Bone Inlay Dresser (DIY With Stencils)

DIY Faux Bone Inlay Dresser With Stencils

Before we get started… a few things, you need to know. If you’re planning on a stencil project, make sure you give yourself ample time. A successful stencil project will not only take time but patience as well. Details are everything with bone inlay stencils and especially with this intricate Raja Bone Inlay Furniture Kit by The Cutting edge. Also, you will need to choose a wood dresser or side table that is free of any raised details. Basic flat surfaces work best for stenciling.

Product List For This Project

Click the products below to find where to purchase them for your Bone Inlay Dresser project.

• simple wood dresser (no details)
• Raja Bone Inlay Stencil (reusable stencil)
• Coffee Bean (chalk mineral paint)
• Butter Cream (chalk MIneral paint)
• Paintbrush (for base color)
• Stencil Brush (for stenciling)
• Baby Wipes (for cleaning stencils) Dollar Store $1
• Gentle Release Tape
• No Pain Gel Stain (walnut)
• Applicator Pad (for applying gel stain)
• Gator Hide (waterproof topcoat)
• Ceramic Hardware
• antique caster wheels

Choosing Your Stencil Design

This bone inlay dresser stencil kit came in 5 pieces, and I had a choice of small or large. I chose the large one based on the dimensions of the stencil and dresser. The stencil kit wasn’t a perfect fit on the dresser drawers, and I’m pretty sure that is why they come in a set of 5. This allows the user to be creative with the designs. Nothing is cookie-cutter about this stencil.

Stenciling The Bone Inlay Dresser

Start by painting the base of the dresser in a color of your choice. The color I’m using today is Coffee Bean by Dixie Belle. One of the reasons I chose this paint is because it has a matte finish and does not require a sealer. The instructions on the stencil package suggest that stenciling works best on a matte paint finish. I painted 2 coats of the chalk mineral over the base of the dresser and allowed it to dry overnight. 24 hours is recommended before stenciling the Bone Inlay on the dresser.

The Stencil Brush

For this bone inlay dresser stencil project, I opted to use a stencil brush. I have used rollers and sponges in the past on smaller projects with less detail which worked great. But because of the intricate pattern, I feel like I have more control over the paint using a stencil brush.

Customizing The Bone Inlay Stencil

Here’s the fun part! You may have to do a bit of homework on this one as the stencils aren’t always the correct size. I sat down with the bone inlay stencils and made a diagram on paper before applying the design to the dresser. You can mix the stencils up by using a part of one and the other part of another. It’s okay if you have to trim the stencil to fit. I trimmed the small one to fit inside the panels and used a long tape to kill the design where I wanted it to end.

The beauty of this bone inlay design is that every inch is covered. It’s a very BUSY pattern and one reason I opted to use the black and white theme. I need it to blend well with my decor. Playing with these designs can be challenging and rewarding. I was obsessed with doing this dresser.

Helpful Tips

TIP #1

Chalk Mineral Paint is my choice for painting furniture and this DIY bone inlay dresser. While this paint doesn’t require sealing, you can apply a top coat of your choice. Dixie Belle has many options for you. You can find them here. Topcoats and Finishes

TIP #2

I use Scott’s gentle release tape (purple) to secure the stencil to the dresser instead of the spray adhesives to hold the stencil in place. I find it works just as well without the sticky mess left on the back of the bone inlay stencil.

TIP #3

After applying the paint to the stencil brush, be sure to “offload” it onto a paper plate or another surface. You will only need a minimal amount of paint on the brush. You can reload the brush with paint as needed.

TIP #4

When applying paint over the bone inlay stencil, use a tapping motion up and down… tap, tap, tap the paint over the stencil. You’re not painting but adding layers to cover the openings in the stencil. The first coat of paint over the stencil will not cover 100%, and it shouldn’t if you’re doing it right. It will take 2-3 coats. Your goal should be to get it covered without bleeding underneath the stencil. Please don’t overdo it with the paint. I can’t stress this enough.

Oh, it’s gonna happen. You’re going to pull back the stencil and see bleeding underneath. This is normal if this is your first attempt. I suggest you use a practice board before you attempt this level of stenciling. And remember, you can always repaint. Like with anything new, practice makes… OKAY. There is no such thing as a perfect stencil job, especially with a DIY bone inlay dresser.

TIP #5

The stencils are reusable if you care for them properly. This means you will need to clean them after every use. For the small stencils, I use baby wipes, and for the larger ones, I wash them in a large sink or bathtub immediately after use with mild soapy water, rinse and pat dry.

TIP #6

For storage, return them to the bag they came in to keep them clean and dust free. Lay them flat to prevent damage.

Finishing The Top Of The Bone Inlay Dresser

The traditional bone inlay dressers have the design on all dresser surfaces (even on the top), but I opted to be different. Shocker! After stripping the top of this oak dresser, I couldn’t resist. One coat of No Pain Gel Stain and a topcoat of Gator Hide was all it needed to bring it back to life.

Chic Faux Bone Inlay Dresser

This stenciled bone inlay dresser is a contemporary statement piece with a chic and classic look. You may think this style is a bit much at first glance, but if your color palettes are neutral like mine, using neutral colors will make it easy to match your decor. The stencil design can be dressed up or down depending on the paint colors you choose. Gosh, I LOVE it so much!

Now, I need a favor from you… I was hoping you could share this post on your painted furniture board on Pinterest (sharing is caring), and let me know what you think about this design. I love hearing feedback on all my projects.

Until the next project… xo, Do