Coated in Plastic? Detailed Furniture Makeover ofMid Century Modern Dresser | Paint & Stain

Personal Opinion - I don’t like blonde lacquer finishes. They make most mid-century modern pieces of furniture look like plastic. In this video we will paint and stain this mid-century modern dresser as well as add some fancy new legs. I hope you enjoy the video. If you have questions, please drop your comments below. Oh yeah, I also made a new stain color. 😊
// Products Used //
General Finishes Satin Water Based Poly - amzn.to/3DxjBPn
General Finishes Java Gel Stain-amzn.to/3iQdfTj
General Finishes Antique Walnut Gel Stain- amzn.to/3FAWHs0
Milwaukee Ratcheting Screw Driver- amzn.to/3iQA21k
Chisel- amzn.to/3AxPTYu
Pocket Hole Jig - amzn.to/3andKiP
Pocket Hole screws - amzn.to/3BzrUJO
Milwaukee Drill - amzn.to/3uWwBuG
Plastic Square- amzn.to/2YuBAXn
Metal T-Square - amzn.to/3lsOcaD
Carbide Scraper - amzn.to/3uXhUaG
Mikita Orbital Sander - amzn.to/3oO0Enj
Sand Paper - amzn.to/3Fwya7r
Melange Mineral Paint - Vagabond Blue
Wooster Shortcut Brush - amzn.to/2X0cWxx
Rust-oleum Gray Primer - amzn.to/3v6co5J
Orange Glow - amzn.to/2X0d00f
Howards Feed n Wax - amzn.to/3mEe02S
Chalk Brushes (Great for dusting details and applying wax) - amzn.to/2YuCN0R
Krud Kutter - amzn.to/3uZwz5k
Krylon Matte Black Spray Paint - amzn.to/3uZAH5k
Ryobi Sliding Miter Saw - amzn.to/3mCYgND
Tri Dolly Furniture Rollers - amzn.to/3mREq1k
Original Poem:
A blonde finish,
Lacquer- tinted.
Curves and angles - means business.
Wood grain - not printed.
I saw you in the Thrift store
Drove 30 minutes
Maybe more...
Your cost- It was near my limits.
Took you home
Left you alone
But now it's time
To make you refined!
Music by Streambeats / Harris Heller
Instagram @reconstructingemily
DISCLAIMER: Links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you, and trust me I won't be offended if you find it cheaper some place else!
Always follow proper safety procedures when working on projects and read warning labels on any new products you're using.
#generalfinishes #melangepaint

[@AlfrescoStudio]

Pro tip for when using the jigsaw. Place your tape OVER the surface you're cutting (rather than adjacent) and then draw your pencil line. This will help minimise tear out of the wood or veneer surface and save having to fill or repair afterwards.

[@charlottecolley6966]

I love the dark blue & dark brown together. And I'm glad that the spiderwebs that you removed weren't holding the piece together -- that was a concern.

[@ReconstructingEmily]

LOL! I have a piece that's like that now sitting in my garage. 'If I remove this, will it fall apart? Probably...' 😊

[@briemills9209]

Very pretty! I can't believe how you brought them into the 21st century. Those blond laminated pieces are the ones most in need, for sure.

[@apriltatum5543]

Thank you for such a thorough tutorial. We are moving and I have several pieces I want to redo. Never done any furniture before so very nervous. Love the dresser, parents had a whole bedroom of the blond mid-century. Of course it was 1950 😂

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Just take your time and stay away from 80 grit sand paper if you want to find some wood veneer! It might also be a good idea to find a small night stand or something to just practice on. Free stuff is best if you can find it. 💙

[@nysunflower9439]

Many years ago, friends of my in laws gave us this entire set. Bed, side tables, and both dressers. The woman’s dresser had a massive mirror. I find myself wishing I had the set still. This Reno is wonderful.

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you for sharing! I wish I coudl see the entire set all together. My pintrest is filled with old advertisements for furniture just so I can look at full sets. Its very interesting!

[@seewardone]

Keep up the good work! There are too many youtubers doing furniture makeovers but have no clue what they're doing. I will be restoring my current Alma Desk Co admin desk and your videos have provided clean, concise, and professional how to. Thank you!

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you! I try. Sometimes I don't feel like I know what I am doing but usually its a matter of just doing it. I wish I could find an Alma desk with the one side of drawers and the other side legs. I am fond of that style. Maybe some day!

