Friday Guest: Ellen from VintAge Before Beauty

Happy Friday! Today I have Ellen here, from VintAge Before Beauty. I met Ellen at the Lucketts Spring Antique Market, and when I met her it was Saturday afternoon and I was so exhausted that I didn't even talk much. So I tried to walk by Sunday to see her, but she was chatting with customers, so I emailed her shortly after the market. I loved her fresh and funky furniture, with this chevron dresser she is about to share being my absolute favorite. If I were to have another baby (which I am NOT and probably never will, in case you think that is what I have up my sleeve!) I would design the entire room around it. It is that awesome. Take it away, Ellen!


Hello Primitive & Proper readers! I’m Ellen Hunt of VintAge Before Beauty. I revive and refinish vintage found, forgotten and discarded furnishings giving each piece a new life with a modern twist. I love graphic patterns specifically chevron stripes on vintage furnishings. I’ve had a few requests from my own readers for a tutorial on chevron stripes so this seems like the perfect opportunity.

As difficult as this process looks, it really isn’t. The real secret to painting furniture is patience.

                 

First, you’ll have to find an old dresser in need of major TLC. Don’t be scared, uncover that old armoire, dresser or changing table in your basement and transform those dusty drawers!

     

Next, you’ll need to gather some tools. Paint of course is the most difficult decision. You’ll need two colors, a lighter base color and a second accent color. With so many choices you might spend the entire day in the paint section if you don’t study up before you leave the house. Try design blogs and decor magazines for ideas. Word of advice, don’t go crazy. I love fuchsia as much as the next girl but it simply isn’t practical. I chose a subtle light gray and a snowy white. My need for a punch of color is fulfilled in my choice of hardware: bright mustard yellow knobs. Easy to change and cheap to replace makes this choice risk-free.

                              

Gather sand paper, sanders, paint brushes, a paint can opener, scissors, an exacto knife, a pencil, a tape measure, 1-inch painter’s tape and of course your favorite knobs to complement your new piece of furniture. Try Anthropologie or your local antique store for really pretty hardware. There’s a little place called the Home Depot where you can find everything else you’ll need.

Now you’re ready to sand. Start with something tough and then smooth it out with a more fine sand paper. I like to start out with an 80 grit sand paper because it isn’t too rough and then go back over with a gentler 220 grit sand paper.

Ok, so you’re all sanded down and ready to paint. Start with two coats of your base color.  After the paint has dried you can start to tape. Line up the 1-inch painter’s tape, 1 inch apart in a diagonal pattern and then in the opposite direction. Use an exacto knife to cut the painters tape into a V where the two pieces meet.

                       

After you tape the entire dresser, paint over with your second color. I recommend two coats to make sure you don’t have to re-tape later. Let the paint dry overnight (even if you’re tempted to sneak a peak).

When the paint is finally dry, start to peel the tape away to reveal your masterpiece. Touch up any paint bleeds with a small brush if necessary. Finally, add hardware and drawer liners to personalize your new piece of furniture. Ta Da!

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