Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or simply daydreaming about a one-of-a-kind piece for your home, Habitat ReStore is the perfect place to discover furniture gems waiting for a fresh start. That’s exactly what happened to Erica from Ric’s Refinishing when she spotted this classic dresser in the ReStore.
Armed with a modern vision and plenty of elbow grease, she turned a dated piece into a statement-maker. Here’s how she did it!
Stripping the old finish
“As soon as I saw this dresser at Habitat ReStore, I had the whole vision planned. This project involved a lot of sanding, but the end result was totally worth it.”
Erica started by removing the old finish with a combination of carbide scraping and chemical stripper. This might be the messiest part of any refinishing project, but it’s worth it to reveal the natural beauty of the wood. Thorough stripping saves time in the sanding phase by removing the bulk of the old finish upfront.
Modernizing the base
“I grabbed my jigsaw and cut off the curved details on the base to give it a cleaner, more modern look.”
Simple changes can make a huge difference in updating the dresser’s overall style. By trimming away the curved details, Erica achieved that sleek, contemporary vibe she was aiming for.
Sanding (and more sanding)
“Every surface got thoroughly sanded, starting with a rough grit and moving to finer grits to smooth everything out.”
Refinishing is often about patience and elbow grease, especially when it comes to sanding. Erica meticulously worked her way from coarse to fine grits, even hand-sanding the details to ensure a flawless finish.
Neutral wood finish
“I opted for a diluted beige paint wash and followed that up with a coat of glaze. The topcoat deepened the colour and the grain popped even more!”
Rather than going for a typical dark stain or bright paint, Erica chose a warmer neutral wash to highlight the dresser’s natural wood grain. The glaze added depth, while the topcoat locked in the colour and provided a subtle sheen.
Final Touches
“I loved the shape of the hardware but the colour just wasn’t the vibe. I cleaned, sanded, primed and applied a gold wax. I also cleaned out every drawer and finished with an orange-scented wax.”
Small details can truly bring a piece together. Erica refreshed the hardware with gold wax for a cohesive, polished look. She then freshened up the drawers inside and out, ensuring the dresser looks (and smells!) brand new.
Ready for a New Home
“Now it’s ready for a new home!”
With the old finish stripped, the base updated, and a warm neutral wash applied, this once-dated dresser is now a fresh, modern showpiece—perfect for someone who loves a balance of classic lines and contemporary style.
Why ReStore Is the Perfect Place to Start
Pieces like this dresser are exactly why so many DIYers and upcyclers head to Habitat ReStore for inspiration. You’ll find quality furniture at a fraction of the retail price—plus, every purchase supports Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta's mission to build affordable homes in our community.
Want to see Erica’s process in action?
Check out her Reel for a behind-the-scenes look from start to finish. Who knows, maybe you’ll spot your next DIY project at Habitat ReStore!
Feeling Inspired?
Visit a ReStore location to find your diamond in the rough. Whether it’s a dresser like Erica’s or a set of chairs ready for a fresh coat of paint, your creativity—and your purchase—helps local families build strength, stability, and independence through affordable homeownership.
Happy refinishing!