Painting an old dresser can be a great way to give your dresser a new, updated look. The key to success when painting an old dresser is to properly prepare the surface is critical for a lasting finish.
Preparing the surface may require some time and effort, but if done correctly, the results will be worth the effort.
The first step to painting an old dresser is to sand down the entire surface with a medium-grit sandpaper to remove any debris and smooth out the existing finish. If there is any paint on the dresser, use a paint stripping material to remove the existing coat of paint.
Once the dresser is sanded and stripped of old paint, use a damp cloth to clean the entire surface to remove any dirt, dust, or debris.
After you have prepped the dresser, it’s time to apply primer. Primer helps to provide a smooth finish and helps the paint better adhere to the surface. Make sure to use a quality primer and apply two coats, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next.
Once the final coat of primer has dried, it is time to paint the dresser. Use a quality paint designed for furniture, applying two to three coats, allowing the paint to dry in between coats.
When painting an old dresser, make sure to use a quality paint, apply a primer, and allow each coat to fully dry before applying the next. Following these steps will give you the best chance at success and a beautiful new look for your old dresser.
What kind of paint do you use to paint a dresser?
The type of paint you should use to paint a dresser will depend on the type of finish you’d like to achieve. For bare wood or fiberglass surfaces, acrylic latex paints are a good choice. They provide good coverage and create a durable finish that resists scratches and scuffs.
For previously painted surfaces, you may want to look for an acrylic-alkyd blend which provides a harder, more durable finish than latex alone. Finishes which are a little more matte and velvety can be achieved with chalk paints, which are usually milky-white in color and provide a flat, almost powdery finish.
Milk paints provide a softer, chalky finish, but may require more preparation than acrylic latex, and are more prone to chipping and wear. For a glossier finish, consider lacquer- or shellac-based paints, which offer good coverage and protection, but may require additional layers of clearcoat to provide a harder, more durable finish.
Can you just paint over a dresser?
Yes, you can absolutely paint over a dresser. It is usually best to start with a good quality primer, as this helps the paint to stick and last longer. If the dresser is quite aged, or if you are wanting to change the color drastically, using a product such as a paint deglosser or a light sanding will help the primer and paint adhere to the surface.
Once the primer is dry, you can now apply two to three coats of paint in the desired color. It is recommended to use a good quality paint such as a latex enamel, as this will give you a longer-lasting and durable finish.
Depending on the age and condition of the dresser, it may require additional prep work to ensure a professional-looking finish. A minimum of two coats of paint is recommended to get an even and consistent finish.
Finally, you may want to consider a sealer or wax to protect the paint job and add a bit of shine.
Is it better to spray paint or brush furniture?
Ultimately, it depends on the outcome you are looking to achieve. If you are looking to achieve a smooth, even finish, then spraying the furniture is the best option. Spraying ensures that the finish is even and professional looking.
The downside is that it can be messy and require special equipment.
If you are looking for a more rustic, distressed look then brushing the furniture is a better option. With brushing, small variations on the finish will be noticeable and give the furniture a unique look.
The downside is that it could be time consuming and not as durable as a sprayed finish.
Can I paint over painted wood?
Yes, you can paint over painted wood under certain circumstances. Before painting, it is important to properly prepare the surface. If previously painted, the surface should be cleaned to remove dirt and old paint that could prevent the new coat from adhering well.
There should be no peeling or chalking old paint. If so, the old paint should be removed. Then it should be sanded down with a fine-grade sandpaper to ensure a smooth and even surface. If the wood is in good condition and the previous paint is securely adhered, then it is possible to simply use a primer to cover and protect the surface before applying the new paint.
However, if the old paint is in poor condition and beginning to chip, then it is likely best to remove the paint entirely and start with a clean surface. If you decide to keep the old paint, be sure to use a compatible paint product that is designed for use on the existing paint system.
This will help to ensure better coverage, better adhesion and a longer lasting result.
How do you prepare painted furniture for painting?
Preparing painted furniture for painting is an important step in creating a professional-looking finish. The key to successful painting is preparation, so taking the time to prepare the piece correctly will help ensure a smooth, long-lasting finish.
