Things You'll Need:
- Solvent: for either oil/lacquer or water/latex based paint or a multi-strip solvent.
- Chemical resistant gloves
- Safety glasses/goggles
- Polyester bristle brush
- Small can for holding solvent (a cleaned can from vegetables or beans will work)
- Heavy-duty scrubbing pads or coarse steel wool
- Scraper (metal or plastic)
- Sandpaper: 100 grit, 150 grit, 220 grit
- Sanding block
- Disposable towels for clean-up
- Drop cloth, tarp or plastic sheet
- Trash can with plastic liner or newspaper
- Water
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Step 1
Work in a well-lit and well-ventilated area. Place the dresser on a drop cloth to prevent chemical contamination of your floor. Wear old clothes as solvent may get on them.
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Step 2
Pour a cup of solvent at a time into the can for use. Re-seal the main solvent can between pours.
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Step 3
Apply the solvent to small sections of wood using the brush. Brush a thick coat in one direction and don't go over the same section more than once. It will take a few minutes for the solvent to soften the paint. The paint will look blistered or bubbly when it is ready to be scraped off.
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Step 4
Scrape off softened paint in sections and dump into the trash can. Work quickly and don't let the remover dry on the paint.
A scrubbing pad or steel wool can be used to remove paint from stubborn areas, corners and detail work.
Some areas may need more than one application. -
Step 5
After removing the paint, scrub the wood with water using a fresh scrubbing pad or steel wool. This neutralizes the solvent and removes the residue. Let the wood dry.
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Step 6
Immediately clean brushes and scraper. Dispose of scrub pads, solvent can and towels.
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Step 7
Sand the wood thoroughly with the grain, starting with the lowest number grit and finishing with the highest. Wrap sandpaper around a sanding block for easier gripping and even application.
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Step 1
Decide on how you want the refinished dresser to look. Do you want to re-paint, stain and clear coat, or simply seal the wood's natural finish? Water based products are easier to use, as clean-up is done with regular soap and water and do not require additional chemicals.
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Step 2
Before applying any new finish, wipe all dust from the piece. Wear chemical-resistant gloves if using oil-based paints or lacquer, or if your skin is sensitive.
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Step 3
A simple wax finish can be applied that does not change the wood's natural color. Use a can of paste wax, such as Johnson's Paste Wax, and a towel to apply. After sanding and wiping, apply a thin coat of paste wax to the wood, working into the grain. Allow to dry until the surface looks murky, about 20 to 30 minutes. Buff surface with a clean towel. A second layer can be applied.
Light-colored wood can be stained to match other wood furniture. Apply the stain in thin, even coats with a fine bristle brush and allow to dry between coats until the desired color depth is reached. Seal the wood either with a wax finish or a compatible (water or oil) clear-coat paint or lacquer. A lacquered surface is more resistant to liquid spills.
Opaque paint can also be applied to the dresser to match wall color and painted designs of a decorator theme or motif. Use a sponge or bristle brush to evenly apply a thin coat of paint. Another coat can be applied once the previous coat is dry. -
Step 4
Clean all brushes with water or paint thinner immediately after use. If the paint or lacquer dries in the brush, it will be ruined.
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Step 5
Though the surface may seem dry, allow the dresser to completely dry for another 24 hours for water-based finish and 48 hours for oil-based finish before moving it into your home for use.