[@melkitty]

I had the exact same dresser until a few years ago! Still have the night stand

[@dshey6802]

Much better!! I like the way you explain your steps. You give out so many helpful tips.

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you D Shey! 😊

[@holly5791]

Maybe you need to start a line of stains. Your names would be catchy, for sure! Java the Nutt...had to add that extra 't', lol. The piece looks very nice, certainly a world apart from where it started. Great job! 🙂👍

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you Holly! That would be amazing to make my own custom line of wood stains. Life goals!

[@annieklim5698]

Thank you! Just purchased very similar dresser and chest of drawers to refinish and took copious notes on all your advise as this is my first furniture flip!!

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Good luck Annie! You got this!

[@laurasinkins6981]

Patting the sandpaper for luck is a must! And see, it worked. Turned out perfectly. 💯

[@ReconstructingEmily]

It's a weird thing, that I do a lot. I'm not even sure why I do it...Like a good ole pat on the back for Mr Makita. 💙

[@momsnewlife1197]

I have had this dresser for many years and was thinking about painting it sometime this week. Perfect timing for this video. Thank you

[@ReconstructingEmily]

I really like that top drawer and the handles. They're pretty awesome!

[@jjroberts4]

"Java the Nut" had me rolling. May the Fourth be with you tomorrow!

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you for the reminder!! How is it May already?

[@carolynward5567]

This was the style of the bedroom set my grandfather had, although I think all the drawers were curved. My parents took it after he died. That set was kind of a light bronzish brown, though.

[@aerialvideotraining5987]

You are a great teacher as you narrate your process! Thank you! I especially appreciate this video becaus I just got the EXACT SAME DRESSER from an aging family member who moved to a senior living community! You have given me all the tips I could ever ask for!

[@kathleennagwak1761]

Your dresser looks very much like my in- laws bedroom furniture. Looks great

[@TheMissFlips]

Love how this guy turned out! The richness is real with that stain color! Reminds me of the chocolate flavor see’s lollipop

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Now I need snacks lol 😆 🧡

[@nancyberg6260]

This has to be the biggest change and for the better I have seen. Thank you for showing the details that made it possible to retain this fragile integrity. Grand look now.

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you Nancy 😊

[@FurnitureWarriors]

Java the Nutt! 🤣🤣 Awesome piece this turned out to be! The colors go so well together. Sweeeeeet!😀😀

[@ReconstructingEmily]

I knew you'd laugh at that! I just knew it!! 💜 Thank you!

[@pegl6576]

I had a dresser exactly like this in 1979!

[@blessyaheart]

A mature blonde in heels! Awesome job!

[@ReconstructingEmily]

I was telling my friend its a mature blonde in a pants suit. This dresser is all business! Love your imagery ❤

[@auntiegyrl]

I am doing one similar but a 6 drawer. My bottom was wood but still had damage I am not dealing with. I scored my veneer with a utility knife and just kept going with it and it worked well.

[@OurFurnitureFlippingAdventure]

“Java the Nut” stain 😂 love it

[@ReconstructingEmily]

😀 I couldn't think of anything else that seemed right. ❤

[@Thilath]

I've got a set of wooden folding TV tables that I always wanted to paint and customize...your channel is giving me ideas haha

[@cathylovesjesus4451]

“Java the Nut”. 😂. Love it

[@rofree2470]

Had this set for about 20 years now. Tall dresser, long dresser and one bedside table.

[@grammybear4226]

🐼 Big Bear Hugs from a 68 yr old grandma in Kirby, Texas, USA 🐼 ❤️ 🎀 ❤️ 🎀

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you Grammy Bear!💜

[@BB.halo_heir]

I'm of the don't ever paint wood, unless it's a matter of life and death crew. But I really liked this! Great color combo 👌

[@A-Minor-Music]

I had a whole bedroom suite (this tall dresser, plus bedframe & long 6drawer dresser with mirror) Exactly like this in my childhood home in PA,USA, purchased approx 1966.

[@ReconstructingEmily]

That's really awesome! Do you happen to know the manufacturer? I know this one wasn't marked. They say you can tell if someone grew up in PA by the fact they abbreviate it instead of saying Pennsylvania. (I grew up in PA.) Thank you for sharing Evie!

