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Sarah Hearts

Sarah Hearts

diy, home
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May 18, 2015

Mid Century Modern Tallboy Dresser Chalk Paint Makeover

Loving this mint green scalloped dresser! Click through for step-by-step tutorial on how to create your own scalloped tallboy dresser.

I adore mid century modern furniture (hello Ikea Malm and sideboard) so when I spotted this steal of a dresser on Craigslist I jumped at the opportunity. The tallboy dresser was painted rather haphazardly and needed some love but for $60 I just couldn’t pass it up.

Rather than spend a ton of time sanding or stripping the paint, because who really has time for that, I decided to paint it with chalk paint. But this isn’t your typical shabby chic chalk paint makeover. I used it to transform this dresser into an oh-so-Sarah Hearts piece. I mean, I wouldn’t pass up an opportunity to paint scallops AND use gold, now would I?

See how this Craigslist find was transformed into a stylish and whimsical mid century modern tallboy dresser.

Time: 5 hours + drying time
Supplies: vintage dresser / DecoArt Chalky Finish Paint in Everlasting and Refreshing / DecoArt clear crème wax  / brush / 60 grit and 120 grit sanding block / pencil / round plastic lid

Use a 60 grit coarse sand paper to remove any paint or other residue from an old furniture piece.

Step 1: Use 60 grit sandpaper (I love these flexible sanding blocks) to smooth out the surface and prep it for the first coat of paint. Since this dresser was previously painted, I only sanded the areas where the paint had chipped and the surface was uneven. Once you’re done sanding, wipe the entire piece down with a clean cloth to remove any dust.

DecoArt Chalky Finish paint makes it so easy to transform a gargle sale find into a stylish piece.

Step 2: Apply an thin, even coat of paint all over the entire piece. Allow it to dry—only takes about 30 minutes!

New to chalk paint? Be sure to sand after each coat with 120 grit sand paper to create a smooth surface.

Step 3: Use 120 grit sandpaper to sand after each coat. This part is a must! Since Chalky finish paint is thicker than most paints it will show brush strokes. Using fine sandpaper after each coat will even out the paint and make the finish nice and smooth. This part is dusty though! Be sure to wipe down everything with a dry cloth after you’re done sanding.

DecoArt Chalky Finish paint sticks to any surface, even laminate, without priming.

Step 4: Add a second coat of paint. If you find the paint to be too thick, I found it helpful to dip my brush in the paint and then in a little bit of water. This will make the paint dry a little slower but it makes the paint go on a bit smoother and reduce the evidence of brushstrokes.

Allow the paint to dry, sand it again using the 120 grit sandpaper, and wipe it down to remove the dust. Then paint a third coat and repeat the same sanding process.

Step 5: Paint the bottom drawer with your accent color. I used DecoArt Chalky Finish in Refreshing. Once the paint is dry, sand, wipe and paint again.

Use a plastic lid from a container as a template to create large scallops on a surface such like a dresser drawer.

Step 6:  Find the center of the dresser and place a paper plate directly in the center, halfway on the the painted line. Lightly trace the perimeter of the plate with a pencil. Working from the center, continue tracing the half circles along the painted edge.

Loving the large scallop details on this mid century dress. (Click through for step-by-step tutorial)

Step 7: Use a small brush to paint inside the scalloped board. Allow the paint to dry, then lightly sand it and wipe it down. Add a second coat, and a third if necessary.

DecoArt clear wax is a liquid furniture wax that applies so easily and dries quickly!

Step 8: Use a cloth to apply the clear wax in a small, circular motion. Once it’s covered, use clean rag to buff the was and great a nice sheen.

Since the dresser I bought didn’t come with any hardware, I bought these pretty mid-century inspired brass drawer pulls. They were the exact size I needed and were much more affordable than the vintage ones I was looking at.

This DIY mid century tallboy dresser makeover is just adorable!

How cute is the scalloped detail on this dresser? Click through for a step-by-step tutorial on how to create your own statement piece with chalk paint.

Have you tried chalk paint yet? Leave some of your favorite tips and tricks in the comments! And check out all my mid-century modern projects for a little retro inspiration.

