How to make a nautical chest of drawers

A few well-executed brushstrokes turned this tired old chest of drawers into a sea of surprises!

Step 1

Apply a coat or two of primer – use Dulux Supergrip Primer or Dulux Wood Primer; they’re both suitable for raw wood or smooth surfaces. Once the primer is dry, apply two coats of white water-based enamel to the entire chest of drawers. Meanwhile, mix as many additional shades as you’ll need by adding some of the darker paint to each previous mixture.

Top Tip: Use empty jars or yoghurt tubs to mix the additional shades and place these side by side so that you can adjust the mixtures if necessary.

Step 2

Start with white and then apply the increasingly darker shades to the drawers. Use the small sponge roller to achieve a smooth finish.

Step 3

For an interesting effect, use a pencil to draw a simple wave pattern across the drawer fronts and along the sides.

Step 4

Then use masking tape to mask out the pattern.

Step 5

Use the sponge roller to paint the waves onto the drawers and the sides, working your way back up the unit.

Step 6

Use a tape measure to accurately mark out and then drill 5mm holes at the positions where you want to fit the drawer knobs and fasten them in place.