Faun and Nymths Playing - French Provincial dresser/nightstand

By Eva Procek, Owner at Reviving by Design in Middleton, WI.

Winning Category

This French Provincial dresser/nightstand caught my eye instantly the moment I saw it: elegant frame, serpentine drawers, cabriole legs, curvy edged top, ornamental details and beautiful hardware. The only problem: unsalvageable veneer on the top. Solution: image transfer that would follow a build up of the surface with layers of primer and paint, sanded in between to even, smooth finish. I envisioned this piece of furniture right away with playful, cheerful art on the top and happy colors complementing the image. I picked an image from series of paintings Faun and Nymths by H. Zatzka, Austrian painter (1859-1949) with yellows, blues and greens as dominating colors. And so yellow and green had to follow on to the frame, naturally. The image was printed on 6 pages, transferred and sealed first with one coat of HP for protection, then crackle glaze was strategically applied in chosen spots, lightly sanded and second coat of HP was applied, followed by metallic glaze to give it an old look with some richness of gentle sparkle. The drawers got facelift as well with patchwork design tissue paper decoupaged and distressed for additional interest. After paint on the frame was sealed next came to details with rich gold gilding, gold detailing over carvings, transforming drawer handles from dull cream color to green and yellow patina with touches of green metallic paint. Dark and metallic glaze was strategically applied over the whole frame and to finish all off speckling with metallic glaze was added. And here it was again: revived yet now richly looking, elegant yet vibrant and happy, new old furniture, one and only, ready to be appreciated and enjoyed for years to come.

Products Used

  • Custom mixes of chalk paint in yellow and green
  • Heirloom Traditions 1gel
  • Rust-Oleum Chalked top coat matte
  • General Finishes High Performance satin top coat
  • Modern Masters Metal Effects Green and Blue Patina
  • Devo Art green metallic paint
  • Viva Precious Metal Colour Gold
  • Special Effects aging glaze
  • Deco Art Elegant Finish Metallic Glaze
  • Mod Podge matte

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