If you’re already fan of chalk paint, there’s a huge contest going on! Makeover a piece with Chalky Finish paint and enter before and after photos to win $2000 plus $500 in products!

This post was sponsored by DecoArt. Thanks so much for supporting the brands that help me create awesome content like this!

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7 Comments
  • Spring B.
    May 18, 2015

    Love this! Bravo for both the inspiration and a great step-by-step DIY. I will be eyeing the flea market. :)

    Reply
  • Rachel | The Crafted Life
    May 18, 2015

    Such a beautiful transformation Sarah! Looks like I’ll be spending the rest of the day on Craigslist :)

    Reply
  • Carrie
    May 18, 2015

    I’m so in love with how this turned out…I can hardly stand it!!!! Well done =)

    Reply
  • Amy W
    May 18, 2015

    Literally couldn’t be better : perfect style, colors and scallops!

    Reply
  • Brooke
    May 19, 2015

    I love midcentury modern furniture, and its the only type I usually have a hard time with it being painted. This is so cute, and so well done. I love it!

    Reply
  • Amy @ Homey Oh My!
    May 19, 2015

    Sarah this is gorgeous!! And I haven’t heard these chalk paint tips before- very helpful. LOVE the hardware of course, and scallops never fail to make me think of you <3

    Reply
  • emily
    May 24, 2015

    darling idea! I’ve been wanting to try chalk paint…so glad for the tips!

    Reply

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Hi, I’m Sarah

Hi, I’m Sarah

Hi I'm Sarah Rivero Khandjian and I'm a graphic designer turned maker. I find joy in creating things and helping others do the same!

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ICYMI I made a cutie new wallpaper that’s inspired by June’s all time favorite @buggypopsavl 🌈 Always free to download and available for all devices, plus I have a new way for you to support me if you’re so inclined 💕 #sarahheartswallpaper
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LIVE SEWING WORKSHOP! Have you ever wanted to learn how to sew in-seam pockets into a skirt/dress/top? And what exactly is the difference between all the different types of elastic available? I’m going to show you—I’ve teamed up with @fiskars for my next live @michaelsstores class!

In this $10 class you will learn how to sew an elastic waist skirt with in-seam pockets. And after signing up you will be emailed the pocket pattern I created just for you Plus we are going to get technical and talk all about different seam finishes and choosing the best elastic for your project.

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LIVE SEWING WORKSHOP! Have you ever wanted to learn how to sew in-seam pockets into a skirt/dress/top? And what exactly is the difference between all the different types of elastic available? I’m going to show you—I’ve teamed up with @fiskars for my next live @michaelsstores class! In this $10 class you will learn how to sew an elastic waist skirt with in-seam pockets. And after signing up you will be emailed the pocket pattern I created just for you Plus we are going to get technical and talk all about different seam finishes and choosing the best elastic for your project. Join me next Friday evening, June 3rd at 7pm ET and let’s create something together! Link to sign up in stories and on michaels.com #MakeItWithMichaels #fiskars #sarahheartssews
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For Mother’s Day I asked for a day alone and here’s a peek at how I spent my time…making this top out of pillowcases from the 60s and 70s. More details to come! #sarahheartssews
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For Mother’s Day I asked for a day alone and here’s a peek at how I spent my time…making this top out of pillowcases from the 60s and 70s. More details to come! #sarahheartssews . #babylockambassador #babylocksewing #isewmyownclothes #memademay2022
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I’m so excited to share that my next live @michaelsstores online class with @fiskars is coming up! It’s this Saturday 4/30 at 1pm ET and we will be making a multipurpose apron and focusing on lots of technical skills. The class is $15 and you have access to the video recording forever. You can find more info and the link to sign up in my workshops highlight! #MakeItWithMichaels #sarahheartssews
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I’m so excited to share that my next live @michaelsstores online class with @fiskars is coming up! It’s this Saturday 4/30 at 1pm ET and we will be making a multipurpose apron and focusing on lots of technical skills. The class is $15 and you have access to the video recording forever. You can find more info and the link to sign up in my workshops highlight! #MakeItWithMichaels #sarahheartssews
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ICYMI I made a cutie new wallpaper that’s inspired by June’s all time favorite @buggypopsavl 🌈 Always free to download and available for all devices, plus I have a new way for you to support me if you’re so inclined 💕 #sarahheartswallpaper
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LIVE SEWING WORKSHOP! Have you ever wanted to learn how to sew in-seam pockets into a skirt/dress/top? And what exactly is the difference between all the different types of elastic available? I’m going to show you—I’ve teamed up with @fiskars for my next live @michaelsstores class!

