How to Paint Dresser Furniture

Painting a dresser can improve the look of an older dresser itself and the look of the room that the dresser is placed. Dressers are beaten upon on a daily basis as they are opened, closed, banged against, pulled, pushed, and moved thousands of times in their lifetime. Preparing and painting a dresser is the first step in creating a different design with your color choice, as well as protects the dresser from deterioration to give you many more years of usage.

Things You'll Need

• Electric drill with bits
• Rubber gloves
• Dust mask
• Sponge
• Paintbrushes
• Drop cloths
• Cleaning rags
• Paint tray
• Paint (Indoor)
• Metal can opener
• Wooden stir
• Screwdriver
• Protective eye wear
• Paint rollers
• Varnish (optional)
• 120 grit sandpaper (optional)
• Tack cloth (optional)
• Spray primer (optional)
• Mild detergent (optional)
• Water bucket (optional)

Instructions

1. Take the drawers out of the dresser and remove the hardware such as the slider bars, handles, and screws from the inside. Use a screwdriver or electric drill to safely remove the screws. Set the hardware aside and place the drawers next to the dresser to be cleaned.

2. Mix a solution of one cup dish detergent to four cups warm tap water to clean the dresser and drawers thoroughly using a sponge. If there is an excessive amount of dirt and grime you can use TSP heavy duty cleaner according to the instructions on the container. Use goggles and rubber gloves to protect your skin.

3. Remove scratches on the dresser with a 120 grit sandpaper, rub the areas until smooth. Wipe a tack cloth over the sandpaper areas to remove the sanding dust.

4. Decide if your dresser will need a coat of primer before placing the first coat of paint. Primer is applied to surfaces that paint cannot stick to due to the dressers surface. You can test a spot on the dresser to see if the paint will adhere with out the primer.

5. Set canvas or plastic drop cloths in your work area to provide protection to your flooring from paint spills and drips.

6. Shake the paint can vigorously for five minutes before opening. Open the can with a metal paint can opener, stir the paint with a wooden paint stirrer, and pour enough paint into the paint tray to fill it about half way.

7. Add a small amount of paint to a flat section of the dresser and let it dry for the length of time allotted on the can. If the paint sticks to the dresser, you can proceed to paint the entire dresser without primer.

8. Apply the spray primer to the entire dresser and drawers with even, sweeping motions from left to right to avoid runs. Allow the primer to completely dry as stated on the can to ensure maximum bonding potential.

9. Paint the drawers before painting the dresser base. Start with the inside corners and work your way to the outside of each drawer with a paint brush and use the rollers for flat surfaces. Set the drawers aside to dry for thirty minutes.

10. Make sure you cut in the inside corners and hard to reach areas of the dresser with a paint brush. It can be easier to paint the inside of the dresser if you lay it flat on it's back first. Once all the cut in work is finished you can paint the corners outside of the dresser and use the rollers to paint a smooth even coat on the flat areas. Let the paint dry the allotted time on the container before handling the dresser or the drawers.

11. Review each piece to determine if a second coat of paint is needed. You should be looking for loss of or thinned paint, or runs in the paint. If a second coat of paint is needed, apply the same as the first coat.

12. Provide a coat of varnish to the dresser and drawers to protect it from liquid spills, scratches, and paint chipping. Use a separate brush to apply the varnish according to the instructions on the container. Let the varnish dry at least twenty four hours before placing the hardware back on the dresser and placing items inside or on the top.

Tips & Warnings

• Protect your face and hands at all times when using chemicals such as varnishes.

• Keep the area you are painting in well ventilated, open a window if possible.

References

• Country Living: Fresh Start for Tired Dresser

Resources

• Porter Paints