Creating a Dreamy Barbie-Inspired Dresser: A Step-by-Step Guide

I'm thrilled to share with you the step-by-step process of creating a stunning Barbie-inspired dresser for a special five-year-old girl.

Products Used In This Makeover:

Light Pink Paint - Fusion Mineral Paint Rose Water - https://fusionmineralpaint.com/ 

Dark Pink Paint - Acrylic Paint in Dulux Colour  

Timber Stain & Glaze - Pureco In The Colour Driftwood - https://lebellemaison.com/ 

Topcoat - Pureco - https://lebellemaison.com/ 

Crystal Drawer Knobs - https://amzn.to/3S46ZrP 

Paintbrush - https://amzn.to/3SqLT8t 

Mini Roller - https://www.bunnings.com.au/paint-partner-mini-roller-kit-10-piece_p0328966 

Microfibre Cloths - https://amzn.to/47EJew5  

 *Some of the above links may be affiliate links. If you purchase a product through the affiliate links it will not cost you any extra but it will really help us out to continue to provide you with great content. We appreciate your support.

Let's dive into this dreamy Barbie makeover!

Before we jump into the exciting part of this project, we need to start with some essential prep work. First, disassemble the dresser by removing the mirror and all the original hardware.

Next up is the critical step of deep cleaning. To do this, I used a crystallized degreaser, called triclinium mixed with water until it dissolved, and a rubber glove. I then used a sponge to clean the piece thoroughly to remove any residue that might interfere with the paint later on.

One question I often get asked is why I clean the piece twice—once before sanding and once after. Cleaning before sanding is crucial because any oily residue left on the piece can gunk up your sandpaper and potentially get pushed into the wood. We want to avoid that for a smoother finish.

Using a carbide scraper, I got to work on the dresser's surface. For this project, I wanted to create a captivating contrast between natural timber and vibrant pink. So, I decided to leave the top as exposed raw timber and paint the rest in various shades of pink.

Sanding is a pivotal part of the process. I typically work my way down through the grits, starting at 80 grit, moving to 120 grit, and finally finishing off with 240 grit.

After sanding, we move on to the crucial scuff sanding step. It involves sanding the entire piece with 120-grit sandpaper to roughen up the surface and prepare it for paint. This step is essential for paint adhesion. If you don't have access to power tools, don't worry. You can still achieve fantastic results with hand sanding pads, which are readily available at local hardware stores.

Once scuff sanding is complete, give the piece another thorough cleaning to remove all sanding dust. Failing to do this can result in imperfections in your paint finish.

Apply masking tape to the areas where you want to preserve raw timber. This tape will help you achieve clean lines between painted and unpainted areas.

Now, let's apply the primer. I used Zinsser Bin Shellac primer, known for its adhesive qualities and stain-blocking properties. While my project didn't require heavy stain blocking, this primer serves as an excellent adhesive for paint.

After priming, lightly sand the entire piece with 400-grit sandpaper to create a smooth surface. Use this opportunity to identify imperfections and fill them with wood filler. Sand the filled areas to achieve a seamless finish.

Before painting, ensure the primer has adhered well by conducting a scratch test. If it's securely in place, you're ready to paint.

For this project, I used Fusion Mineral Paint in the enchanting shade of Rose Water. I applied the first coat using paintbrushes and a mini roller for more extensive surfaces.

The second coat of paint is essential to ensure full coverage. Apply it evenly to achieve a rich, vibrant finish.

With the paint dry, it's time to remove the masking tape. Seeing those clean lines is truly satisfying. If you encounter any bleed-through, gently sand it away to create a smooth edge.

For added character and a touch of Barbie glam, I decided to use a beautiful floral peel-and-stick stencil. These stencils are easy to apply; simply peel them off and stick them onto the desired area. Then, paint within the stencil and peel it off to reveal the design.

If you're worried about protecting the paint, especially for kids' furniture, consider applying a clear polycrylic top coat. This water-based protective layer safeguards your paint from scratches, fingerprints, and everyday wear and tear.

For the dresser's top, which is bound to face extra use, I opted for a clear oil-based polyurethane. Applying three coats of this protective finish ensures it can withstand whatever your child throws at it, whether it's makeup spills or artistic experiments.

The finishing touch for this Barbie-inspired masterpiece was adding crystal knobs. These elegant additions completed the look and added a touch of glamour.

Are you ready for the grand reveal?

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Here it is, the end result—a stylish, glamorous, and dreamy Barbie-inspired dresser. ✨💎👠

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Creating a one-of-a-kind piece of furniture like this doesn't require extensive experience or tools. With the right steps and a bit of creativity, you can transform any piece into something extraordinary. If you're ready to embark on your DIY journey, check out my free furniture-flipping checklist to make sure you don't miss any crucial steps. You can download a copy here

Thank you for joining me on this furniture-flipping adventure. Until next time, happy DIYing!