How to Paint a Reclaimed Dresser

How to Paint a Reclaimed Dresser

Painting a reclaimed dresser can add charm and character to your décor. You may have an old dresser that has scratches and marks, or you might have found the perfect dresser at a yard sale. Either way, you can use paint to create the ambiance you want in your home.

Prepare for Painting

The first step is to gather your supplies. Latex paint with a satin or semigloss finish is your best choice, but you will also want to use a latex primer. Here are the supplies you should gather:

  • Sanding block
  • Paint brush
  • Clean rag or cloth
  • Latex primer
  • Latex paint
  • Roller
  • Drop cloth

Once you have all of your materials, you need to prepare the dresser.  Find an open spot to lay out your drop cloth, and place the dresser on the drop cloth. You should make sure the drawers are empty and remove them from the dresser. You can lay them on the drop cloth. The last step in the set-up process is to remove the hardware from the drawers and set it aside.

Now you should take your sanding block and sand the dresser. If the dresser has any chips or cracks, you need to sand them down, but you also need to sand dressers with a shiny finish because the paint will have trouble sticking to a lacquer surface. 

Once you finish sanding the dresser, you should use a damp cloth to wipe it down. You need to let it dry completely before you paint it. If you notice any stains that remain after you have sanded the dresser, you can use a water and vinegar combination to clean them.

How to Paint 

Once your dresser is completely dry, you can start priming it. Start with the roller, and cover the large surface areas with primer. You can use a brush for small areas and any trim, and don’t forget to paint the drawers. Allow everything dry completely before you start painting. Clean the roller and the brush and let them dry while the dresser is drying.

After the primer is completely dry, you can paint the dresser. Start with the roller and cover the large surface areas first, and then trim in with the paint brush. You should also paint the drawers at this time. You may need to do two or three coats to make sure that the paint covers the dresser thoroughly. Give it a little bit of time to dry between each coat, but you do not need to let it dry completely.

Once you have finished painting the dresser, let it dry for 48 hours. This is important because you need it to be completely dry before you move it or touch it. After 48 hours, you can move the dresser to its final destination. Put the hardware back on the drawers before you slide them in. If you replace the drawers first, you could accidentally close them, and they will be hard to open without pulls. Once you replace the drawers, you are finished. Now it’s time to step back and enjoy your new dresser.

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