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Introduction

How to Paint a Dresser to Make It Look Like New Again

By
Lauren Thomann
freelance writer Lauren Thomann
Lauren Thomann
Lauren Thomann is a freelance writer and business owner who covers DIY projects and home renovation on The Spruce.
Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Updated on 07/24/21
how to paint a dresser with pink chalk paint

Heirlooms at Home

Overview
  • Working Time: 4 - 6 hrs
  • Total Time: 2 days, 4 hrs - 2 days, 6 hrs
  • Skill Level: Beginner

Solid hardwood dressers are often built like tanks and meant to last for decades. If you have one that's looking a little worn, don't trash it or give it away as a freebie. It likely has several good years left in it, so why not refurbish it with paint?

We decided to paint this solid wood vintage dresser in Himalayan Salt from The Spruce Best Home Chalky Finish Paint line. Chalk paint offers a soft but refreshed vintage look⁠—and it's a perfect way to update other pieces of furniture as well, such as an end table.

Opting to repaint the dresser in a solid color lightened the overall look and made the piece more eclectic. To maintain a little bit of vintage charm, we buffed in some dark wax and created a subtle antique finish. Follow along to recreate something similar.

Preparation

Before you grab your paintbrush and get started, remember that not all dressers are good candidates for repainting or refinishing. Antique dressers should be evaluated before painting to make sure that altering the appearance won't devalue the piece. This dresser had been painted numerous times and the faux wood look using brown paint was heavy and worn.

Prep work is vitally important when painting a dresser. To start, empty all the drawers. Working on the dresser will be much easier when it's not loaded with stuff. Then use a screwdriver to carefully remove the drawer pulls. Take a few minutes to clean them well if you intend to put them back on the dresser after painting it.

A Practical Reminder

Don't make the mistake of shutting the drawers without the pulls in place. If you do, use a flathead screwdriver to gently pry the drawer open.

1:56

Upcycle a Dresser with Just One Coat of This Special Paint

Featured Video

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Screwdriver
  • Medium-grit sanding block (optional)
  • Clean lint-free rags (for cleaning and waxing)
  • 1 to 2 Small paint rollers
  • Paintbrush

Materials

  • 1 quart The Spruce Best Home Chalky Finish Paint
  • Wax finishes (clear and dark)
  • Vinegar (optional for cleaning)

Instructions

supplies for painting a dresser

Lauren Thomann / Heirlooms at Home

  1. Sand the Existing Finish

    If your dresser has a smooth finish and is in good shape, feel free to skip this step if you are using chalk paint. However, if you want to smooth out some rough edges, use a medium-grit sanding block to sand off any high points.

    Prepping for Chalk Paint

    The great thing about working with chalk paint is that it will adhere to most existing finishes. If you are using another type of paint, such as one with a lacquer or shiny finish, you'll need to sand the dresser down so that the new paint adheres well.

    prep a dresser for painting
    Lauren Thomann / Heirlooms at Home

  2. Clean the Dresser and Let It Dry

    Remove any dust and debris from the surface. If the surface is not pristine, dust will get stuck in the paint and compromise the finish. Use a damp, lint-free cloth to wipe down the dresser. Allow the dresser to dry completely.

    Stain Removal

    Remove tougher stains and gunk with a combination of equal parts vinegar and water.

    A cloth wiping an old wooden dresser
    Lauren Thomann / Heirlooms at Home

  3. Roll on a Coat of Paint

    Read the directions on the paint can for specifics. You might need to add a tablespoon or so of water to thin out the chalk paint to a desirable consistency prior to painting.

    Use a roller to paint the larger surface areas and create a finish that does not have visible brush strokes. Roll paint onto drawer fronts and drawer sides to ensure a smooth finish.

    How Much Paint Do You Need?

    A quart of The Spruce Best Home Chalky Finish Paint will cover 60 to 100 square feet. That is enough paint to cover an average dresser with two to three coats.

    Using a roller brush with chalk paint on a dresser
    Lauren Thomann / Heirlooms at Home

  4. Trim With a Brush

    Not every surface of the dresser can be painted with a roller.

    With a paintbrush, fill in the edges and any detailing the roller didn't hit. Allow the paint to dry completely. Depending on the paint used, you may need to apply one to three coats.

    Wait about 48 hours before applying the final protective finish.

    A paintbrush painting a dresser with pink chalk paint
    Lauren Thomann / Heirlooms at Home

  5. Buff on a Wax Finish

    For latex and oil-based paints, you won't necessarily need to put a finish coat on a dresser. However, if you're painting with chalk paint, wax finishes are a common finishing step. We buffed on two different wax finishes: a clear and a dark.

    Following the manufacturer's instructions, apply the clear finish to the entire dresser. Focus the dark wax finish on details and around the edges. Use the same rag used to apply the clear wax to buff the dark wax for best results. The transitions should look seamless from one wax to the next.

    A hand buffing out wax on a chalky paint dresser
    Lauren Thomann / Heirlooms at Home

    Improve the Drawers

    One way to make a dresser seem new again is to improve its function. This quick trick will help old wooden drawers slide easier and not get stuck.


    Buff on a clear wax finish on the wood rails of the dresser drawer. Then buff on the same wax finish on the inner rails where the wood pieces slide against each other.

  6. Reattach Your Hardware

    The last touch is adding back the decorative hardware. You can reuse the existing knobs without refinishing them to retain that authentic antique vibe. If you prefer, update your hardware in a similar style so you won't have to drill any extra holes.

    how to paint a dresser
    Lauren Thomann / Heirlooms at Home