Painted Dresser (part 1)

Since this is my first attempt at painting a dresser I thought that I would give a mini tutorial for those who are also tackling this for the first time.



1) Find a dresser or something that is in terrible shape. The reason for this is that even if you do a lame job, everyone will be so impressed with the makeover that they won't even notice.


I found this little gem at the Goodwill.


2) Clean the dresser very well and remove the hardware.


This dresser was so nasty dirty that I had to clean it before I could even set it into my garage. It was coated in dirt and cobwebs. There was also some kind of unidentified sticky substance on the top. Son #2 helped me move it and had a mini freak-out after some of the goo got on his hand. (It was a little funny.)

3) Make sure you have some good tunes because this is going to be a long project.

Son #3 said that he was going to put a CD on for me to listen to since the radio reception was a little sketchy. For some reason he thought that Halloween Party music was a good choice. And yes, I admit that I did sing along until my neighbor powered up his lawnmower and then I couldn't hear anything. (I really have no idea why the picture is upside down.)

4) Use a primer that is compatible with your paint.

I used a spray on primer and brush on paint. I don't know if that is a painting sin or not but it seemed to work for me. The paint was Behr Satin Interior in "Southern Breeze." It was leftover from when I painted the kitchen. The primer is Krylon "White."

5) Sand and prime your dresser.

Don't you just love the brown grass? It sticks like velcro to the dog's fur UNTIL she comes into the house.

6) Stop for a healthy snack.

7) Paint

I originally liked the idea of replacing the hardware since one of the knobs on the drawer is missing. I didn't realize until I was trying to remove the hardware that unfortunately there is a piece that is nailed in. So that means no removing it or painting it. So all the hardware will stay as is. The tricky part will now be trying to find two knobs that coordinate with that goldish patina.

8) Paint a second coat and let dry.

Part 2 of Painting a Dresser will be the next post. (Sanding and glazing and distressing, oh my!)

Okay, I just realized that I have been calling the piece of furniture in the pictures a dresser when in fact it is actually a large nightstand. Maybe that is why is was only $4.99!