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Pop Art on IKEA Dresser Makes a Bold Impact

I always wanted to create something unique and I knew that the RAST dressers would be the perfect size to create on.

I’ve never seen a Pop Art hip hop artist on a dresser before, so I wanted to create something colourful and something others would enjoy. Tupac’s image was iconic. And who doesn’t love pop art?

While painting I listened to all of his music and watched a documentary on him. It gave me an appreciation for his own art of music and my time to be creative in the midst of the pandemic. 

The feedback was great!  I received a lot of support to keep going. And I plan to do more of other artists as it was fun to do.  

IKEA items used: 
RAST chest of drawers
RAST chest of drawers | IKEA.com
Other materials and tools:
  • Poster image to fit the front
  • Fusion decoupage medium
  • Top coat  
  • Chalk Paint – various brands and colors
  • X-acto knife
  • Sanding block
  • Fusion clear coat and plenty of paint brushes 

RAST pop art dresser:

First, I measured the front of the dresser and found a poster to fit.

I removed and saved the knobs to be added back on later.

Then, I painted the pine dresser a solid dark color — black.

painted black

Next, I decoupage the paper in sections. I smoothed as I went, going from top to bottom in sections. Let dry overnight.

When dry, I used an X-acto knife to trim the fronts and sand the paper where the drawers meet.

poster

Then sealed with top coat and let it dry overnight.

Next, I checked to see whether any paper is lifted from the wood. If there was I applied a second layer to ensure the paper is properly sealed.  

Painting the image

Starting from the top using the image as a guide, I followed the shapes and contour of image with brush strokes. I started with neutral shades first.  

pop art dresser

Gradually, I added layers of color. Several layers and colors of various shades and sizes. Over time, I covered the entire surface of dresser. When done, I set my brush aside and let the paint cure.  

Lastly, screwed on knobs which I painted and sealed to give the look like they were added on.  

Paint another thin layer of navy to make the colors pop. Give two weeks cure paint and to seal with top coat. 

How long and how much did it cost?

Took several weeks. The cost was minimal as I already had the dresser and I had leftover paint on hand. I created several shades by blending to make new colours. 

pop art dresser
What was the hardest part about this hack?

While doing this I had to stop painting as I became ill. He sat for several weeks unfinished. But I was determined to carry on with the project, even though it became hard for my right hand to hold a brush. I used this as a push to get back into painting again. Other than that it was a fun challenge for myself. 

Looking back, would you have done it differently?

I would have added lyrics in small font somewhere on the dresser, perhaps in gold. 

~ by Shelley Sprague @rubyvalentineco 

The post Pop Art on IKEA Dresser Makes a Bold Impact appeared first on IKEA Hackers.

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