Dresser Makeover/Flip

A while back I was really  intrigued with the idea of flipping furniture.  I actually loved doing it, and there was decent money to be made.  However,  life got a little busy, and this little side business needed to take a back burner to life and the site.

However, if you have the time and resources this makes a profitable hobby. When looking for flip furniture pieces, I would  peruse the “free”section of the Craigslist,  thrift stores, and even  the occasionally curb side pick up. 

I was not entirely certain  what direction I wanted to take this  dresser.  Which is typical. I normally don’t know what type of  finish (stain or paint) I will  use  until I  sand it  down uncover the type and condition of the  wood I am working with.

 The drawers sanded down really  nicely, and I didn’t want to cover up that beautiful wood with paint so I opted for Jacobean Stain by Minwax.    After it was dry I went over the stained drawers with steel wool. This removes and debris and excess stain, and gives it a ultra smooth finish.      After  using steel wool on them, wipe them down to remove any dust. I then applied a  Satin finish polyurethane.  They looked gorgeous.

The  dresser frame did not sand down quite as well. It was stain-able but I was worried the finish would be “splotchy” at best. Instead I opted for a 2-tone look. I taped off the inside ledges.   (When I am re-finishing something to sell, I try to make it look like a new piece, not  just a  makeover piece.)

I then primed all of the exterior surfaces. Once  the primer had dried I again went over the entire piece with steel wool and then proceeded to paint. I used Ultra Pure White by Behr. 

  Now, for my favorite part, adding the finishing touches.   I added hardware that  made it unique and stand out. 

Ta-Da, a freshly  finished piece ready to be moved in, OR moved out.

When furniture flipping one of the biggest things I would stress is staging your photos! I only brought this piece into my house long enough to stage it and photograph it, and then I took it back to the garage.

From my experience the photos  really make a difference! I  have never had a problem  selling a piece and getting my asking price, WHEN I take the time to take a decent photo.  Actually, a  lot of buyers ask if they can see a picture of the actual piece. (Assuming that the picture is a stock marketing photo).   I am not saying I am in ANY WAY, SHAPE, or FORM a great photographer,  but most  people  scanning Craigslist are accustomed to pictures of the  “merchandise” in horrible lighting, in a dusty  garage. Seriously,  a decent photo can work wonders.

  I listed this piece  for $175, and it sold in a few hours.

Let’s Break it Down:

Dresser          $11.00

Stain              $0.00 leftover

Paint             $0.00 leftover

Hardware    $ 1.00 (x4)  a clearance at HD!

Sold              $175.00

 Profit           $163

I spent approximately 5 hours  working off and on, on this.   Which doesn’t equate to an extremely  high hourly wage,  but  I enjoy doing it and I don’t mind it. (So long as I have the free time.)

Sp, if you are interested in  doing some furniture flips, here are a few others you can reference.

Take Luck,

Corey

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