Vonnie walks through every step of this transformation — from surface prep to the final gilded finish.

Before a single transfer touches this dresser, Vonnie makes a key decision that shapes the whole project: texture or smooth?

For a rough, textured surface, she mixes chalk-style paint with a quality texture powder and applies it with an old chippy brush for depth and a beautiful aged quality. For a silky smooth finish, she skips the powder entirely and sands back to bare wood first.

Vonnie's Tip: Avoid cheap texture powders high in salt. They attract moisture and will prevent your transfers from adhering, and that is a heartbreak nobody needs. 💕 Whatever finish you choose, let your paint cure for at least 24 hours before applying any transfers. If you're using true chalk paint as your base, seal it with polyurethane first to give your transfers the best possible surface to adhere to.

With the surface prepped and cured, Vonnie layers in texture and pattern using the Kindest Regards and Bohemia Stamps. A few things worth knowing before you start:

💕 Use a thin mount with grid lines to keep stamps going on straight and evenly.

💕 Apply paint with a rubber brayer for a thin, consistent coat. Too much paint gets stuck in the fine details of the stamp.

💕 If your stamp loses its stickiness, clean both the stamp and thin mount with a baby wipe, dry thoroughly, and you're good to go.

💕 Stamping in paint over mineral paint? You can wipe it off quickly if you change your mind. 😅

This is where the project gets really fun!

Vonnie cuts individual transfer elements apart first and organizes them into piles by size and theme, then tapes everything in place across the dresser before committing to a single application. This "logical chaos" layering system lets her see the full composition, make adjustments, and then flip top layers out of the way to apply the bottom-most transfer first and work forward. It gives you complete control and zero regret. 🙌

When the transfer spans multiple drawers, the grid lines on the backing sheet make it easy to cut and separate the design accurately. To apply, rub the backing sheet firmly with the provided plastic tool to release the transfer, then flip the sheet and use the shiny side to burnish everything down completely. Transfers can also be trimmed to remove any elements you don't want or to fill small gaps at the end.

A clear satin polyurethane seals and protects the finished transfers beautifully, or if you painted with chalk paint, clear or colored waxes work just as well. Then Vonnie adds gold gilding wax to the edges and details for a touch of elegance that catches the light in the most stunning way. Her tip: use a piece of cardboard as a barrier to keep the wax application clean and controlled.

The finished piece is dark, dramatic, and very romantic. Exactly what a tired old dresser deserves to become. 🥰

🎨 Marché des Fleurs IOD Transfer

🎨 Kindest Regards IOD Stamp

🎨 Bohemia IOD Stamp

✨ Timber dresser

✨ Black chalk-style or mineral paint

✨ Quality texture powder (optional)

✨ 120-grit sandpaper

✨ Thin mount with grid lines

✨ Rubber brayer

✨ Clear satin polyurethane

✨ Gold gilding wax

✨ Cardboard (for clean wax application)

✨ Baby wipes

✨ Storage envelopes for stamps

Ready to get your hands on the Marché des Fleurs Transfer? Find your nearest IOD Stockist using the big red Where to Buy button on our website. 🙌

New to IOD? Our Product 101 pages are packed with beginner-friendly techniques to help you get the most out of every product. We are so giddy to be part of your creative journey.

Made something gorgeous? Share it with the IOD Creative Tribe on Facebook. It is the most supportive community of makers on the internet, and we genuinely cannot wait to see what you create. 💕