DIY: How to Paint Wooden Furniture - Adventures of an Old Dresser

Dresser Makeover

Original

Using a Bosch Circle Sander

Circle Sander FTW

Supplies:  Wood primer, Semi-gloss acrylic latex paint, Glossy black spraypaint  

Supplies; Paint in Inland SW6452

Original hardware refinished with Krylon spray-paint (black)

Primer (1 coat)

Primer on dresser drawers

Green paint (Coat #1)

Green paint (Coat #2)

Ta-da...the finished dresser!

Occasionally, I'm motivated by a creative project; you may remember my bridesmaid dress remix last October. Growing up, I loved Martha Stewart, watched her religiously, dream of having a craft room, but that's another story...

During the holiday visits home, my parents mentioned they were getting rid of an old dresser, and recently inspired by DIYs seen on Pinterest, I offered to take it off their hands. (Sidenote: We <3 Pinterest! Check out our favorite board--pinned with brilliant hacks, organization tips, & storage solutions.)

After hauling it home, I was excited to rework the piece, but before diving into the project, I did a little research.  A few conversation with friends and a few helpful YouTube tutorials later... it was on.

Step 1 - Sanding (1.5 to 2 hours)

First, sand down all components of the furniture, as this helps the paint stick to the wood.  Luckily enough, my dresser was bare of paint, but still retained its wood finishing/varnish on top.  It is important to sand in the direction of the grain; I found the circle sander to be a great tool for this projet.  After sanding, I wiped down the piece with a wet rag to clear off the dust and debris, and waited for it to dry. A big thanks to my friend, Ben, who kindly lent me his sander.  

Step 2 - Priming (45 minutes)

I was tempted to skip this step, but after reading this article, I was convinced I should prime before painting.  I used a paper plate as my painter's palette to make for easy cleanup, a roller for the larger surfaces, and the brush for some of the detailed areas to evenly apply 1 coat of primer (I skipped the back of the dresser).

Step 3 - Painting (45 minutes to paint + 4 hours of drying time)

I used a roller to apply the majority of my green paint to the dresser. Going with the grain of the wood, I applied coat one and finished the detailed areas with a paint brush. Four hours of drying time later, I painted on coat two, and waited another four hours for drying.

Step 4 - Hardware (5 minutes + 45 minutes to dry)

I simply spray painted the dresser's existing hardware black, but changing up the hardware is an easy, affordable way to give furniture a totally different look.

This DIY was time consuming work, but let's keep it real team, sweat equity = a frugal, beautiful project. :)  Special shout out to Will, Laura, and Ben for helping with this project! Thank you!

Project Timetable (You need a period of time that allows 4 hour intervals of drying time; I put a weekend to good use.)

Sand down furniture:  1.5-2 hours

Wipe clean with wet rag:  10 minutes

Apply one coat of primer paint:  45 minutes to apply, 4 hour dry time

First coat of green paint:  45 minutes to apply, 4 hour dry time

Second coat of gren paint:  45 minutes, 4 hour dry time

Spray paint existing hardware:  5 minutes (repeat 3-4 times for even coating), 45 minute dry time

Total Cost: Under $50 (Significantly less than a new dresser!)

Dresser:  Mom & Dad's House Find: $0

Bosch Circle Sander:  Borrowed from my friend Ben :): $0

Sherwin Williams Store

Premium Wall & Wood Primer (quart):  $10

ProClassic Paint for Interior (quart - Inland SW6452):  $20

2" XL Trim Brush:  $5

6"x 3/16 Mohair Roll Brush (2):  $6

12" Roll Brush Frame:  $3

Krylon Spray-Paint (Black Glossy):  $4