Repainted Dresser

I've made some progress in the baby's room... however slowly it may seem.  I've cleaned out the room of excess boxes and other random items.  I stalked Craigslist for a dresser that would double as a changing table for the baby.  I really liked the 'Don Draper' feel of these two pieces.  $60 for the set!  I got what I paid for... the pieces aren't in the best condition but they function well.  Matthew and I went about making minor repairs to hardware and other improvements to make this perfect for the baby.  

My plan was always to repaint the pieces.  I'm not planning on painting the baby's room, so wherever I can add a little color I'm going to take the opportunity.  I've never repainted furniture before so I did a little research on various DIY websites before I got started.  The pieces are wood construction, except for the top of the large dresser, which is formica-type laminate surface.  Rather than sand off all the paint I used a B-I-N Primer and sprayed that on the surfaces.  This primer is recommended for laminate as it is a shellac that gives a tooth to the surface, making it ready to accept a latex paint.  I set up a small spray station and went to work!

The spraying went quickly.  Two cans of spray was enough for the case pieces and drawers.  The taping and plastic masking took a bit longer.  I also decided to sand just the top surface, or laminate, of the large piece, because it hadn't been properly prepared before it was painted white and there were areas where the paint was peeling (that sanding, by hand, took forever!).  

The spray worked beautifully and I had no problems with the latex paint adhering to the primer.  The color seems to look very different in these photos... the more blue hue below I feel is most accurate.  I was unsure about whether or not this color would work... but I seem to be addicted to this turquoise lately!  I needed only a quart of paint to complete the project.  I have to confess that even as I was painting I couldn't really decide if I loved the color or if it was too strong... but it has grown on me.  Maybe because I don't like the idea of repainting it :).   No, I think it will work really well and can't wait to throw in some contrasting accents to bring the room together.

A shot of the room in it's current condition.  I also framed a few pieces of artwork that I'm planning on hanging in the room.  And we bought a crib from Ikea!  Waiting to be assembled.  I have soooo many more projects and ideas waiting to be realized... I better get to work!