Family Encyclopedia >> Home & Garden

How to Paint a Retro Floral Design on a Sideboard

Introduction

We bought this old dresser for only $40. It had good bones but a bad paint job. With a vibrant coat of paint and a little floral detail, we've brought it back to life in a fun, retro style.

Step 1

How to Paint a Retro Floral Design on a Sideboard How to Paint a Retro Floral Design on a Sideboard How to Paint a Retro Floral Design on a Sideboard

Prepare the piece

Remove drawer pulls and hardware. Use sandpaper (goes with the grain) to remove the top layer of finish. This will help the new paint adhere better. After sanding, wipe down the dresser with a damp cloth to remove dust and debris.

Step 2

How to Paint a Retro Floral Design on a Sideboard How to Paint a Retro Floral Design on a Sideboard

Paint the dresser

Use a larger brush to paint the entire dresser. Let dry completely, then apply a second coat of paint.

Step 3

How to Paint a Retro Floral Design on a Sideboard How to Paint a Retro Floral Design on a Sideboard

Make flower templates

Cut some of the mini wooden craft spoons in half with scissors. Fold over a piece of painter's tape and place it on one side of each stick.

Adhere the sticks to the dresser in a flower petal design. Use five to six spoon sticks for each flower. Leave space in the middle of the petals, about the size of a quarter.

Stage 4

How to Paint a Retro Floral Design on a Sideboard How to Paint a Retro Floral Design on a Sideboard How to Paint a Retro Floral Design on a Sideboard How to Paint a Retro Floral Design on a Sideboard

Susan Teare, Susan Teare

Trace flower petals and remove template

Once you have the petals in the location you want, hold each one down and trace the outside of the petal with a white paint pen. When you have completed a flower, remove the wooden sticks and the tape. Then freehand draw the spiral in the center of the flower or use a quarter to draw a circle in the center of the flower.

Paint the flowers randomly around the entire dresser. Remove the spoons after a couple of flowers have been completed, this way you can gauge how it looks and where to place the next flower.

Let the paint dry completely before reattaching the accessories.