Are you looking for a creative way to upcycle old furniture for your child’s room?
Imagine turning something as simple as a dresser into a unique race car tool chest in 3 easy steps.
In this step-by-step guide, I’ll show you how to do just that—saving you money and giving your child a custom piece of furniture they’ll love. If you have a little boy who loves race cars this is the post for you.
The Step-by-Step Guide to Transforming Your Changing Table into a Race Car Tool Chest Dresser
Sometimes, it’s the old furniture pieces that have the most potential. Instead of throwing out your child’s old changing table, why not give it a new life?
I recently worked on a race car-themed room makeover, and turning an old changing table into a tool chest dresser that was the highlight of the room. This project is not only budget-friendly but also adds a personalized touch that’s durable and fun.
Here’s how I did it, and how you can too!
Step 1: Clean, Sand, and Prime the Dresser
The first step is always prepping the surface. You want to ensure the old changing table is clean, free of dust, and sanded down for a smooth finish.
I used TSP to clean the dresser and medium grit sandpaper to lightly sand it to give it some tooth. That’s just the artist’s jargon work for removing the seen and adding grit to the wood, which helps the primer stick to the surface.
Why this step is crucial: Proper preparation ensures that the paint will adhere well to the furniture. Skipping this could result in a messy finish, which is not what you want in a polished DIY project.
After cleaning, I applied a quick spray primer. If you’ve ever Googled “what primer to use on wood furniture,” you know that there are many options out there.
I went with a spray primer for its convenience—it cuts down on time and dries fast, making it perfect for busy DIYers.
Step 2: Paint with a Bold, Durable Color
Next, I selected Benjamin Moore Advanced Paint in Red, applying two coats to ensure a rich and even finish. Since this dresser would be going into a child’s room, I needed the paint to be durable and withstand a bit of wear and tear. If you can find Advanced Paint use Cabinet Coat paint it works just as well.
Tip: When choosing a paint for kids’ rooms, go for something durable. It’s specifically designed for high-traffic areas and will stand the test of time. If you’ve been searching for “best paint for kids’ furniture,” this is your answer.
Step 3: Create the Race Car Tool Chest Look with Diamond Foil
Here’s where the real magic happens—giving the dresser the appearance of a tool chest. To achieve this, I used self-stick Diamond Foil for the drawers and doors.
A Word of Caution: While the Diamond Foil I used was labeled “self-stick,” I found the adhesive wasn’t quite strong enough for my liking. So, I recommend adding some
extra glue for added security. This way, you won’t have to worry about the foil peeling over time.
Simply measure out each piece of foil, cut it to size, and apply it to the desired area. To avoid scratching the surface, use a soft cloth to rub the foil smoothly into place.
The result? A shiny, diamond-plate look that mimics a real tool chest!
PRO TIP: The biggest challenge was keeping the foil flat and bubble-free, but using a soft cloth really helped.
DIY tool chest dresser made from a repurposed baby changing table, featuring red paint, diamond foil accents, and new hardware in a race car-themed room.
Step 4: Add the Final Touches—Hardware and Black Paint
The finishing touches can make or break a project. I chose sleek, modern hardware to match the foil’s industrial look. The new handles gave the dresser a more polished appearance.
Finally, I painted the top of the dresser Benjamin Moore Satin Black, which provided a sharp contrast to the red paint and tied the whole look together. As I mentioned above, if you can’t find Advanced paint, Cabinet Coat paint, is also a good choice.
This is one of those steps that makes the project stand out.
When it comes to themed rooms, every little detail counts. This tool chest dresser was the perfect addition to a race car-themed bedroom. Not only is it practical for storage, but it also adds to the overall aesthetic.
By repurposing a baby’s changing table, we were able to save money and create something unique. Plus, the durability of the materials ensures this dresser will last for years to come.
Did you see the last 2 design elements for this 6-part room makeover?
Just in case you missed it, here they are…
P.S. Make sure you don’t miss out on the next reveal and sign up for my blog, it’s filled to the brim with home decorating and DIY tips!
P.S.S. If you’ve been loving these DIY tips and are ready to take your skills (and your income) to the next level, you’re going to want to check out my course, Empowering Women Coaching group.
Whether you’re looking to upcycle furniture, create home decor, or share your DIY tips online, Empowering Women will teach you how to turn your hobby into a business.
You’ll learn how to:
- Earn income doing what you love
- Learn strategies that generate long-lasting revenue.
- Save time with proven methods that work on autopilot.
Imagine turning your creative ideas into a steady stream of income, just by doing what you love! If you’re ready to take your hobby to the next level come join us!
Until next time!
Cheryl
