I’ve got a new furniture makeover for you!!! And a giveaway!!!!
I’ve been working on this beast of a dresser for a while now, so I’m so happy that the unveiling is now here!!
I found this dresser, and a mate, off Craigslist last winter. On the ad, there weren’t any dimensions, but Topher had a giant SUV, so we knew they should both easily fit.
The guy from the ad also said he would be there to help lift them if needed.
When we arrived at his house (which was gorgeous by the way), we walked in and turned the corner and there they were. They. Were. HUGE.
Topher immediately gave me the you-have-got-to-be-kidding-me look.
Topher explained to the guy that there was no way these were both going to fit in his vehicle. The guy assured him they would, and they tried lifting one up.
Here is the problem: these weigh about a million pounds a piece. Here is problem number two: the guy was tiny. As in smaller then me tiny.
They got the first dresser about 3 inches off the ground, and they had to put it back down. That is when I got the I-am-really-unhappy-with-you look, number two.
So we unloaded all of the drawers and tried again this time with me helping. It wasn’t much better, but we did manage to drag it out the door and down the steps. Then we went back for each extremely heavy drawer.
Then we went back and did it all over again with the second dresser.
This all took a long time, and you know the best part? It was -5 degrees outside, with the most fierce bone chilling winds I have ever experienced (and being from Kansas that is saying something).
So then we got both of the dressers inside the car after rearranging several times only to figure out that the drawers really wouldn’t fit in there also.
By this point, all three of us were experiencing something near frostbite, which lead to the you-are-so-going-to-hear-about-this-as-soon-as-we-are-out-of-earshot-of-this-guy look.
So we drove all of the way home, having no real way of unloading these bad boys by ourselves.
I’ll spare you the details, but lets just say Topher and I managed, but it wasn’t pretty, and since no one else was around, lets just say I was getting more then just looks.
All in all, we got them home, and I loved them. They were in rough shape, though, so of course that meant I was going to paint them.
Before:
I painted the shell with two coats of Plaster Paint in Native Stone. I then distressed the whole shell.
On the drawers, I gave them a sanding, stained them, and then coated them in several coats of tung oil.
Last I coated the shell in clear wax, and here is the exciting part, I used my new AutoRight cordless detailing polisher!
You have heard me talk about Homeright’s Finish Max Fine Finish Sprayer and the Power-Flo Pro 2800 Airless Paint Sprayer which I love. Now, with the polisher they have all of my needs met! It is super simple to use also!
1. Attach the brush to the polisher and get some wax on the end of the brush (dip it, paint it on, or put it on the piece and spread it with the polisher).
2. Put your brush on your project and squeeze the trigger and cover the whole surface. I then let the wax sit awhile.
3. Put the little blue bonnet on your polisher and buff your whole project. That’s it.
I have buffed tons of furniture pieces by hand throughout the years, and I can tell you this polisher has made my life soooo much easier! No more rubbing until my wrists and fingers cramp up … not to mention always having to come up with clean cloths.
After:
If you would like one of your own, you can get one at Amazon for around $45!! A great price for something that will save you time and effort.
You can also enter the giveaway to win your own!
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Katie says
I have an old bench I would like to use this on.
Lindsay Eidahl says
I have so many projects all the time so I would be so happy to try this on any of them!
Denise says
I need to wax and buff the vanity I finished painting…the weather got nasty too fast to finish 🙁
Carole says
It is absolutely beautiful!!! I love the color so much and the wood grain…super pretty!! Great job! The buffer sure would come in handy, thanks!!!
Shanna says
Thank you Carole!
Leena Lanteigne says
If I won this wonderful tool, the first project I would use it on is my antique dressing table that I want to refinish. Hugs, Leena
KellieS. says
My daughter moved out on her own this year. We have been been buying furniture at yard sales and craigslist and painting a lot of it to cuten it up, We have slowly been getting it waxed. This little bad boy would help is get it all finished so she can have her first adorable little place. AND the we could go find more cuteness and slap some paint on it!
Jennifer Reynolds says
I have a dresser that I need to redo, this would help immensly!
Fran says
I have a bench sitting on my front porch that is crying out for help. I’m well into my senior years and I’m needing help too !!! I’ve always felt that if it doesn’t move – it must be waiting to get painted.
Shanna says
I like the way you think Fran!
joy says
BEAUTY OF A BEAST DRESSER. SHANN A WELL DINE INDEED!!!!
Shanna says
Thank you Joy! Hope your foot is better!
Maaike says
What a super-handy tool! I have PLENTY of items to use it on…. 🙂
Annette Deardurff says
I love what you did to that dresser! I’ve got several pieces right now I’d like to paint – having that tool would be AWESOME!!
