

    Lauren

    1. Hi Lauren,

      This dresser took less than half a quart of paint, which is $36 in our shop. Then you’ll need to the clear wax or satin finish top coat to seal it. You should be able do do the entire piece with a 4oz. of either of those. If you choose the satin finish, you can cut it (up to half parts) with water. You can find all our our paints and waxes here: http://pickleeonspring.com/shop/ce-ce-caldwell-chalk-clay-paint/

      I hope this helps!

      Jordan

  4. Hi, Did you use another color paint to dry brush the piece? It looks terrific but from the picture it looks like the dry brush is a darker color. I like the technique but don’t quite get how to achieve it. Looking forward to any tips you may have!

  5. The color mix is beautiful – thanks for providing the recipe! Is it really as blue as it looks in the picture? Seems like it should be more green.

    When I first saw your hardware naked, I thought they looked so nice aged. But the darker finish looks gorgeous with the dresser.

    Stunning results.

      1. As with any antique, you can spend a ton of time refinishing the original woodwork, not use it, or you can try something new and actually get value out of it. The other thing we found about antiques is that they’re not really worth much unless you can find the right buyer, which can be difficult. A well chalk painted piece of furniture done with taste can be worth more.

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