Mid Century Modern Dresser Gets a Swanky Redo

By Paula Basnett in Reidsville, NC.

Retro is chic again. This masculine piece was just screaming for some TLC. It got a swanky updo with a glossy white crocodile embossing technique which accentuated the clean MCM lines yet gave it a modern day feel.

The frame was refreshed and darkened with General Finsihes Java Gel Stain. Several coats of Polycrylic were applied to protect the stained surface.

Swank usually requires getting a little dirty. This was no different.  But this swankliciousness involved  a slurry of drywall mud, and PVC glue. They wee mixed to a sour cream consistency (approximately 4 parts mud to 1 part glue) The slurry was troweled onto the drawer fronts using a 10 inch drywall taping knife to a 1/4 inch thickness. After sitting for 5 to 10 minutes, the slurry was ready for the next funky step.

 A Krok Crocodile Skin Paint & Plaster Roller, was wetted and rolled in slightly undulating passes across the drawer fronts. TA DAH!  Croc skin on furniture!

The mud was sealed with three coats of Valspar satin paint in Snowcap White. Then the shine was added with three coats of Rustoleum Ultra  Gloss Clear spray. The glossy sheen bounced the light on and off of the crocodile texture.

The final touch was adding clean curved chrome legs and bar pulls to the drawer fronts. Total SWANK!!

Project Category

Upcycling Merit CategoriesRollers, Stenciling & Embossing

Products Used

  • General Finishes Java Gel Stain
  • Minwax Polycrylic in Satin
  • Proform All Purpose Drywall Mud
  • Elmer's Glue All
  • Valspar Satin Finish Paint in Snowcap White
  • Rustoleum Ultra Cover 2x Gloss Clear

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