From Drab Dresser to Disney Princess Magnetic Paper Doll Dresser

Forgot to snap a complete "before" shot--but you get the idea....

8 big ol' large drawers, and a big DARK dresser...with a funny finish...kinda shinny....

 

I was soo excited when I realized because of drawer style I would be able separate the drawer fronts with the help of a power drill from the drawers....By doing this I only had to paint the wooden drawer front....a nice rectangular piece of wood...So much easier to handle than an awkward drawer...

-Helpful Hint-

*  if you are able to do this to dresser drawers number your drawer fronts and drawers when you separate them --this will make the reattachment process so much easier....

 I roughed up the drawer fronts with a light grid sanding block and then pulled out the old trusty

RUST- OLEUM Painter's Touch PRIMER.....

My work space.....upscale huh? LOVE large buckets...so many uses....But look at the drawer front--so much easier to paint once I removed it from the drawer....

I primed and painted the drawer fronts

3 coats primer...

3 coats paint...

I don't know about you--but sometimes when i use spray paint I get a gritty finish...usually once I run my sanding block over the area it disappears...

 Here is what the drawers look like with the fronts removed...You can see the numbers marked on the drawers--so happy I did that......

Fronts drying after primer and paint......

Next I pulled out the Purdy and a Valspar clear protector..I had used this protector before on another high traffic piece and really liked it--it held up well and since this dresser is going to my daughter's home--for her daughter's room.....It needs to be tough as well as looking great.....This sealer goes on very easy--just watch closely for drips...I always do a double take a few minutes after I am done applying ...the drips seem to take a little while to appear....

Painting hardware was next....Spray painted them--RUST- OLEUM Painter's Touch Candy Pink...

and then....pull out the power drill and screwed the fronts back on the drawers and hoped they still fit in the dresser....

They fit like a glove....

 On to priming the dresser...I decided to go with a paint-on thicker primer due to the funky finish...first I lightly sanded and then applied 3 coats..

Once primed I spray painted on a coat of paint--but it looked a bit streaky--so I went with the brush on version in the same color--with my ol' Purdy!

It turned out well....

Now for some fun....the Magnetic Paint...

* Magnetic Paint Tips*

Have the paint department shake it for you when you purchase it...The little magnetic pieces were in a big chunk in the bottom of the can when I started and mixing it was not easy...

Stir while you are painting to keep it mixed and 

paint in even, smooth strokes..You cannot sand this to smooth it out once applied...

 I applied 3 light coats..once that was dry I reapplied my original paint...

and hoped for the best..........

It worked!  I think I was smiling as much as the paper doll princesses.  The paper dolls were a little light on the magnets so I purchased some magnetic tape and added some to the dolls and their dresses...and they stuck to the dresser very well....

I was very happy with the entire dresser...

Now time to delivery it to it's new home....and give it the real test...

Passed with flying colors! My granddaughter was thrilled!

My project supply list:

RUST- OLEUM Painter's Touch PRIMER
Purdy Paint Brush
Valspar clear protector
RUST- OLEUM Painter's Touch Candy Pink Spray Paint
RUST- OLEUM Painter's Touch Heirloom White Spray and Brush On Paint
Kilz Primer
Paper Dolls and magnetic tape
RUST OLEUM Magnetic Paint


I am link up to:

http://www.myrepurposedlife.net/2011/09/catch-as-catch-can-43.html

http://thediyclub.com/2011/09/september-2011-diy-project-party

http://www.homestoriesatoz.com/2011/09/tutorials-tips-link-party-28.html