Vintage Elegance: A Dresser Makeover with Amalfi Coast Milk Paint by Fusion

Some furniture pieces just need a little love to shine again—and this vintage dresser was one of them. I was instantly drawn to its design and knew it had great potential. All it needed was a deep clean and a fresh, new look.

I started by cleaning the entire piece inside and out with TSP Alternative, removing years of dust and grime.  And for the sticker residue, I used Odourless Solvent to scrub it and then cleaned that off with TSP. 

Because the dresser had a shiny finish, I opted to mix Ultra Grip Bonding Agent directly into the Amalfi Coast Milk Paint instead of scuff sanding the whole surface.

Here’s the mix ratio I used: ½ cup Milk Paint powder added to ½ cup water (mix well), then add ½ cup Ultra Grip Bonding Agent (mix again until smooth). Let it sit for about 10 minutes and it will thicken up a little and you're ready to paint.

I applied the bonding mixture across the entire dresser and let it dry overnight. The first coat looked streaky, which is typical with a Milk Paint and bonding agent mixture, but it dried beautifully. The next day, I added a second coat using just the Milk Paint powder and water mixture for a richer finish.

Once everything was dry, I sealed the paint with a coat of clear wax. Milk Paint dries with a matte, chalky texture, but the topcoat brings out its true depth and color—especially with a shade as dreamy as Amalfi Coast.

I use StaalMeester Natural Bristle Brushes to apply the wax.  They fit perfectly into the jars of wax.  After a few minutes I buff the wax with a soft, lint free cloth and it dries with a soft sheen, bringing out the natural beauty of the Milk Paint.

To finish the look, I cleaned the original hardware and painted them in Posh Chalk gold pigments, adding just the right amount of glam to the dresser.  I love how the gold looks on this color!