In this $10 class you will learn how to sew an elastic waist skirt with in-seam pockets. And after signing up you will be emailed the pocket pattern I created just for you Plus we are going to get technical and talk all about different seam finishes and choosing the best elastic for your project.

Join me next Friday evening, June 3rd at 7pm ET and let’s create something together! Link to sign up in stories and on michaels.com

#MakeItWithMichaels #fiskars #sarahheartssews
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LIVE SEWING WORKSHOP! Have you ever wanted to learn how to sew in-seam pockets into a skirt/dress/top? And what exactly is the difference between all the different types of elastic available? I’m going to show you—I’ve teamed up with @fiskars for my next live @michaelsstores class! In this $10 class you will learn how to sew an elastic waist skirt with in-seam pockets. And after signing up you will be emailed the pocket pattern I created just for you Plus we are going to get technical and talk all about different seam finishes and choosing the best elastic for your project. Join me next Friday evening, June 3rd at 7pm ET and let’s create something together! Link to sign up in stories and on michaels.com #MakeItWithMichaels #fiskars #sarahheartssews
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For Mother’s Day I asked for a day alone and here’s a peek at how I spent my time…making this top out of pillowcases from the 60s and 70s. More details to come! #sarahheartssews
.
#babylockambassador #babylocksewing #isewmyownclothes #memademay2022
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For Mother’s Day I asked for a day alone and here’s a peek at how I spent my time…making this top out of pillowcases from the 60s and 70s. More details to come! #sarahheartssews . #babylockambassador #babylocksewing #isewmyownclothes #memademay2022
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I’m so excited to share that my next live @michaelsstores online class with @fiskars is coming up! It’s this Saturday 4/30 at 1pm ET and we will be making a multipurpose apron and focusing on lots of technical skills. The class is $15 and you have access to the video recording forever. You can find more info and the link to sign up in my workshops highlight! #MakeItWithMichaels #sarahheartssews
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I’m so excited to share that my next live @michaelsstores online class with @fiskars is coming up! It’s this Saturday 4/30 at 1pm ET and we will be making a multipurpose apron and focusing on lots of technical skills. The class is $15 and you have access to the video recording forever. You can find more info and the link to sign up in my workshops highlight! #MakeItWithMichaels #sarahheartssews
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I’m excited to announce my first live workshop of the year!!! 🎉 Who’s going to join me? I’m partnering with @fiskars to teach a @michaelsstores workshop where you will learn how to make a quilted wall hanging like this one—from start to finish! The class on Saturday, March 26 at 1pm EST is $15 and includes access to a recording of the class.  Check the “workshops” highlights on my profile page for the signup link!
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If you’re new to quilting or have been wanting to dip your toes into quilting this is a great place to start. Please leave a comment below if you have any questions. Cannot wait to create with you!
#makeitwithmichaels #fiskars #sewingworkshop #quiltingclass #sarahhearts
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I’m excited to announce my first live workshop of the year!!! 🎉 Who’s going to join me? I’m partnering with @fiskars to teach a @michaelsstores workshop where you will learn how to make a quilted wall hanging like this one—from start to finish! The class on Saturday, March 26 at 1pm EST is $15 and includes access to a recording of the class. Check the “workshops” highlights on my profile page for the signup link! . If you’re new to quilting or have been wanting to dip your toes into quilting this is a great place to start. Please leave a comment below if you have any questions. Cannot wait to create with you! #makeitwithmichaels #fiskars #sewingworkshop #quiltingclass #sarahhearts
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We left the bagel shop and she kept saying, “sculpture! sculpture!” and we had no idea what she was saying until she pointed and then said “paleta! popsicle!” and asked to take a photo 😆 #junehearts
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We left the bagel shop and she kept saying, “sculpture! sculpture!” and we had no idea what she was saying until she pointed and then said “paleta! popsicle!” and asked to take a photo 😆 #junehearts
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