[@A-Minor-Music]

@@ReconstructingEmily Hi again Emily, so sorry i didnt ck back for so long! I dont remember seeing a mfr label either. My parents purchased the set in Lancaster County, possibly at a Sears store, or maybe at a smaller local company, but it wasnt necessarily made in PA. What part of the state ru from?

[@aot9644]

Fabulous as always. Hilarious as always. As a Star Wars fan I love the Java the Nutt.

[@ReconstructingEmily]

I couldn't think of anything else to name it. Something about it just felt...right! Glad you enjoyed Adriana!

[@dochubbell]

Great work! I have a dresser, (laminated), nearly identical to the one you did here. It even has the same hardwear. The only diffirence is it is in a medium dark wood grain and sits directly on the floor without legs of any kind. There is hope yet for the ol girl. I am loathed to throw it away as it is in near perfect condition. Thanks for the video.

[@kathyl5610]

Oh my goodness, that piece turned out amazing! I have 2 dressers that are almost exactly the same as the piece you did with that blonde lacquer. I have been trying to figure out how and what to do with them, I got them free! I have scoured KZbin videos looking for similar pieces and no luck. That is, UNTIL TODAY! Thank you so very much for this perfect timing and fantastic instructions and inspiration on how to do the pieces I have. I can say that I am not really looking forward to this project but, at least I know what they can be. I am saving this video forever! Thanks again, take care, stay safe.

[@elizabethbrower640]

I would never buy a piece made of particle board. That’s where I draw the line. Looks much better. Cute dog.

[@mylittlecoloradocottage]

I just bought a dresser that I hope can refinish and use as a buffet, great video and great tips

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you and good luck! Take your time with it. 😊

[@frelnc]

Love the result. And I also loved the photobomb of your Beagle. Cute little guy you have there.

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you Mary Kay!! 😊

[@karencary3312]

MUCH, MUCH, MUCH BETTER!!!!

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you Karen!

[@pamkelly7071]

Love the color combination and your dog!

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you so much!

[@ruthiezophia2946]

The stain turned out beautiful.

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you Ruthie!

[@carolynledford6484]

OMG!!! What a change ! Stunning!!!

[@flash2tz]

Be-yoot-i-full transformation! What a lovely update!

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you 😊

[@kimberlythomas8366]

Very nice. What a difference. I like your style. Down to earth, not alot of wasted time!!! Good job.

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you Kimberly 😊

[@VintageAndPainted]

Emiliy you are so funny...always love watching your videos. Great flip

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you 😊

[@curiouscat3384]

my parents had bedroom furniture with that finish in the early 60's. I don't know why but sometime in the 90's mom had it dipped and stripped down to the base wood. She left them natural, oil rubbed I think, and it was GORGEOUS! We never knew what kind of wood it was though, sadly. I just found you and am enjoying your videos and narrations :)

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you for sharing! It is interesting how well this type of finish holds up, but definately doesnt look like the veneers used under it.

[@aliciakelly925]

I love your videos. They are helpful and entertaining! I recently picked up a blonde midcentury dresser and have been thinking it would look better darker and with legs... This helped me visualize it. Thank you!

[@ReconstructingEmily]

I am glad it can help you visualize it. 💙

[@marydd4147]

Love it!!! Appreciate your explanations since I'm going to attempt to restore an old desk and your explanations on why you do something or how you do something are awesome!

[@michelleodom8637]

The transformation of this piece is AMAZINGLY Beautiful !! I've seen quite a few of these dressers, & this is the best transformation, in my opinion. Good Job EMILY !!!!

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you so much!

[@lynettebrown1801]

This looks so much better!! Really pretty! You did a great job!

[@carrollminton5454]

I have 2 dressers and 2 matching chests in that same finish. It took a long time to strip and sand that finish off 1 chest top only. The 2 sets are still sitting in my garage untouched for the winter. Your finished piece is beautiful! Thank you. You have encouraged and inspired me to press on. 😁

[@ReconstructingEmily]

The finish on these pieces are no joke! If you're having a difficult time with the finish being in the woodgrain (like mahogany) check out the black and white dresser I recently did. Under the paint is a blonde lacquer. Might find some helpful tips! Dont give up - you got this!

