How I Brought an Old Dresser Back to Life

How I Brought an Old Dresser Back to Life (And How You Can Too)
With a Little Help from Annie Sloan Chalk Paint®

Every piece I restore teaches me something new — about the furniture itself, about materials and tools, and about the creative process. But if there’s one product line I come back to again and again, it’s Annie Sloan’s. Chalk Paint®, the brushes, the waxes — they’re my secret weapon. Or maybe not so secret anymore!

Let me tell you the story of the old dresser I found a few months back, and how it became one of my favourite transformations yet.

The Find: Scratched, Sad… But Full of Promise

I spotted it in a local charity shop, tucked behind some wobbly bookshelves. It was a solid piece — real wood, dovetail drawers, and beautiful proportions. But it had clearly had a rough few decades. The finish was patchy, the handles were mismatched, and the top was covered in heat rings and water stains.

Most people would’ve passed it by. But I saw potential.

I brought it home, gave it a clean-up, and got to work.

Step One: Prep Lightly (That’s the Joy of Chalk Paint®)

One of the reasons I love Annie Sloan Chalk Paint® is that you don’t need to do a lot of prep. No sanding right back to bare wood. No stripping (unless you’re dealing with something really glossy or flaking). I gave the whole piece a good clean with warm, soapy water, and a quick once-over with fine grit sandpaper where needed — just enough to smooth out the rough spots.

Then I let it dry and got to the fun part.

Step Two: Picking the Perfect Colour

This dresser was begging for something bold but classic. I went with Aubusson Blue — a deep, rich teal with serious character. It’s one of my favourites from Annie Sloan’s palette because it adds drama without overwhelming a room.

Two coats gave me great coverage. The paint went on like a dream — thick, creamy, no drips. That’s another reason I keep going back to it. It makes you feel like a pro, even if you’re just starting out.

Step Three: Finishing Touches That Make It Sing

Once the paint dried (which didn’t take long — Chalk Paint® dries quickly, especially indoors), I sealed it with Clear Chalk Paint® Wax. This not only protects the finish but gives the colour depth and a soft, velvety look that’s impossible to get with modern paints.

I replaced the mismatched handles with some brass knobs I had in my stash — not too polished, not too fussy. Just right.

The Result? A One-of-a-Kind Piece That Feels Like Home

That tired old dresser is now a statement piece in someone’s entryway, topped with a mirror and a vase of wildflowers. You’d never guess it started life in the back corner of a charity shop.

And the best part? It didn’t take a workshop full of tools or a background in design — just some time, care, and a few trusted Annie Sloan products.

You Can Do It Too

If you’ve got an old piece sitting in your garage or loft — or spot one on the side of the road — don’t pass it up. With Annie Sloan’s Chalk Paint® range, almost anyone can transform furniture into something special. You don’t need perfection. You just need vision and a willingness to try.

Here’s what I always tell beginners:

• Start small — a side table or chair is perfect.
• Pick a colour you love — Annie Sloan’s range has everything from earthy neutrals to bold jewel tones.
• Trust the process — layering paint, adding wax, and embracing imperfections is all part of the charm.
• Finish well — wax is your best friend. It protects and enhances your piece beautifully.

Final Thoughts from the Workshop

Restoring old furniture is about more than just saving wood. It’s about making something with your hands. Slowing down. Taking pride in bringing new life to something old.

Annie Sloan’s products have become a core part of my toolkit not because they’re trendy, but because they work — beautifully, simply, and reliably.

So if you’re ready to try your first project (or your fiftieth), grab a brush, pick a pot of Chalk Paint®, and see what happens. You might just surprise yourself.

Until next time,
Back to the workbench I go.