As a furniture refinishing expert with years of hands-on projects, I recommend selecting a solid wood dresser with flat drawer fronts. These paint easily and accommodate hardware drilling without issues.
To modernize an old dresser for a masculine nautical vibe, pry off glued appliqués or trim using a chisel or flathead screwdriver from the drawer fronts.
Since new hardware goes on the drawer fronts, fill old holes with wood putty and smooth the surface with a putty knife.
Before painting, sand the entire surface with fine-grit sandpaper to roughen or remove the existing finish. Wipe clean with a damp cloth for optimal paint adhesion.
The secret to authentic nautical style lies in two paint shades: ultra-white and navy blue. Coat the dresser carcass in ultra-white latex paint using a sprayer for a crisp backdrop.
Then, add depth with navy blue latex on the drawer fronts via sprayer for sharp, eye-catching contrast.
For rugged nautical texture, thick sisal rope serves as pulls. Find the drawer front's center, mark pull end positions, and drill with a 3/4-inch bit.
Unroll sisal rope and cut 14-inch strips for pulls using a sharp knife. Tape the ends with painter's tape, thread through the holes, and knot securely inside the drawer front.
Rustic Blank Photography, LLC
