This painted graffiti dresser is intentional.
I realize that may be difficult for some of you to believe….but it is 100% on purpose!
This is a perfect example of why I love what I do so much! I am never bored…..and always surprised!
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So a little back story on this one…
I was asked by a dear friend to paint a dresser for her daughter….who happens to be really good friends with Zadie. They were in the middle of a bedroom overhaul and had narrowed down the look they wanted for the piece. I asked her to send me pictures…..and about DIED when I received the text. At first, I was horrified…..and almost immediately declined.
Instead…I thought about it for a bit….and continued to study the picture. As I looked at the inspiration photo….it actually began to grow on me. I was also intrigued by the thought of using spray paints!
I have always loved graffiti! I realize it is not always used in the best way….but when it is done artistically and used to beautify a space…..I usually really like it. I love the colors and the overspray and the artist’s ability to paint with a can!
So with very little thought….and a lot of excitement…I accepted the commission.
Introducing my very first (and maybe only….LOL) spray-painted/graffiti dresser!!!
And just in case you are actually inspired to try this yourself…..I will tell you exactly how I did this.
I cleaned this amazing quality Ethan Allen dresser with White Lightning.
I rolled a base coat of Slick Stick on….as the original surface was quite slick.
And just in case you aren’t familiar…Slick Stick is an amazing product that saved my butt twice this past month!! It is used as a preparation for very slick surfaces like glass, metal, tile, formica, or laminate….which then allows you to paint with chalk paint….and it works!!!
See my How to Prep Furniture blog to answer all your furniture prep questions.
I then opened the doors to my shop to make sure the space was well ventilated. And I wore a good mask for protection.
I also covered all painted furniture in my shop as the overspray in the air is intense and settles as fine dust EVERYWHERE! My garage is still slightly covered in a fine orange dust. I can only imagine what it would do to your lungs…..so WEAR protection!
And then…I just started painting.
I started with the fluorescent color of orange and pink and yellow…..sort of using them as an overall base coat.
From there…..I began adding the more bold and primary colors in small doses all over. I stuck to circle patterns and squiggles….and also made sure to take my spray design around the corners and over the edges.
I also learned….that holding the can far away gives you a beautiful transparent spray with wide coverage….while spraying up close gives you a very opaque coverage with the ability to make real designs.
I would just spray for a while….and step back to study the color. I did this over and over….layer after layer…..with the red heart being the last addition…..I stood back to look…..and was done.
I allowed this to dry overnight. I did a little research on spray paints and made the decision to not top coat it. Evidently spray paint is quite hardy…..and really doesn’t require a top coat.
My friend and her daughter…..are both very pleased! And to be honest…..so am I. I never saw myself doing a project like this….but honestly…I never saw myself being a furniture artist at all!
But here I am and it feels so good!
One more thing…..spray painting this hashtag on my staging wall was maybe more fun than the graffiti dresser!!!
It felt like a rebellious act…LOL! I don’t do rebellious things very often.
And it really wasn’t rebellious! LOLOL!
It’s MY WALL!
And I’ve already painted over it….but I kind of like knowing it’s under there!
So when you see my staged pieces from here on out…..remember the #donthate is underneath!
Ok….I’m open to comments….I think! BE nice!
Shop: Graffiti Dresser
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If you would like to paint your own furniture ….but need a little help getting started…I offer a furniture painting basics course that would be the perfect place!
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See you next week!
XOXO,
Tracey
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What is important is that your clients loved it! This technique is difficult to do – you must have a steady hand or it will turn out horrid. You not only mastered it but you made a piece that warms my heart! I love it! I love that you took it on and embraced the “different”. That is the very reason why I just adore you.
I think you did a great job getting the look. I am curious to see the inspiration photo they sent you. Was it of a graffiti wall? They are popular in local restaurants and bars.
Twenty years ago, I did almost exactly the same thing with a dresser, TV stand, and end table for my daughter’s room. Her walls were each painted in a different vibrant neon shade, and we had custom built a loft bed. She had designed and thrived in this space throughout her junior and high school years. Originally, I admit, I was horrified by the entire project and agreed only if she found curb treasures to transform.
She did! We worked together and the space was a teenagers dream! I only wish I had pictures left to share. She is 35 now, and the room doesn’t exist in it’s former glory but her creativity and ability to surround herself with joy and fill her life with passionate and kind people with extraordinary vision, acceptance, and the willingness to try new ideas continues to fill me with a desire to emulate her openness to trying new things daily.
That room and that furniture was one of the first steps in that journey.
And geez, covering neon paint colors on walls does take several coats of primer if anyone is interested. Pink and orange were real bears!
Love how different this is! I could smell the paint fumes!
This is AWESOME, Tracey!!!! I’m going to have to give it a try. Your pieces are always fun and beautiful!
It’s not for me, but not gonna lie….I wish someone would pay me to go crazy on a piece! How fun!
What I love most is the where the paint has run. The drips make it feel very fluid and give it that realistic “done in a hurry” graffiti vibe.
Fun! Also, love how in some of the photos the second drawer pull down (on right) looks like an eye! It has a black “pupil.” Way to spray!
PS – always love seeing your Old World Rose Gold on your site.