How to Refinish an Old Dresser & Make It Country Cottage White

Country cottage bedroom with white refinished dresser

Refinishing furniture is economical and satisfying. The process takes several days; take your time and enjoy it. You will be happier with the end result.



Before you begin, clean the dresser so it is free from wax, dirt and oils. Wipe it down with a cleaning cloth wrung out in hot soapy water, or use paint thinner to clean the dresser. If you use paint thinner, work in a space with good ventilation, and wear disposable gloves. When the dresser is dry, make sure the surface is tight. Glue down any loose veneer.

Things You'll Need

• Canvas or plastic to cover the floor
• Wood filler for holes and dents
• Disposable gloves
• Disposable face mask for sanding
• Palm sander or 220 grit sandpaper
• White primer
• Paintbrush
• Foam roller
• White paint

Instructions

1. Place the dresser on a canvas or plastic sheet to protect your floor. Remove the hardware, attached mirror, if there is one, and knobs. Fill the holes with wood filler and allow the filler to dry. Put on disposable gloves and a disposable face mask. Sand the dresser with a palm sander or sandpaper until the surface is smooth. Carefully remove the dust from sanding.

2. Paint a thin layer of white primer, using a brush on the edges and corners and a foam roller on the flat surfaces. Allow the paint to dry for 24 hours. Once the paint is dry, sand again to make the surface of the paint smooth, and carefully remove all the dust from sanding.

3. Paint a thin layer of flat paint on the dresser and allow to dry as before. Sand lightly to keep the surface smooth, and remove the dust before painting the next layer of paint.

4. Paint a second layer of paint, either flat or semigloss, depending on the finish you want. Carefully smooth out the brush marks if you are using a semigloss paint. If you use a flat paint, sand lightly again once the paint is thoroughly dry.

5. Distress the finish by sanding along the edges and corners with sandpaper to remove some of the paint. Replace the hardware and knobs.

Tips & Warnings

• If the drawers have wooden slides, wax them or rub a bar of soap along them to make them slide easily.

• Wax the surface of your dresser if you used a matte paint finish, to add a subtle sheen and protect the surface.

• Choose a dry day so the paint will dry faster. Ventilation is important, as paint gives off fumes, and sawdust is not good for your lungs. Wear a mask while sanding.

References

• Michigan State University Extension: Low Cost Improvements for Home, Business or Resort
• Country Living: A Fresh Start for a Tired Dresser
• Paint Me White: Bow Front Dresser (pictures)
• The White Dresser: Distressed White Dresser

Resources

• "Rachel Ashwell's Shabby Chic Treasure Hunting and Decorating Guide"; Rachel Ashwell; 1998