Midnight Blue is one of the moodiest colours on the Fusion paint line. It’s a very rich navy that can appear almost black in some lighting but it sure presents a dramatic look when paired with the right piece. In particular, we like that this colour can look masculine when paired with warm earthy tones but can also lean feminine when paired with bright and airy tones.
For this project we wanted to go for a masculine look by simply switching out the hardware, and adding Midnight Blue to the base. Here is the before shot featuring all the original details.
Below is a list of supplies you’ll need to complete a similar project.
- Fusion TSP Alternative + Wiping Cloths
- Fusion Mineral Paint Midnight Blue
- Staalmeester Flat Brush
- 120-180 scuff pads/paper
- Painter’s Tape
- Topcoat of your choice
- Hardware + Drill
Prepping a previously finished surface.
There wasn’t much prep to be had for a dresser in good shape like this was. We really just needed to give it a good cleaning with Fusion TSP Alternative and water. We like to mix a 1:4 ratio of Fusion TSP to water and spray the surface down before wiping away the excess with wiping cloths.
Since we were changing out the hardware, the best time to do it is during the prep stage and before sanding. That way if you make a mistake you can always patch and sand. Measure out the holes for your new hardware and drill, ensuring your hardware holes are centered.
Finally, give your piece a good scuff sanding. For a piece in great condition, a quick sanding with 120 grit paper should give your piece enough tooth for a good adhesion. If your piece has deep scratches or gouges you may want to consider a more thorough sanding. Clean up the dust with a damp cloth and get ready for paint!
Painting a Dresser Midnight Blue
We picked Midnight Blue for this piece because we knew it would complement the straight lines and original wood tones of the dresser. It also pairs extremely well with brassy and gold colours so we knew the new hardware would pop against it.
We used our Staalmeester Flat brush to add two coats of paint for full opaque coverage. Once the paint has dried you can seal with the topcoat of your choice or leave the Fusion finish as is. The topcoat is built into the formula!
Make a statement!
The makeover turned this dresser from boring brown to a total showstopper. Not only does the finish look high-end, but it also keeps that true vintage character that people love about pieces like this.
We lightly distressed the raised edges to bring forth that detail that otherwise would have blended in with the piece. The warm wood tones coming through provide a nice contrast to the moody paint color.
Keeping original details
The antique gold hardware we picked added another element that compliments the color. Navy blue and gold are two classic colors that are timeless and give you so much flex with décor.
The original wood top is also a good way to keep original details, especially if they are in great shape like this one was. This top needed very little work and looked beautiful as it was cleaned up.
Midnight Blue is a rich, moody color that can add a dramatic touch to any piece of furniture. By following these steps for prepping, painting, and finishing, you can transform a bland piece into a showstopper. The combination of navy blue and gold hardware is timeless, and by lightly distressing the edges and keeping original details, you can maintain the vintage character of the piece. Try out Midnight Blue on your next upcycling project and see the transformation for yourself.
In the meantime see more Midnight Blue projects:
Our favourite way to update MCM furniture is to pair deep, rich colours with natural wood and pops of bright tones to touch on all the elements. Follow this Midnight Blue MCM furniture with a pop of colour tutorial.
For this room in the cottage makeover series, I chose a Nautical theme. The ceiling already had this amazing millwork painted in white. I took this as inspiration and went with adding a dark feature wall.
