A Guide to Transforming a Painted Dresser Step by Step
I have a genuine fondness for dressers.
Among all the household furnishings, the modest dresser seems to carry the most functional weight.
I possess one in almost every area of my residence.
Moving to a smaller dwelling required some difficult choices, leading me to let go of several cherished dressers because they simply would not fit.
However, this particular piece remained in my home.
I appreciated the robust construction of its drawers, which glided smoothly.
Furthermore, its history was lovely; it was handcrafted many years ago and previously owned by a dear couple in my life.
Initially, it was not a clean white piece adorned with lovely glass handles, but rather appeared like this:
(I regret not capturing a proper initial picture before starting the painting, but I managed to take one right after applying the primer.)
This undertaking involved a methodical, step-by-step process with design choices made along the way; a Facebook Live documented the stages, so for more insight and stories, view the videos below.
Follow these stages for this Painted Dresser Makeover:
Apply a single layer of Zinnser Bullseye Primer to the dresser (or use your preferred high-quality primer!).
(Video detailing DIY mistakes and when to prime before painting is available below.)
Color the dresser in a shade of your preference.
(Watch the video below to learn how to select a paint type and color.)
I utilized one coat of Sherwin Williams Alabaster paint alongside two coats of Cottage Paint Cloudy White.
Enhance the dresser's characteristics by adding some visual focus.
(The video shows the colors I used and how I painted the handles to resemble driftwood.)
Specifically, I employed layered acrylic craft paints to emphasize the detail in the drawer cutouts and handles.
Finish by sealing with Cottage Paints Acrylic Sealer.
(A simple trick for applying chalk paint wax/sealer is demonstrated in the video below.)
This dresser became a delightful and functional asset for my temporary Craft Room / Office; watch for the final reveal!
For Additional Furniture Transformations:
- Bookcase Painted with Chalk Paint
- Kitchen Cart Refresh with Spray Paint
- Techniques for Stenciling Dresser Drawers
- My farmhouse table makeover involved stripping the surface
- Painting an electric fireplace is achievable
- For a swift dresser repaint, check out my helpful advice here!
