Malm Dresser Geometric Makeover

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Making over the Malm 3 drawer dresser was actually very easy. It’s kind of free form arranging different lengths of wood or mdf strips to the drawer fronts, then painting over it with whatever colour you want.

1) Before I started trimming out the lengths of the strips, I mapped out how I wanted things arranged to make sure placement of strips were random but balanced.

2) Next was to lightly sand all surfaces of the dresser.

3) Originally I thought I’d have to nail the strips in but I heard about No More Nails which is a high strength construction adhesive that dries clear. I decided to try that out. The strips of mdf/wood were light so it was no problem.

4) Then off I went and glued the strips in place. Literally took me 20 minutes max.

bfull_malm3

5) Ready to paint. First I applied a high strength primer (I used Zinsser Bullseye All Purpose Primer which they say adheres to even glossy surfaces). Let dry and then applied first coat of satin acrylic. No trick here other than to try and avoid drips and keep things as even and smooth as possible.

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6) Let dry and then lightly sand and wipe off dust. At this point it’s easier to see little gaps around the edges of the strips – this is where I applied a little bit of caulk to fill in those spaces.

7) Apply second/final coat and let dry. I let mine cure for a few days to be sure but I also had the white glass top that goes with the Malm so that would add extra protection for the top.

8) Optional, but I found the base of the Malm too heavy, so I DIYed some faux feet from cutting styrofaom triangles and clad them in wood veneer which I painted same way I did the dresser.

Then I just glued those on as well, and caulked around any gaps and edges.

Full instructions can be found here.