French Provincial Painted Dresser

It was love at first sight...

I may have blinked a little at the price but I knew exactly what finish it needed.
No hesitation...
No "Let me think about it..."

But wait...
I'm getting ahead of myself...

When I spotted this dresser along with a matching chest of drawers...
French provincial...
                            Cherry finish...
                                                                       I.Was.A.Goner...

The dresser was sturdy and in pretty good shape, but a couple of drawers needed work,

as well as the top where, unfortunately, a large gouge had removed part of the veneer.

 I did splurge somewhat on the price but I had to have it...
... because I could see it finished in my mind.

What I pictured in my mind was a rich dark stain on the top with a painted base...

  An off-white, lightly distressed painted finish...
The first finish I learned to create and, to this day, still my favorite.
Probably always will be...
You never really forget your "first love."

I stripped the top, even though I detest stripping, repaired the drawers,...
built up and filled in the missing veneer,...
... painted with the stain blocker I've mentioned before, HERE and HERE,...
... applying two coats to the front, sides and drawers.

I strengthened a couple of joints with glue, applied pressure and let them dry...

After lightly distressing the curves and raised areas, I brushed on a coat of "Light" Briwax, wiping off the excess as I went.  When "cured," I buffed to a subtle sheen.

For the top I used Minwax Provincial 211, allowing it to completely dry before smoothing with very fine steel wool between applications -- four in all --
then finally finishing with two coats of hand-rubbed poly.

I absolutely love the beautiful finish on the top.

I don't know about anyone else, but I always want to keep the pieces I refinish, even though I know, deep down inside, it's not possible...

So while I couldn't bring myself to put it in the booth I did take it to Scott Antique Market,
which I've mentioned before, HERE and HERE.

 

Everyone loads in on Thursday morning, and the market opens at 12:45...

I was ecstatic when my dresser sold that first afternoon...
... to a lovely designer for her own bedroom.
I knew how much I loved it and was thrilled that she did, too.

Another look at the "after" and "before."

So, have you ever had something catch your eye...
... and you somehow just k.n.o.w. it's supposed to be yours?
If only for a little while...
before you dress it up and have to let it go?

I'd love to hear your story....
Seriously.

In the meantime, thanks for stopping by...