Antique Chest Makeover with Fusion Mineral Paint Twilight Geranium

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I’m always so happy when it’s time to share another furniture makeover with you guys!

I get all giddy while editing the photos and writing up the post; watching a piece transform is just so much fun.

We have this beautiful Basset Italian Provincial piece for our antique chest makeover.

It’s exactly like this one I painted in Fusion’s Park Bench a year ago.

Something about this dresser just makes me want to go with a bold color!

This time around, I decided to try out one of the new Fusion colors, Twilight Geranium.

It’s a lovely, deep plum purple, and it fit the glam vibe of this chest perfectly.

*Note, this color is no longer being made! Try Fusion’s Elderberry for a similar shade*

Glam Chest of Drawers Makeover

Materials and Instructions

Fusion TSP Alternative
1 pint Fusion Twilight Geranium (try Elderberry instead!)
Fusion’s Beeswax Finish
Redesign with Prima Rose & Rouge Transfer
Scrubbing sponge, 180 grit sandpaper, and rags

Preparing the Chest for Painting

To prep the chest, I cleaned it well with Fusion’s TSP, then wiped off any residue.

After that, it got a very quick and light sanding with 180 grit sandpaper (the wood was pretty dry, and I probably could have skipped sanding altogether!), then I wiped off the sanding dust.

Painting the Chest of Drawers

2 coats of Twilight Geranium covered perfectly, and I wound up using less than half of my jar!

After the last coat was dry, I went back with some sandpaper and lightly distressed just along the edges of the piece, to add some depth and dimension.

Adding the Redesign with Prima Transfer

I could have stopped there . . . But I really wanted to do something kinda fun with this piece! So I cut the Rose and Rouge Transfer from Prima into pieces and applied it in various places on the flat drawer fronts.

I know you all have been waiting for a transfer tutorial, and I’m sorry I haven’t done one yet!

But there are several on the Redesign with Prima YouTube Channel that show how easy it is to apply one to your piece.

Once the transfer was on, I applied a light coat of Fusion’s Beeswax Finish over the whole dresser and buffed to a light sheen.

Painted Chest of Drawers After Photos

That transfer really brings up the wow factor, doesn’t it!

And the colors are the perfect accent to the plum paint color.

There’s a little bit of gold in this transfer, which makes a little extra special.

Would you like to try Fusion Mineral Paint for your next furniture project?

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Frequently Asked Questions about Applying Furniture Transfers

Do transfers need to have a topcoat applied to be durable?

In my experience, furniture transfers are pretty tough! You can usually scratch at them with your fingernail and not cause any damage. So on decorative pieces that are going to hang as art or just be displayed, I often do not apply an additional topcoat. However on furniture, I do recommend adding a light coat of a clear wax to help offer an additional layer of protection.

Can you remove a transfer if you don’t like it?

Yes, although be prepared to use some elbow grease! Sanding the transfer off with a power sander is the best method I have found for removing one.

How long should you wait after painting to apply a transfer?

I would wait at least 48 hours after your last coat of paint has been applied before you apply the transfer. This will allow your paint to cure up a bit and minimize any issues with the transfer not adhering well.

Can you apply a transfer over stained wood?

Yes! Just be sure to clean the wood first with a degreasing cleaner. Redesign transfers can be applied also to glass, tile, mirrors, and smooth sheetrock walls.