[Before and After} CAMPAIGN DRESSER REVEALED!

Remember this POS campaign dresser that I found on Craigslist back in October?  Here is the original CL picture.

 

I was so excited when I found it as I had been stalking one for a while.  It was listed for just $15. (though I paid and extra $25 for delivery) 

Let me just say that the picture, although ugly, made this thing look like a gem compared to what it looked like in person.  It was in horrible shape!  Scratches/gauges everywhere but I saw the potential. I was chided by both my husband and my dad for buying it.

They now eat their words.

 

 It is GORGEOUS right? I am so happy with it!

After much debate, I decided on a Martha Stewart paint called palmetto. 

I was inspired by this picture I found on Pinterest. 

First of all a special thanks goes out to my friend Amanda for getting me started on this project! She started me off by removing all of the hardware.  We then filled in all the gashes and nicks with Elmers Wood Filler.  We gave it a quick sanding and slapped on a couple coats of Zinsser oil-based primer. 

Because I didn't want to mess with cleaning brushes with mineral spirits, I used a foam roller and it was covered in a jiffy. 

Already it was starting to look better.  Then I opened the paint can....ahhhhhh

Again, using a foam roller, I applied 3 thin coats of paint.

I was very happy with the color, but it just wasn't shiny enough.  I though a protective topcoat would be a good idea anyway, so when my mom suggested I use a glossy polyurethane I ran out to Lowes to pick some up.

 This stuff is awesome!  It goes on like glass and for $10 a quart was well worth the cost.  (I have plenty left over for other projects.)

The only thing left was the finishing jewelry.  The hardware!
Unfortunately after scrubbing it with Bar Keepers Friend, I discovered that the handles were not brass, but stainless steel.  The corners were brass but were very scratched up.  Spray paint to the rescue!  I ended up returning 2 cans [with the same exact cap color] before finding the right color.  Rustoleum's Metallic Gold was the closest to brass, but it wasn't until I added a coat of polyurethane that they really looked authentic.

 And there you have it!! What do you think?? One more time, here is the before:

Here is the after:

I'll have to show you some pics after I style it up.  It is in my bedroom and I am still working on my inspiration board.  Im so glad I have this to work in the design.  Not bad for less than $50 right?

I have linked up at the following parties:
savvy southern style
Primp Your Stuff Wednesday
Miss Mustard Seed -Furniture Feature Friday
The Shabby Nest
My Simple Home Life
Creation Corner
Katherines Corner
Tatertots and Jello
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
chic on a shoestring decorating
DIY Showoff
At the Picket Fence
Funky Junk Interiors
fireflies and jellybeans
blue cricket design 
sisters of the wild west 
between naps on the porch
mod vintage life
you are talking too much