Shanna says
Thank you Annette!
Kim says
I’ve got a couple of pieces I want to start working on when I get my shop open. I ordered some MMSP and want to get started with that!!
Rhonda S. says
I would use on a dresser I’m converting to a 70″ TV Stand. I bought the chalk paint last August and it still sits unpainted due to the daunting task of waxing once I’m done painting. This might just be my answer!
Marlene says
I have a 130 yrs old buffet that I am working on and this tool would be wonderful to have. Thank you.
Lynne E. says
I could certainly use that on the hutch I’m getting ready to refinish.
Claudia says
This is so GREAT! I just went to Menard’s over the weekend looking for something like this to use on my projects. I have RA and it takes me forever to complete. The kid at the store just looked at me like I was from Mars!
Shanna says
I highly recommend it Claudia! I have RA also and this makes it so much easier on the wrists!
Tammy says
I’d love to win this!!
carol clark says
on a dresser i bought for my daughter
Lynne says
The dresser turned out beautiful.
Shanna says
Thank you Lynne!
Cindy says
NICE! Love the dresser; love the tool. Sign me up. 😀
Angela says
Ooo…I love a good gadget! Nice tip; beautiful colour choices
Shanna says
Thanks Angela! This gadget is a great one!
Karen H says
I have a “chest”, for lack of knowing what it really is, that I really want to paint and wax!! So this little wonder would be fantastic!
Great giveaway! Thank you!
Marie @ The Interior Frugalista says
Love the makeover you gave this dresser – the turquoise and dark stained drawers are gorgeous together. Had a good chuckle with the very fitting phrase you put on the chalkboard! I don’t blame you for being persistent – you know a good thing when you see it and so worth the effort. I’ve now added a detailing polisher to my list of Must Haves in the Workshop.
Shanna says
Thank you Marie! My hubby doesn’t always admire my persistence!
Clydia says
Wow! The dresser turned out fantastic!
Shanna says
Thank you Clydia!
allison alexander says
This is awesome! Thanks for the opportunity to win. 🙂
Cynthia P says
I have 2 beautiful handmade dressers which belonged to my late grandmother that need some major restoration, so these are the first items I would use this on, if I win.
Kathleen Rizer says
I have four pieces I’m painting now and would love to use this waxer.
Nancy @ Artsy Chicks Rule says
Oh that is awesome Shanna!! I use a handheld brush and buff with that sometimes…and bought the same thing in the round/drill head version (attaches to a drill) But I have never used it!! Too much of a pain to mess with the drill…but this is perfect….and it has the buffer attachment too. I see a new “toy” in my future. 😉
Thanks for sharing!!
Nancy
Shanna says
I highly recommend it! It definitely makes things easier! My wrists aren’t what they used to be and anything that relieves pressure on them works for me!
Laurali Manieri says
I would use it on my grand daughter’s headboard, and two chairs all of which are “in progress”. There are several other projects I would rewax with that handi dandi little gadget. I bought a car waxer /buffer about a year ago, here’s the problems… It’s too big! (10 inches with side mounted handles), It’s heavy requiring both hands, and its corded (and not a long cord), so it’s always a battle. Maybe I didn’t do the best I could have done on those “finished” projects, but that little guy could remedythat.
laurie says
First, I loved hearing that someone else gets those looks AND those words from their husband when they end up with something kind of crazy! I enjoyed your story of determination. This buffer looks great. I never do as good a job as I need to with waxing, because my arms get so tired. Thanks for showing me this product. laurie
Shanna says
Thanks Laurie! It definitely makes buffing easier!
laurie says
Got so carried away with the buffer, I forgot to tell you the dresser looks gorgeous! laurie
Becky says
I would LOVE to try something like this! I have a 1970’s sewing table that needs an update. The top will be stained and sealed with polycrylic but the bottom drawers will need a lovely wax finish to show off their brass hardware and fabulous shape! I would love to use something like this to make my life easier!
Holly says
Shanna, the dresser is gorgeous! I love the combination of the teal blue and wood drawers. And love the whole look and idea of the cordless detailing polisher! When you wax something almost every day, every little bit of automation is a great thing. I have tried a brush buffer that attaches to my cordless drill but I love the idea of a polishing cloth. Thanks for sharing!
Shanna says
Thanks Holly! I have used a car buffer in the past, but I love that this one is smaller and can get into all areas.
Amy @ StowandTellu says
I’ve got a kitchen island project coming up and this would make it so much easier to get the job done!
Shanna says
Oh, I can’t wait to see this island!
Dotte says
I would love to win!!…. I’d use in on a vintage buffet I purchased at auction.
