How to Paint a White Laquer Dresser

It's good to question what type of paint can go over other finishes, because not knowing can be a full-blown exercise in frustration and create a real mess, sometimes sacrificing the piece. Lacquer is a durable, fast-drying finish that is put on in many, very thin layers, producing either a high-gloss or matte topcoat. It can last a lifetime, and some Chinese dynasty pieces have come through thousands of years. But what if you want to paint over lacquer and the color is white? Here's how to do it.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• 220-grit sandpaper
• Steel wool
• Mild detergent and water
• Rags
• Trisodium phosphate (TSP)
• Painter's tape
• Bins or KILZ
• Paintbrushes
• New oil or enamel paint for indoors
• Paint sprayer optional

Instructions

1. 

   Prep the surface. Take the dresser apart. Remove all hardware and set it aside. Prepare a small bucket with detergent and water. Remove any dirt, oil or grease with clean, damp rags. Rinse. Let it dry completely.

2. 

   Clean a second time with a wax and grease remover such as TSP---a product that is a mixture of soda ash and phosphoric acid. It typically takes off silicone, wax, polish and old paint. Rinse. Let dry.

3. 

   Get a piece of 240-grit wet/dry sandpaper damp---apply some water and go over the whole piece, sanding. The goal is not to actually remove all of the surface finish but to prepare it to take other color. When finished, the piece should have lost all its gloss and look dull.

4. 

   Mask off the hardware holes with a little painter's tape. Paint on a primer next, Bin or KILZ. When applied with a brush, it works to resist mildew and provide a biting, tacky surface to an otherwise previous glossy one. If need be, you can sand lightly and apply a second thin coat.

5. 

   Apply a premium-grade oil-based or enamel paint over the dresser. Follow the manufacturer's instructions about strokes, second coats and drying time. The paint can also be sprayed on, but you would need a dust-free setup area and lots of practice.

6. Reapply all hardware, knobs and handles.

Tips & Warnings

• It's optional to apply a thin coat of a polyacrylic over the paint for more protection. Check with the paint dealer for his suggestions. Sanding between coats prevents a build-up of paint in dollops.

• Always try to paint with the grain of the wood, gently overlapping in one direction, picking up any stroke marks.

Resources

• Guide to lacquer finishes
• Ace Hardware: Learn about paints