Antibes Green Inspired Dresser
I found this dresser at a thrift store and decided I’d paint it using a crackle technique. It seemed like the perfect candidate for an extreme makeover.
I had recently seen a similar dresser when I was out junkin with some friends and completely fallen in LURVE with it. It was painted in this amazing LOUD green and it made such a statement. I took a picture of it with full intention of sharing it with you guys but somehow it’s trapped in the vortex know as my computer photo stream and as I was scrolling through the 12,000 plus photos there with no luck, I decide you’d have to take my word for it.
Here’s how the dresser looked before. It was very solid and all the drawers worked well which for me is a dream come true, fixing drawers can take lots of time and let’s face it….it’s no fun. However it had a laminate “wood like” covered material on top and the body had seen its better days. So painting was a great option. Is it ever not?
I painted the whole thing with Annie Sloan Graphite Chalk Paint first. I choose ASCP because I wanted to do a crackle technique and because not only is it a good topcoat but it’s a GREAT primer too.
After that I went through all my latex paint and mixed a few greens that I had and a little yellow and off to paint and crackle I went.
Ok are you ready for the fun part? To achieve the crackle look I applied white school glue in a thin layer on top of the graphite, allowing it to dry just until it was tacky and then I applied my green on top, making sure to use one even stroke. I then used my hair dryer, holding it about 10 inches away from the piece, to heat the paint and watched the crackle happen like magic. That simple.
I applied dark wax randomly on top of the paint to age the piece just a bit more.
Now I know this look isn’t for everyone but I’m thrilled with the outcome and I sold it right away so I know there’s at least one other person that agrees with me.
What about you? Have you used a crackle technique when painting furniture? Would you?
Leave a comment if you like and contact me if you have questions or painting needs.
Until next time,
Beth
I love it Beth!! That green is gorgeous. ~Sonya
Thanks friend!
Gorgeous Beth…I received this email in my inbox this morning 🙂
This piece is lovely!!! Antibes Green has been calling my name and I am looking for just the right piece to try it on. I have two questions though…did you water down the glue or use it full strength? And does it work the same with chalk paint or do you need to use latex on top of the glue? I love the effect. Thank you for the instructions, I can’t wait to try it!
Thanks Sharon! I did not water down the glue and it will work even better with chalk paint. Thanks for your comments and questions. Good luck on your project!!!
Blessings,
Beth
I have a dresser similar to this with a shiny top and I have been holding back on painting worried that after I do the paint on the top will just scratch off if anything is placed on. Did you do anything to prep the top of the dresser for paint or did you seal afterwards to keep this from happening. Absolutely love the color!
Thanks Kelly! I always make sure and clean my pieces with a degreaser before painting. If they have a super shiny surface I scuff them up a bit with a fine grit sandpaper.
Have fun!
Beth
Green is one of my favorite colors and this piece is a stunner piece, might actually try this myself.
Thank you Sharon!