First, thoroughly clean the piece to remove any dust and debris. A soft cloth dampened with warm water should do the trick. Next, use a semi-firm nylon brush to scrub stubborn dirt spots and grime. Then, lightly sand the furniture using 120-grit sandpaper.
This will help the paint adhere better and create a smoother finish. After sanding, use a damp cloth to remove the sanding dust. Finally, use an oil-based primer to protect the wood and ensure an even, smooth finish.
Allow the primer to dry completely before applying the paint. This may take several hours, so plan accordingly. Following these steps will help create a beautiful painted finish that looks professional and last for years.
What can you turn your dresser into?
With a little bit of creativity, you can turn your dresser into a variety of functional, stylish, and useful pieces. For example, you can turn it into a vanity with a mirror, a shelving unit to store books and display items, or even a bar by adding baskets and liquor bottles.
You could also turn it into an entertainment center by using the drawers to store all your electronics, DVDs and CDs. If you need extra seating in a room, you could upholster the drawers and add throw pillows, and for practicality, turn it into a mudroom bench, with baskets to store shoes and other outdoor items.
With a bit of imagination and some basic DIY skills, you can easily turn your dresser into a unique and useful piece for any room in your home.
How do I turn an old dresser into a bookshelf?
Transforming an old dresser into a bookshelf is a rewarding and creative project. To begin, first you should decide if the dresser is an appropriate size for a bookshelf. Measure the width and height of the dresser and make sure it is an adequate size for what you plan to store.
Then, if necessary, remove any drawers from the dresser. You may choose to upcycle the drawers into other projects. Next, sand the interior and exterior of the dresser using a medium grade sandpaper.
Begin sanding the outside of the dresser body and then follow with the drawer fronts, including any handles or knobs. Once it has been sanded, use a stiff brush or vacuum to remove any dust. This will ensure a smooth finish when you add your chosen paint or stain.
Apply two to three coats of paint or stain to the dresser and allow it to dry between coats. Once you have applied paint or stain, you can begin adding shelves. Measure the distance between each shelf and pre-drill holes in the dresser frame.
Use screws to attach the shelf boards. Lastly, add support brackets if necessary and use a spirit level to make sure the shelves are level with each other. Once complete, you will have a custom and unique bookshelf for your space.
What can you do with old draws?
You can turn them into bookshelves, tissue holders, desk organizers, planters, toy boxes, key holders, and more. You can also repurpose them into birdhouses, filled with small stones, and hang them from a branch or overhang to give your garden a rustic touch.
Another idea is to line them up on a wall and use them to store miscellaneous items such as keys, notes, and spare change. You could also paint them and use them as decorative ornaments around the house.
Finally, if you have old drawers and do not want to use them in any of the above, you could always donate them to charity or upcycle them into craft projects.
What happens if you don’t sand before painting?
If you don’t sand before painting, the paint may not adhere to the surface as well as it should and result in an uneven, blotchy finish. The paint may also crack, flake, or peel over time. Sanding the surface helps the paint stick better and ensures a smoother, more even finish.
It also allows the paint to penetrate the surface better and better protect the material. Sanding also helps remove uneven surfaces and blemishes, rids the surface of dirt, and provides a slightly rougher texture that allows paint to adhere more evenly.
For this reason, it’s important to sand any surface before painting in order to ensure a superior and longer lasting finish.
How do you paint furniture without leaving brush marks?
Painting furniture without leaving brush marks requires a few specific steps. First, you need to make sure the surface of the furniture is completely clean, sanded, and free of any foreign objects that may interfere with the paint adhesion.
Then, use high-quality, smooth bristle brushes for applying the paint. Synthetic brushes, like those made of polyester or nylon, are great for applying a smooth, even layer of paint to any surface. Additionally, use a light touch when applying paint strokes, making sure to keep the brush at the same angle and speed across the entire surface.
Finally, apply multiple thin coats for the best results. Wait for each layer to dry before applying the next coat. This can help to reduce the look of brush strokes, as well as improve the longevity of the paint job.
And make sure to use a gentle touch when sanding in between layers of paint; a worn or rough surface can easily have brush marks.