A 3 drawer chest makeover is one of the best ways to give new life to an old piece of furniture. Whether you’ve inherited a vintage chest, picked one up at a thrift store, or saved it from the curb, transforming it can turn it into a show-stopping piece for your home. In this blog post, I’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of restoring and updating a 3-drawer chest to make it both functional and beautiful.
I found this piece a few years ago as a thrift store and my mom had a use for it right away. Fast forward a few years and she was done with it so it was finally time to give it a makeover.
Supplies Used In This 3 Drawer Chest Makeover
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Old Rags
Step 1: Prepping Your 3-Drawer Chest
Before diving into the makeover, proper preparation is key. Start by cleaning the entire 3-drawer chest thoroughly. I use a vacuum to clean out the drawers and cabinets. For this makeover, I used a TSP alternative to remove dirt, grime, and oils. This step ensures a clean surface for sanding and painting. Don’t skip this step—it’s the foundation of any great makeover! I then used Gloss-Off on this piece after it was cleaned and to prep it even more for paint.
Step 2: Repairs and Adjustments
Inspect the 3 drawer chest for any necessary repairs. I used Gorilla Glue to fix a part of the cabinet door that was loose. Then, I used MUD filler to fill the middle holes in the smaller drawers. At this step, you are checking for loose joints, damaged drawers, or missing veneer.
Step 3: Sanding the Chest
Next, scuff-sand the entire surface of the 3 drawer chest. Sanding removes old finishes, smooths imperfections, and helps the new paint or stain adhere better. I started with a medium-grit sandpaper and finished with a fine grit for a smooth surface. Be sure to wipe away all sanding dust before moving on!
Step 4: Prime
Next, if you aren’t using an all-in-one paint, it is time to prime. I used BOSS primer.
Step 5: Painting
For this makeover, I opted for one of my favorite green paint colors to give the piece a modern touch while maintaining its vintage charm. I used a high-quality brush for the best finish and worked in thin, even coats, allowing ample drying time between layers.
Step 6: Topcoat
The final step in this 3 drawer chest makeover was the topcoat. I tried the Ultra Guardd topcoat. Adding a protective topcoat finishes the project and ensures durability. Once the topcoat was dry, I put the hardware back on.
This 3 drawer chest makeover transformed a worn and outdated piece into a beautiful and functional statement for any room. It’s perfect for extra storage while adding charm to the space. Whether you’re new to furniture makeovers or have years of experience, tackling a 3 drawer chest is a fun and rewarding project that anyone can do.
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