Turning Junk Into Cash!

Now a days, with the economy the way it is, everyone is looking for bargin! When I hear the word bargin, I immediately think of a Thrift Store! I rarely ever buy anything new anymore. I first search high and low at every thrift store I can find and if then I can not find what I am looking for... then I will resort to buying new.

I was talking to my daughter about a new bathroom project I am working on. I am turning an old ugly dresser into a nice storage piece for my bathroom. She told me she didn't know how to do something like that and that many people just don't know how to do a project like this and wished they could. So this got me thinking that I should create a blog of all the really great finds that are just over looked in a thrift store. You can re-use and repurpose items that are kind of ugly or what looks like junk and turn them into something everyone loves or some extra cash in your pocket! It's really cheap and easy. It may take a little time and effort but so worthwhile!

For this project, I found a poor ugly dresser that nobody wanted because it just wasn't eye apealing. The drawers were functioning and all made of wood but this poor thing looked just sad. I paid $5 for the dresser. Went out and chose the color of semi-gloss paint, clear coat paint, sandpaper, cabinet & drawer paint roller and now I am ready to start.

First remove the drawer knobs and place all the drawers on newspaper with the front of the drawer facing upward.

Using the sandpaper you either already have in your garage or just purchased...lightly sand the entire outside of the dresser or other piece of wood furniture you are wanting to refinish. You don't have to sand all the paint off. You are just sanding the finish enough to give the paint something to adhere to.

Once you have finished, with a damp cloth, wipe down the entire project to remove all the dust and let sit to fully dry for about 20 mins.

Now you are ready to start painting! Make sure you used a cabinet and drawer roller. It's a special foam roller that leaves a nice smooth finish. Start rolling the paint on all in one direction covering every corner. Don't put the paint on to thick or else it will run and you will have to sand down and paint over. A nice thin cover will do. I painted this dresser about three times letting it fully dry in between each time I gave it another coat of paint.

This is what the dresser looked like after the first coat of paint.

Once you are satisfied with cover, let it completely finish drying before putting on the clear protective coat of paint.  Cover with clear about 2 to 3 times to help seal the paint and protect it from peeling.  After the clear coat has finished drying put your handles back on to the drawers.  I found a great set of drawer knobs at a thrift store.  You can get really creative with your knobs to really add just the right touch to your refinished piece of furniture.

Before and After...quite a difference and it only cost me $15 total for this entire project!  Now that's a bargin!

For more thrift store bargins, check out our website www.hersandhisthrift.com

Thanks...Stephanie :)