Melody says
I have a beast of a mid-century cabinet I could use this on!! Hope I win 🙂 Love the color you chose for this piece as well as the fact you left the drawers stained. Beautiful!!
Shanna says
Thank you Melody! With as much furniture as you do, you definitely need one of these!
Carrie MkgLemonade says
I have an adorable little end table just waiting for a makeover right now. It could use a little buffing!
SheilaG @ Plum Doodles says
Beautiful makeover! Rescuing furniture would be so much easier if we had mega-muscles, wouldn’t it?
Shanna says
Thank you Sheila! You would think after doing furniture for this long I would have more muscles!
mary billman says
Man, can I relate to your story! The “unspoken looks” that say so much.
What would I use this on????? The top of my desk is in need of a good polishing and having carpal tunnel in my polishing wrist is not too easy to work with.
Shanna says
I hear you Mary! I have RA and buffing with bad wrists is no fun.
Karen says
I have not been brave enough to try a machine like this but I sure love how yours came out !!!
Shanna says
Thank you Karen! Trust me, if I can handle of of these machines, so can you!
Linda Chaput says
How much easier finishing up all these projects would be with that tool….
Paul says
This would make my life so much easier. I’ve hand waxed only on 2 projects and I’m sick of it!
Taramarie says
My dream is to re-fresh all the beautiful pieces of furniture (that were screaming ‘HELP_ME”) that I’ve been collecting since reading your blog and this would be a big asset!!
Amy Woitas says
I totally LOVE the color combo on this piece! I am thinking I need to use it when I re-do my over-sized kitchen table that a previous owner had put latex on .. and the buffet/hutch that I will be doing to match The Cordless Detailing Polisher would certainly be helpful!!
Shanna says
Thank you Amy!
Yvonne @ StoneGable says
What a brilliant idea! And such a stunning piece! LOVE that you used paint and left some wood.
Shanna says
Thank you so much Yvonne!
Crystal says
Love the dresser!! It’s gorgeous!! I’d use it to redo my bedroom set.
Shanna says
Thank you Crystal! I am so excited about Zoey and Wade getting closer! I can’t wait for this week’s episode!
Nicole says
You are so talented! Such a beautiful piece! I was laughing reading your description of the adventure it was to pick these up. 🙂 Having the right tools certainly does make a job easier!
Shanna says
Thank you Nicole! My hubby and I have definitely been on some adventures picking up furniture throughout the years!
Nancy says
I learn so much when I stop by your blog. I had never heard of this–but it turns out so beautiful!
Deanne Fordham says
I would use it on a bed I am refinishing
Jody says
I would love to try this on my next project. Love the dresser!!
Lisa says
I would use this to do the woodwork in my powder room!!!
David Smith says
I would use it first on my 2 antique dressers that I have had since my 11th birthday (about 40 years ago). When I got them, they were about 60-70 years old already. They could use a good cleaning and polishing just to protect the wood.
Mary says
I love the color choice you made for the dresser. I just started refinishing furniture and would love this buffer/waxer combo!
Shanna says
Thank you Mary!
Trish F says
I would finally tackle my dining table. I’ve been wanting to paint it shabby chic and then put a fine coat of wax on it. Thanks for a great giveaway!
Annette says
I have a coffee table that needs some TLC, so that’s the first thing I’d polish with this.
Prissyville says
Love the two-tone. The wood is so rich and in really good condition. Awesome find! I made my own polisher by attaching a sock to my sander! lol! It worked but I should probably should get what you have! Stopped by via DIY ShowOff. Thank you for sharing.
Marilyn says
WOW, this is absolutely gorgeous! Truly stunning! 😀
Katherines Corner says
Thank you for the giveaway opportunity. I’d use this on a cedar chest I plan to refinish. Thank you for sharing your sweet blog at the Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop. Your participation helps to make it extra special ♥
P.S. I hope you will add your giveaway to my giveaway page
Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. says
What a beautiful dresser! And that buffer looks so nifty! This would make quick work of the buffet in my garage!
Shanna says
Thank you Sharon!
Penny says
I would love to have this polisher!! I have put off doing so many painting projects just because of the waxing, if I were to win this I would get be able to get mu blanket chest painted right away!!!
katie says
I’ve been looking for one of these! I didn’t know what to use to make the job of waxing easier. I feel like I’m going to get carpal tunnel from all of the hand polishing!!!
Shanna says
I feel your pain Katie. If you do a lot of furniture pieces your wrist really starts to feel it. This baby makes it so much easier!
Lori says
Can you use this tool on chalk paint? Oh and love love the dresser!!!
Shanna says
You definitely can use it on chalkpaint!