Why Paint a Dresser
Painting a dresser is one of the most rewarding and cost-effective DIY furniture projects you can undertake. Whether you have an old family heirloom that needs refreshing, a thrift store find that has great bones but an ugly finish, or a perfectly functional dresser that simply does not match your current decor, a fresh coat of paint can completely transform the piece. Painted furniture has seen a massive surge in popularity in recent years, with chalk paint finishes, distressed looks, and bold color choices becoming staples of modern interior design.
The beauty of painting a dresser is that it requires minimal investment — often just $30 to $80 in materials — while potentially adding hundreds of dollars in value to the piece. A well-painted dresser can look as good as or better than a brand-new piece of furniture, and the process is accessible to beginners with no prior painting experience. With proper preparation and technique, you can achieve a professional-looking finish that will last for years.
Choosing the Right Paint
Selecting the right paint is crucial for a successful dresser painting project. The type of paint you choose affects the preparation required, the application process, and the durability of the finish.
Chalk Paint: Chalk paint, popularized by brands like Annie Sloan and Rust-Oleum, is extremely popular for furniture painting because it adheres to most surfaces without sanding or priming. It creates a matte, velvety finish with a slightly textured appearance that works beautifully with rustic, farmhouse, and shabby chic decor styles. Chalk paint is easy to work with, dries quickly, and can be distressed easily for a vintage look. The main drawback is that it requires a wax or polyurethane topcoat for protection, and it is more expensive per gallon than traditional paint.
Latex Paint: Standard latex (water-based) paint is an affordable and widely available option for furniture painting. It comes in an enormous range of colors and finishes, from flat to high gloss. Latex paint requires proper surface preparation, including sanding and priming, but produces a durable finish that can withstand daily use. For furniture, choose a paint labeled for trim or cabinet use, as these formulations are harder and more durable than standard wall paint.
Mineral Paint: Mineral paint is a newer option that combines the easy application of chalk paint with better built-in durability. It requires no wax topcoat and has excellent adhesion to most surfaces. Brands like Fusion Mineral Paint have gained a strong following in the furniture painting community. It self-levels well, reducing brush marks, and cures to a hard, durable finish.
Milk Paint: Milk paint is an all-natural option made from milk protein, lime, and natural pigments. It creates a beautiful, authentic vintage appearance and is environmentally friendly. However, it can be unpredictable in terms of adhesion and requires a bonding agent on non-porous surfaces. It is best suited for experienced painters who appreciate its unique character.
Preparation: The Key to Success
Proper preparation is the most important step in painting a dresser. Skipping or rushing the prep work is the number one reason for paint failure, including peeling, chipping, and uneven coverage.
Clean Thoroughly: Start by cleaning the entire dresser with a solution of warm water and TSP (trisodium phosphate) or a degreasing cleaner. This removes dirt, oils, wax, and grime that can prevent paint from adhering properly. Pay special attention to areas around drawer pulls and the top surface, which accumulate the most buildup. Rinse with clean water and allow the piece to dry completely.
Remove Hardware: Remove all drawer pulls, knobs, and hinges before painting. Label each piece and its corresponding location to make reassembly easier. This is also a good time to decide whether you want to replace the hardware with new pieces, which can dramatically change the look of the dresser.
Sand the Surface: Unless you are using chalk paint or a paint specifically formulated for no-sand application, you need to sand the dresser to create a surface the paint can grip. Use 120 to 150 grit sandpaper and sand in the direction of the wood grain. You do not need to remove all the existing finish — just scuff it up enough to create a slightly rough surface. After sanding, wipe the entire piece with a tack cloth to remove all dust.
Fill and Repair: Use wood filler to fill any dents, scratches, gouges, or holes. Apply the filler with a putty knife, slightly overfilling to account for shrinkage as it dries. Once dry, sand smooth and wipe clean. If the dresser has any loose joints or structural issues, now is the time to repair them with wood glue and clamps.
Priming the Dresser
Primer creates a uniform surface for the paint to adhere to and helps prevent issues like bleed-through, where tannins in the wood or stains from the previous finish show through the new paint.
Choose a primer appropriate for your paint type. For latex paint, use a high-quality latex primer or a shellac-based primer like Zinsser BIN if you are concerned about bleed-through. For chalk paint, priming is usually not necessary, but a coat of shellac primer is recommended over dark or stained surfaces to prevent bleed-through. Apply the primer with a brush or foam roller, using thin, even coats. Allow the primer to dry completely according to the manufacturer's instructions, then lightly sand with 220 grit sandpaper and wipe clean before applying paint.
Painting Techniques for a Smooth Finish
The painting technique you use will determine the quality of your finish. Follow these guidelines for professional-looking results.
Thin Coats: Always apply thin, even coats of paint rather than thick, heavy coats. Thick coats are more likely to drip, sag, and show brush marks. Two or three thin coats will produce a much smoother, more durable finish than one or two thick coats.
Brush Selection: Use a high-quality synthetic bristle brush for latex and chalk paints. A good brush makes a significant difference in the smoothness of the finish. For the flattest possible finish, use a high-density foam roller on large flat surfaces and a brush for detail work and hard-to-reach areas.
Painting Order: Start with the inside edges and hard-to-reach areas, then move to the large flat surfaces. Paint the dresser body first, then the drawers separately. This allows you to lay the drawers flat for painting, which reduces drips and sag. Paint in the direction of the wood grain when possible.
Drying Time: Allow each coat to dry fully before applying the next. Most paints are dry to the touch in 1 to 2 hours but need 4 to 6 hours between coats for optimal results. Rushing between coats can cause the paint to lift, wrinkle, or show brush marks. After the final coat, allow the paint to cure for at least 24 to 48 hours before handling, and up to 30 days before placing heavy items on top.
Protecting the Finish
A protective topcoat extends the life of your paint job and makes the surface easier to clean. The type of topcoat depends on the paint you used and the look you want to achieve.
For chalk paint, apply paste wax using a lint-free cloth, working in small sections and buffing to a soft sheen. Two coats of wax provide good protection for most furniture. Alternatively, use a water-based polyurethane for more durable protection, especially on pieces that see heavy use. For latex paint, a water-based polyurethane in your choice of sheen provides excellent protection. Apply two to three thin coats, lightly sanding with 400 grit sandpaper between coats. For mineral paint, a topcoat is typically not required, but a coat of wax or polyurethane can add extra protection on high-use surfaces.
With patience, proper preparation, and the right technique, painting a dresser is a deeply satisfying project that can breathe new life into old furniture and save you hundreds compared to buying new. Take your time, enjoy the process, and admire the transformation when you are done.
