Upcycle an old dresser

Simon and I were looking for an old sideboard or dresser online for a few weeks to do up, then i came across a link to an number of 60's & 70's furniture on sale in Newcastlewest. We went to view a 70's style sideboard, however when we saw it we knew it wouldn't be suitable but we came across this 60'd formica unit and both of us said yes :)

 

There was a huge amount of work that needed to be done before we could start decorating... stripping all the paper on the shelves, remove the back and base, wash the unit with dettol to remove the musty smell. All handles and hinges removed and cleaned.

Next step was to sand the unit, and I mean really sand it, this took nearly half a day with dust everywhere, Yuck! Then 3 coats of paint with 16 hours between coats. I really thought at this stage we'd never finish it. But we persevered!

Then when the final coat was dry it was time to wallpaper, the new back and the interior shelves, along with putting the handles and hinges back on and new cup hooks replaced.

 

The total cost of all the materials was under €50 and It took Simon and I over a week to do the work. Now that it is part of our home we love admiring the unit and are very proud of the time and effort we put into it. Would we do it again?...... Not a hope, hee hee!