How to Paint an Octopus Dresser

For the ocean lover, today’s post is all about How to Paint an Octopus Dresser.

I’m a lover of the sea, and for as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to paint a giant kraken or an octopus on a dresser. I was hoping to use a drawing by my son, but he’s been very busy with school, the musical, and band.

This post contains a few affiliate links for your convenience. You can read my full disclosure policy here. If you purchase via a link, I will receive a portion of the sale. Thanks for supporting my blog in this way.

This is in our guest room / my office and I’ve started making over this space. Right before the holidays we had a wall in this room wallpapered with this paper. Isn’t it pretty?

I actually was a bit scared to undertake this project, so dragged my feet for a little bit, but it was actually soooooo much fun to work on.

I get my chalk paint from my friend Nancy down at the Sea Rose Cottage in Bristol, RI. She ships it to me here in Sciutate.

How to Paint an Octopus Dresser

Materials

• Annie Sloan’s decorative Chalk Paint® in Oxford Navy, Napoleonic Blue, and Old White
• Clear Wax
• Paint Brushes, decorative paint brushes and a wax brush
• A computer, vintage image, projector
• A white chalk pencil
• Cheese cloth
• A clean old white tee-shirt

Method

Step 1 – Prep your furniture. For this specific piece, I had to sand and scrape the old paint off as it was chipping. You usually don’t have to do this with Chalk Paint. I usually just scuff sand and wash pieces down.

Step 2 – I created a custom color using Oxford Navy and Napoleonic Blue – 50 / 50 mix. It is a beautiful blue, deep and dark, like the sea! Paint entire dresser in this mix until fully covered.

Step 3 – Using your computer attached to a projector, project image onto your dresser. I used this Octopus from the Graphics Fairy.

Step 4 – You can play with the size and positioning of the image with your projector. Once you have it lined up go over the image with a chalk pencil.

Step 5 – Paint in Old White Chalk Paint over the outline of the octopus.

I used a smaller detail brush for the dots on the head.

I’m a visual learner and think you guys are, as well. I made a video which shows step by step how I transfer and paint the image:

Step 6 – (this one is optional) Paint any interiors in Old White. There’s a little recess at the top of this dresser and I painted the inside as a little surprise.

Step 7 – Once everything is dry, seal entire piece with Annie Sloan’s soft wax in clear. I applied two coats and waited a day to apply the second coat. I love using a waxing brush to apply the wax and wipe away the excess with cheesecloth.

Step 8 – Lightly buff dresser with a clean white teeshirt or buffing brush.

That’s it! Time to enjoy your Octopus Dresser!

Of course, I had just as much fun taking photos and styling this dresser as I did painting it so here you can see the details.

The hardware is original except for the top drawer.

Would love to see your projects if you decide to use this transfer technique or create an octopus dresser of your own. I know many of us our housebound with the current situation and it might be a good time to try your hand at painting furniture.

Finally, if you enjoyed this post you may want to pick up a copy of my eBook, 150 pages of tutorials and tips!