[@stayburns7093]

Great 👍🏽 work ! Please always have the dog in the after pics😍

[@liaqvist2070]

So here I am, laying in bed, batteling migrane and missing a purple crayon! 💜

[@ReconstructingEmily]

My smol one asked me why it was in the garage and asked for it back politely. Now if I can find where she hid it...Hope you are feeling better! 💜

[@ronnyannmassa3123]

These blonde wood dressers are my favorite. I love the curves and the hardware. You did a beautiful job on this one.

[@mosquitorepellent1276]

I hope that you get an electrical sander soon. Awesome work gorgeous🤍

[@karenraga3428]

I have one of those "blonde" sets. I'm encouraged after your vid. THanks

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Good luck Karen! It is always fun to see what is hidden underneath!

[@janhurter5214]

That looks nice, the colors are complimenting each other's.

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you Jan!

[@Savvymomsquad1]

I have a dresser exactly like this thank you for your information

[@AlbertoRodriguez-iw4sq]

This is a great transformation.

[@janicealley5033]

❤ 😍 your pups posing. 🐶 You work is beautiful !

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you Janice! They are spoiled!

[@soccermom1245]

Great Milwaukee drill!!!

[@debraneria4242]

I have the same style dresser and thank you for some inspiration Emily ...I always love watching your videos ....stunning Flip as always 👍😊

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thanks for watching Debra! There's a lot of possibilities with this one. I thought about using green as well, but wanted to mix it up a bit. 💙

[@doddnejadfard3251]

Beautiful,,,I love the combination

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you Dodd! ❤

[@marymendez4178]

Is just absolutely stunning.

[@stefaniaponitz5738]

Again, such an elegant result. It's fun for me to see because I like things to be very, very loud so to see someone do the opposite of that and me still falling in love with the pieces is fascinating to me. I was fascinated by the plastic coated particle board as well as I used to have a desk like that, I know that because I peeled part of the plastic layer of which made my mom very upset lol

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you Stefanie! I have a few memories of 'carving' my desk as a kid where my mom was ...less than happy about it.

[@lauradyer8532]

Love it! I have one sitting in my garage. Lol

[@marionphillips5485]

I had this same finish on funiture when I was a kid.

[@ellenfoster9764]

Love the blue!

[@bridgetd0317]

First time viewing your channel. I love your work and the colors you used! And your dog is adorable. 😀

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Welcome Bridget and thank you! 🐕 Doggos say thank you as well (I have two.)

[@kellyblodgett3214]

Java the Nut!🥜🦧

[@kathleenhernandez3772]

Love the contrast of the wood and paint

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you Kathleen! 💜

[@elegantupgrades]

Just dying over Java The Nut 😂

[@ReconstructingEmily]

😀 ❤

[@moderndancerforever7711]

First time watching one of your videos...nice job explaining everything! Beautiful transformation!

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you and welcome!

[@deborahmatatall]

Big improvement! I love the wood stain you created. It’s very rich and looks great with the black hardware.🌸

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you Deborah! 😊

[@ellenkelley8416]

Wow beautiful job. What a transformation

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you Ellen!

[@shannonericksen1291]

Omg! We keep finding the same pieces. I have the chest and dresser. This design must be attracted to water

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Open faced particle board bottoms are usually prone to water damage. One would think they would seal them with a strip of laminate lol. I hope you make something awesome! This would look nice with some geometric mcm stripes on the sides I think.

[@MariaReyes-jc4mz]

Beautifully Restored!! Thankyou for sharing

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you Maria 😊

[@zonyasvintage7859]

You did a beautiful job! Very classy finish

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you Zonya!

[@ednaalegria8710]

Beautiful transformation

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you Edna!❤

[@MaureenTheTemp]

Very nice, like the custom stain!

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you Maureen!

[@sharonhardy1314]

I just found your videos recently And I'm gonna put you right up there with bob Ross how very cool your voice is soothing your explanations thorough even though I'm never going to do this and know it I find it fascinating and I enjoy your videos very much

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you so much! Also you never know! Some day you could just up and decide to add legs to a dresser. Maybe end up on a game show where you have to identify what type of furniture something is 😀. Even if you don't I am happy you found my videos entertaining ❤️

[@sharonhardy1314]

@@ReconstructingEmily I'm a quadriplegic can find to a wheelchair so no I definitely won't be doing this for the ideas dance around in my head so if I can manage to use someone else's hands and arms and legs then maybe but I still enjoy your videos

[@ReconstructingEmily]

@@sharonhardy1314 Well then I hope you can enjoy more projects through my videos ❤️ ❤️

[@jeanieesajian2325]

My parents had the same bedroom set!

