How to Paint a Dresser

Looking to update an outdated dresser? Uncover out how to paint a wood dresser the straightforward way for a lovely, easy complete.

I enjoy a superior furniture makeover there’s a thing about the combine of creativity and restoration that – at the hazard of sounding overly dramatic – stirs my soul. So a modern painted dresser makeover for our master bedroom was both of those charge powerful and therapeutic. 😉

Alternatively than display you a simple in advance of and after, even though, I preferred to give a action by phase tutorial on how to paint a dresser. In today’s weather of prolonged direct times and superior cost, I imagine it is particularly sweet to be capable to restore an previous piece to new life. Irrespective of whether it’s a family members heirloom, a new-to-you antique, a enjoyable vintage discover, or merely a significant quality new-ish dresser that requirements a refreshing glance, becoming equipped to restore an outdated dresser is this kind of a beneficial ability!

Locating a Quality Employed Dresser

To start with, here’s a brief glimpse at the piece I a short while ago painted. Right after a few of years of dwelling with furniture that didn’t really fit the format of our learn bed room, I lastly made a decision to transfer my attractive empire dresser out to the ranch and get a extensive, reduced dresser that match our area better.

I located this dresser on Fb Market regionally, and with dovetail drawers, smooth glide drawer slides, and velvet lining, I was thrilled with the quality I acquired for the price.

It’s a much more modern day shape and model than I frequently pick out for household furniture, but I understood I wished a painted dresser that was a bit stately and but basic to complement the wooden grain on the extra ornate antique washstands I restored for bedside tables.

Also, just wait on that blank wall close to the window… I have bought big strategies! For the dresser, nevertheless, I was seeking to reach a sleek, present day, matte end in a deep moody blue. Permit me display you how.

This is not sponsored, but a unique thanks to Fusion for offering the paint. All views are my own!

How to Paint a Dresser

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Instruments and Provides:

I have place alongside one another a movie tutorial for you. For much more facts and penned instructions, continue to keep reading below.

1. Clear away drawers and hardware

Pull each individual drawer all the way out of the dresser system and set it apart with the drawer entrance dealing with up. Then eliminate all knobs, pulls, and ornamental components. Shop these safely and securely in a cup or bag so you don’t reduce them.

As you do so, inspect the dresser for any really serious hurt to the preceding finish. If there are significant chips or deep scratches in the end, consider a minute to fill these with wooden filler in advance of the subsequent phase. Have confidence in me, the prep function is worth it!

2. Flippantly sand

Using medium grit sandpaper (I like 150), give the dresser a light-weight sanding. If it needs more smoothing, go around a 2nd time with 220 grit paper.

You do not want to eliminate the prior complete fully considering that you are heading to paint the dresser. You just want to scuff up the earlier end and smooth out any inconsistencies. If the past finish was glossy, be positive to sand sufficient to remove that sheen, as this could make your paint not adhere really very well.

3. Clear

It is vital to remove all sanding dust as properly as any leftover grime, grease, or grime. I propose a quick wipe down with an outdated rag to eliminate the greater part of the sanding dust. Then spray the dresser with Krud Kutter or Uncomplicated Inexperienced and wipe with a lint-absolutely free fabric to ensure a thoroughly clean, oil free complete.

4. Paint first coat

My aim for this dresser was a clean and long lasting end cost-free of brush strokes (if you want a textured chalk paint finish, then this is not the correct system for you.) Utilizing a superior-quality synthetic brush or a small foam roller designed for trim paint, use the paint in clean lengthy strokes, being cautious to keep away from paint drips. Permit it dry totally.

5. Paint next coat

Repeat step 4 for the next coat.

6. (Optional) Implement top rated coat

Fusion mineral paint does not require a leading coat, and our dresser will merely keep ornamental objects, a lamp, and my dresses when I fall short to put them absent )… so I did not seal it. But if you know your dresser will obtain sizeable traffic, then you may well pick to seal it with a polyurethane or water-centered best coat (scroll down to see relevant posts for more tips on best coats!).

7. (Optional) Update hardware

While your paint dries, you might take into account updating your components. I gave these drawer pulls a very little facelift with Rub ‘n Buff, which is my favored gold wax products. I just wiped it on with a paper towel and rubbed off the excess.

8. Put in hardware

At the time all the things has completely dried, reinstall your hardware. Then use the dresser cautiously for at the very least of few of months to let the paint to totally cure to its hardest end.

Painting Household furniture FAQs:

Can you paint a dresser without sanding?
You can, if you use chalky paint or mineral paint, but I would suggest towards it. A pretty light sanding (not to take out the finish, just to scuff it up a little bit) will clean out imperfections and maximize your paint’s adherence and as a result longevity.

Do I need to key my dresser right before portray?
That will count on the past finish and variety of paint (and color) you are working with. As you noticed over, it is possible to paint without primer if you prepare the wooden properly (a mild sanding to take away any shiny finishes) and use a paint created to adhere, these kinds of as mineral paint or chalky paint.

However, if you are arranging to use latex paint or oil centered paints, I suggest priming. If you are striving to paint a extremely dim wood dresser white, then you may well want to key just to minimize down on the variety of coats of paint expected. If the wood is in particular dim or diverse and you want a clean up, mild colour, then I recommend an oil based mostly primer.

What form of paint do you use on a dresser?
My beloved paint to use on dressers (and most little home furniture parts) is Fusion mineral paint. However, I have also had success with chalk paint, latex, and even oil-based paints. The important factor is that you prepare the dresser to receive the paint appropriately. If you select latex or oil paint, you will want to use satin, semi-gloss, or gloss for toughness.

Can you paint a dresser with spray paint?
I really like making use of spray paint on outdoor household furniture and extras, but I would not advise making use of it on a dresser considering that spray paint does not always give you a pretty even complete. And most dressers have big flat regions that would be tricky to spray paint without some inconsistencies in the end.

Alternatively, you could use a paint sprayer, with mineral or latex paint like I did on our murphy mattress, but I locate that taping off all the drawers and openings of a dresser is really wearisome and barely worthy of the function considering that dressers are only not really massive.

Can I abide by these guidelines for other wood home furnishings (like chairs, beds, tables, and so forth.)?
Yep! These exact same guidance could be followed for most items of home furniture. Even so, I do suggest a leading coat for a table or desk to give it increased durability.

Other Household furniture Painting Tips

In this article are a few extra posts you might find practical when painting furnishings. Get recommendations on poly, waxes, stripping home furniture, and more!

Joyful painting!