A One-Coat Transformation

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A ho-hum chest of drawers becomes a stunning piece with a quick paint makeover.

As soon as we laid eyes on decorative painter Annie Sloan's new book Quick and Easy Paint Transformations, we had visions of repainting our furniture -- all of it! The book is filled with inspiration for home makeovers that anyone who's handy with a paintbrush can pull off. The look and feel of most of the projects falls on the country side of the spectrum, but the techniques could easily be translated to more modern interiors as well.

While Quick and Easy Paint Transformations is billed as a collection of 50 projects, Sloan's book can be used as a general resource for all types of painting techniques including textured surfaces, printing effects and decoupage. Here's one of our favorite projects from the book: A stunning dresser makeover.

Sloan suggests the following materials for a similar makeover:

• Medium-grit sandpaper
• 3-inch flat paintbrushes for applying paint
• Tin of clear wax
• 1-inch brush or cloth for applying wax
• Cloth for removing excess wax and polishing
• Glass handles
• Paint

Step 1. Remove existing handles and pulls. Lightly sand the piece with your medium-grit sandpaper, paying extra attention to corners and edges. Wipe off dust with a soft cloth.

Step 2. Sloan used a paint that doesn't require primer, but if yours does, start by priming the surface. Next, paint the dresser, applying paint with your 3-inch brush in the direction of the wood's natural grain. Let it dry according to the paint's instructions and apply a second coat if necessary. Allow to dry overnight.

Step 3. Apply a thin layer of your wax to the dresser with a cloth, although Sloan notes, "A brush is best when there is intricate molding because the bristles get into the niches more easily."

Step 4. With a fresh cloth, wipe off the excess wax. As you remove wax, polish all of the surfaces.
Tip: For a high shine, Sloan suggests you polish the dresser next day with a fresh cloth.

To finish the piece, Sloan added clear, crystal knobs to the dresser using the existing holes. If you want to rehab your existing hardware, consider spray painting it in a complimentary color.

Love the color of this dresser? So do we. If you live in the United Kingdom, you can purchase Annie Sloan's Chalk Paints, in 24 historical shades, including the "Provence" color seen here. Sadly, everyone else will just have to try to match Sloan's perfect turquoise hue.

BONUS: Dying to see the rest of the book? We're giving away a copy of Annie Sloan's Quick and Easy Paint Transformations to one lucky ShelterPop reader. To enter to win, leave a comment below telling us what piece of furniture in your home most needs a makeover.

All images courtesy of Quick and Easy Paint Transformations by Annie Sloan. CICO Books, $19.95, 2010.

* To enter, leave a confirmed comment below telling us what piece of furniture in your home most needs a makeover.
* The comment must be left before 5pm EST on August 13, 2010.
* You may enter only once.
* One winner will be selected in a random drawing.
* One winner will receive a copy of Annie Sloan's Quick and Easy Paint Transformations (valued at $19.95.)
* Open to legal residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older.
* Click here for complete Official Rules. Winners will be notified by email, so be sure to provide a valid email address!

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