Easy Makeover Idea

With a few swipes of sandpaper, a little paint and some hardware, you can take virtually anything from the junkyard to the treasure chest. And it's not as difficult as you might expect.

In five easy steps you can go from THIS...

...an old abused dresser we found in the basement when we moved into the place.

to THIS...

...a beautiful contemporary dresser for my daughter's tweenie room.

1. Make sure you are in a well ventilated area and have the proper safety gear. ALWAYS follow the manufacturer's directions for proper use and safety requirements!!!
2. Remove any exterior hardware, handles, etc and sand your surface smooth. If there's several layers of paint, then you may want to consider purchasing a chemical paint remover. Simply follow the manufacturer's directions for proper usage!
3. Wipe away dust and debris with a damp cloth.
4. Apply paint. Allow each coat to properly dry before applying the next. Tips: Spray paint is THE BEST, easiest, and quickest painting method! If you are going from a darker color to a lighter color then you'll benefit from using a primer first. This will help reduce the number of top coats required for a beautiful finish. If you want a SUPER SMOOTH surface, lightly sand in between each coat and don't forget to wipe with a damp cloth. Add a clear top coat to heavily used items to extend the life of your painted piece.
5. Add or replace the hardware and admire your work!
   

See, it's wasn't THAT hard! The process is similar to getting a manicure. The nail technician removes the old polish, files your nails and pushes back your cuticles to create an even surface. Then she applies multiple coats of polish, and finishes it off with a clear top coat! If you paint your own nails then surely you can paint something. Anything. EVERYTHING!

If you're afraid or don't like bold colors, then go with neutral paint colors: whites, grays, blacks, almond, charcoal, etc. You can punch it up with bold colorful hardware plus you can change the look by switching the hardware in less time it takes for your nails to dry!

It's your turn! What in item would you like to makeover? Light fixtures, chairs, tables, lamps, shelving, planting pots, frames, switch plates??? Inquiring minds want to know!