IKEA HACK – Hemnes 3 Drawer Dresser

Hands up if you like a good IKEA hack?! You better believe I’m all over that sh*t. I love taking a well-known [over purchased] inexpensive piece and turning it into something custom and unique. You know you love it when someone walks into the room and sees your most recent IKEA hack and is like “OMG WHERE DID YOU BUY THIS?!” and you’re like “B**** I MADE THIS… ok well I painted it but same thing, right”

I was inspired by Paige Jones after seeing her ever so popular nursery pictures on Pinterest. She also did the same IKEA hack but correct me if I’m wrong I don’t think she wrote a blog post on how she achieved the look. I did however find a post from another blogger which I read, thought was pretty clear and followed her instructions and well ladies and gentlemen it was an absolute fail. F to the capital AIL.

After sharing my experience on Instagram I had SO many messages asking if I would write my own post with step by step instructions [along with tips + tricks] that actually WORK, so here it is folks. Enjoy.

A few things to note prior to starting the project:
+ I used the Hemnes White Stain chest not white
+ If you want to add the pulls like I did to make it look extra custom than you’ll need to fill the predrilled holes on the drawer faces PRIOR to priming
+ You WILL need to lightly sand the entire dresser prior to priming
+ You WILL need to prime all the pieces you’re planning on painting

Now…  let’s begin.

Step #1
Up to you whether or not you want to do this DIY while it’s assembled or straight outta the box. If you’re going to add custom handles that don’t line up with the predrilled holes you will need to fill them using wood filler and once it’s dry you will need to lightly sand ALL areas that will be painted. I repeat, ALL areas. [The blog I read didn’t include this information and I promise you it makes a huge difference in the end]
Step #2
Once you’ve finished sanding you will need to prime all the pieces you’re painting. I used the Zissner 1-2-3 primer after multiple recommendations and it worked like a charm. Up to you whether or not you do one or two coats of primer. Personally, I did two but I’ve had a lot of people tell me that one would’ve worked just fine.
Step #3
Time to paint your project! I did two coats of the Behr Marquee Flat Paint in Vine Leaf and honestly it’s the P E R F E C T shade of green IMO.
Step #4
If the dresser was unassembled like mine was this is the time to put it together [but pleaseeeee let the paint cure for 1-2 days to avoid any unnecessary scratches] and if it’s already assembled than skip this step, duh.
Step #5
If you’re adding custom handles like I did you will need to figure out the measurements to ensure your handles are centred. I used the Amerock Golden Champaign Bar Pulls [which can be purchased here] that were 18-7/9″ center-to-enter. Once you have the measurements make sure that you drill the holes from the front side. To ensure that all holes lined up for the three drawers I used a laser level [best invention ever] .. not only did this make the process much quicker but it also ensured better accuracy. Once the handles are installed your project is complete!

I’ve had a few messages asking if I added a clear coat or anything on top of the paint and the answer is no, but I guess for extra protection you could absolutely do that?

If you have any questions please leave them down below. Just remember you NEED to sand and prime ALL areas that will be painted. Please don’t forget this step or you’ll end up with a huge mess like I did the first time I attempted the project XO