I couldn’t be happier with this urban grunge dresser with an “oil-stained rusted salt-washed” finish! It is completely out of my wheelhouse….and was a huge learning curve for me!
I love sharing projects that were challenges for me……in hopes that you will be inspired to step out of your own comfort zone and try a technique that you haven’t tried before!
This dresser was created for my SIXTH grandchild-to-be and is part of a stunning room design plan using multiple mixed elements such as wood, leather, metal, and even subway tile. And because it always makes the transformation so much more exciting…here is a look at the before.
There are many steps involved with a finish like this. Way too many to list in order as the finish is quite organic in the making…..and you really must be willing to work with what the process delivers you AS it delivers it to you. Does that make sense?
My goal was to create this look with PAINT only…….not relying on my favorite Dixie Belle Paint patina paint line to give me rust and age.
This finish requires quite a bit of water so you will need to protect your floor with a plastic tarp of some kind.
Full cleaning. I usually use White Lightning from Dixie Belle but this was done on location and I used vinegar/warm water mix 1:1.
A single coat of Mud Puddle was applied to cover the shiny surface and to be used as our scratch coat.
Sea Spray was added to two colors (Terracotta and Colonel Mustard)….in separate containers….and applied liberally with no specific pattern.
I used both ragging and stippling techniques to achieve more texture. I call this the “calico cat” stage….and can be seen in a video here. I call this layer my texture coat.
I then began to layer various colors of gray….mostly Gravel Road…but Hurricane Gray and even Coffee Bean. I used the lighter grays at the top and worked my way down with the darker at the bottom.
As I worked I liberally sprayed water to expose the Terra Cotta and Colonel Mustard yellow in various places.
I then chose areas around the hardware to apply my favorite Rusty Nail color. Once Rusty Nail was dry I began layering the grays and Coffee Bean again…..using liberal water to leave the rust showing.
I then used a large chip brush to begin cross-hatching Drop Cloth over the entire surface…..which really brings forth the addition of the Sea Spray texture. Again…I sprayed areas with water allowing the Drop Cloth to drip and run making it appear as if it had been exposed to saltwater.
I continued to let the piece dry…..and add layers and water and various colors….until I achieved the final look
Finally….I started at the bottom of the piece using both Caviar and Coffee Bean……just very strategically adding depth and weight to the base of the dresser…..and slowly blended my way up into the grays.
My last painting step was adding Best Dang Wax in Black to specific areas to enhance the darkness….and to add an “oil stain” look to specific areas.
The entire piece is protected with Clear Coat in Flat.
And for the final touch….we finished off the look with these perfect leather drawer pulls.
I feel VERY good about my personal challenge. I am more than happy with the final look of this urban grunge dresser…..and I think my daughter and son-in-law are too!
I will share the full nursery reveal with you when we have finished ALL the details!
This piece may be a bit out of my comfort zone but I have painted other pieces with this same grungy/urban vibe. Don’t miss my leopard patina grunge, tattered elegance Bombay chest, or graffiti dresser.
leopard patina grunge tattered elegance graffiti dresser
Want to learn this technique in more detail? Check out my tattered elegance tutorial here.
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Tattered Elegance$97.00
Shop: urban grunge dresser
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If you would like to paint your own furniture ….but need a little help getting started…I offer a furniture painting basics course that would be the perfect place!
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See you next week!
XOXO,
Tracey
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As usual, I LOVE this! Your vision and talent are awe inspiring!
This is amazing! The colonial maple dresser has been transformed into a dresser with so much deep and personal character. Love it! The leather drawer pulls are prefect, of course.
Tracy – this is a piece of art, so skillfully done! Thank you for sharing this technique with us….a labor of love for sure. The grunge will take that boy right on through to his teens, I sure hope mom and dad chose some cheerful decor for that baby boy, ….just sayin’….lol
I just found you a few days ago and I’m hooked! I’ve been watching your videos non-stop.Thanks so much for what you do. I’m trying to do the look you did on your grand baby’s grunge dresser. Did you stipple and texture every layer initial dry brushing or just the one initial mustard and terracotta? You and your family are such a joy to watch!