How to Paint a Veneer Dresser

Do not paint bare veneer, or the finish will fail.

Veneer dressers are relatively inexpensive pieces of furniture composed of particle board. The exterior parts of the particle board furniture are coated with a wood or vinyl veneer coating that enhances the dresser's overall appearance. If you would like to paint a veneer dresser, you will have to abrade the veneer to enhance its adhesive qualities, or it will ultimately reject its new finish. You must also select the appropriate type of paint that will promote an attractive finish and remain durable over a long period of time.

Things You'll Need

• 220-grit sandpaper
• Heavy-duty fabric drop cloths
• Blue painter's tape
• Acrylic latex primer
• 2- to 3-inch latex paintbrush
• Measuring cup
• 2-gallon painter's pot
• Wooden stir stick
• Acrylic latex paint
• Respirator

Instructions

1. Prepare the veneer dresser to accept paint by abrading it with sandpaper. Sand the vinyl or wood veneer until it feels slightly rough.

2. Protect areas of the dresser you don't want painted with a low-tack painter's tape. Protect the floor next to the dresser with a fabric drop cloth.

3. Apply a base coat of primer to the abraded veneer dresser, using a 2- to 3-inch latex paintbrush. Wait two hours for the primed dresser to dry.

4. Wash the brush with tap water.

5. Promote a slick, professional-looking finish by diluting the paint. Add 1 oz. of tap water to each gallon of paint. Stir the mixture for five minutes to ensure adequate distribution.

6. Apply two light coats of the diluted paint to the primed veneer dresser, using the cleaned paintbrush. Wait two hours between each coat.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear a respirator the room is poorly ventilated.

• Don't paint the veneer dresser unless you have applied a base coat of primer first, or the finish will fail.

• Don't prime the veneer dresser unless you have scoured it with sandpaper first, or the primer will peel.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Popular Mechanics: 5 Pro Painting Tips Every Amateur Should Know