[@markbeiser]

Down cut jigsaw blades will virtually eliminate all chip-out on the show side.

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Interesting! Will need to look into this. Thanks Mark! 😊

[@coloredcaboosecreations]

Yay No more fake wood grains thanks to your awesome craftsmanship!! Great work 👌

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you! We only eat and use real grains in this garage!!

[@coloredcaboosecreations]

@@ReconstructingEmily 🤣

[@angelamichael9483]

Thanks!

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you so much Angela!

[@TheFiown]

A tip for reducing chipping when you cut is to nail a piece of thin wood, mdf or other onto the piece to be cut and thereby sandwich the piece, then cut through both. This should avoid chipping.

[@PastelCreationsByKatrina]

Wow such a difference well done you xx

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you Flyn! 😊

[@TheBlondeSunset]

It looks so stylish at the end!💥💥💥💥

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you!

[@tiffanytrippeer5401]

Love your approach of restoring these pieces. Completely off topic here, but I caught glimpses of the tattoos on your left arm and thought they were pretty cool 😎

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you! They are 2 week temporary tattoos. Helps me stave off the 'I want a tattoo.' itch I get sometimes. Plus I can change them to whatever I feel like in the moment. 😀

[@tiffanytrippeer5401]

@@ReconstructingEmily Wasn’t aware they were a thing ☺️, but I can understand. At least you have time to decide if it’s one that you might consider having permanently

[@prof.platypus2103]

I learned the hard way about oil-based finishes last summer. I was refurbishing a neighborhood sign for a client. I knew it ambered, but I thought that was over a long period of time. After I finished painting all the details, I applied an oil-based spar urethane, because that’d be the most protective. 48hrs later, the white was no longer white, the pink was now orange, and all the other colors changed too. I had to repaint the whole thing. 😅

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Oil based Spar Urethane is how I learned the hard way too... on light gray paint. It was only a night stand thankfully. Theres got to be a joke about how you should have seen the sign when sealing the sign 😀 Thank you for sharing!

[@joanmacleod1362]

I just found your channel and have subscribed. I have the exact same dresser only the curved drawer is the second drawer and it has the same shiny plastic coating. Thanks for sharing this video you have given me lots of ideas.UPDATE My dresser is solid wood - I’m so excited and nervous to start this project. Rewatching this video again for inspiration.

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Welcome Joan!

[@jodilynn4347]

i just started watching you and i just love you! good work all the time but you just crack me up at times and remind me of me. you go girl! your amazballs

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you Jodi! 😊

[@customerservicemanager7184]

Next time use the 1/4 drill screw bit Q34, it holds much better w/ less odor.

[@bettyriggs8573]

Beautiful save.

[@vbee3571]

I think this is one of my favorite projects you’ve done. Mostly because, I remember my parents having this furniture and I detested it. It’s one of the ugliest finishes ever made. It makes IKEA anything look classy. You did very well with that wallpaper veneer and made it look great. High marks and 👏 for you!!

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you! Agreed on the comparison. Ive only ever seen one piece with white lacquer on it that looked nice, and it was a very high end piece. Here it looks cheap.

[@tamarab.7151]

Beautiful

[@lorifurlott2306]

Beautiful job and color!!

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you Lori!

[@peckinpahlady]

Just discovered your channel; love your talent and appreciate your humour. New subscriber.

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you and welcome!!!

[@lisamclean5472]

Love the final results and I think you have the most adorable helpers… 🥰🥰🥰

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you Lisa 😊

[@bluecurlygirl]

Beautiful. Love how it turned out. Well done.

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you so much Emer! 💜

[@canvea]

Sooo much better! And I'd buy that stain off of you just for the name

[@ReconstructingEmily]

It would be amazing if General Finishes named a stain that - not sure how Disney would feel about it though. 😊

[@kathrynkneeland7179]

Great job!! Beautiful

[@lilolmecj]

Have you seen the bigger Kregg set up? I don’t do enough to justify but it is neat! Good job on recreating the base of this dresser, it is stronger than when it left the factory.😸

[@ReconstructingEmily]

I have! It looks super easy to use. I probably wont upgrade for a while. When I first used the Kreg Jig I had the cheapest version, little bit more effort but gets the job done!