24 Jun 2022

If you want to brighten up a room or renovate a space but have a limited budget, there is an easy option for you. Painting an old, wooden dresser is an effective way to renovate a space without breaking the bank.

You do not even have to own a wooden dresser for this DIY tip to work, as they can be found cheaply or even for free. At this time of the year, when many people are spring cleaning their home, you can find furniture on the side of the road which you can take for free. 

That means you get the same great Brookline, Pittsburgh rental dumpsters – but at a fraction of the cost of competing providers.

A wooden dresser is something you will find in any location, whether you can get it for free on the roadside or have to pay a small fee such as at thrift stores. If you have a wooden dresser already at home, a lick of paint can make all the difference.

In this guide, we are sharing the easiest way to paint a wooden dresser so you can transform your home on a budget this season.

DIY Tools For Your Wooden Dresser

Painting wooden furniture is an effective way to bring a new lease of life to your home without breaking the bank. It is easier to paint over wood than any other kind of material, so this DIY project is suitable for all skill levels.

To do this DIY project, you will need a wooden dresser of some kind – whether it is one you already own or have just found on the roadside – and some paint. 

You will also need:

  • A paint stirring stick
  • Primer
  • An angled paintbrush
  • A foam paint roller
  • Paint tray
  • Sander/sandpaper
  • Tack cloth
  • Screwdriver 

How To Paint A Wooden Dresser

It can be incredibly easy to paint a wooden dresser and give it a new lease of life. We are sharing the 10 steps it will take to do this DIY project, helping you transform your home and save money at the same time.

  • Gather Your Supplies

The first step is to gather all of the necessary materials for this DIY project, including the wooden dresser you are going to be DIYing. 

You can choose any color of paint, depending on the look you are going for. A kids’ bedroom would look great with a brightly colored wooden dresser, but neutral colors will work best elsewhere in the home.

  • Remove The Metalwork

Before painting can begin, you will need to remove all of the metal pieces from the dresser, such as the hinges, screws, and knobs.

You can reuse these items to save even more money, so make sure you keep them safe. It is a good idea to store them in a Ziplock bag and keep them in a safe space so you can find them once the paint has dried.

  • Sand The Dresser

For the paint to stick and look good, it needs to go onto a smooth surface. You will need to sand the wooden dresser using your sandpaper, but an electric sander can also be used to save time during this step.

Work on the dresser until the wood is smooth and shiny.

  • Clean The Surface

Once you have sanded the wood, take the tack cloth to clean the surfaces making sure there is no debris or residue left on the wood.

  • Prime The Wood 

Your first stage of painting is to apply two coats of primer to the wood, allowing each coat to dry fully before applying the next.

Wait until both layers of primer are dry completely before moving on to the next step.

  • Start Painting

It is now time to start painting! Once the primer has dried, it is time to get your paint of choice and add layers to the wood. Again, allow each layer to dry completely before moving on to the next.

Using a paint tray and foam paint roller, you will be able to cover large surface areas.

  • Detailing

The foam roller is a great tool to use on large, flat areas of the dresser, but you will also need an angled paintbrush for the corners and details.

Once the majority of the paint has been added, use the paintbrush for the details, corners, and other areas of the dresser that may have been missed. Make sure to apply two coats of paint to these areas, too, for a uniform appearance.

  • Do not Forget The Drawers

As you have removed the drawers from the dresser before painting, do not neglect them.

As well as applying two coats of paint to the main bulk of the dresser, do not forget the drawers and make sure to pay attention to the sides of the drawers, as this will be seen when using the dresser.

  • Remove Drips or Bugs From Paint

Once the paint has dried, you can use the sanding block to remove any bugs or drips that may be present. If necessary, you can also add another layer of paint to these areas.

  •  Add The Hardware

Wait until all of the paint has dried before adding the hardware again. 

You can reuse the old hardware, or, for a completely new look, you can add new knobs which can be bought cheaply second-hand to stay on budget.

Leave the dresser for a couple of days before using it so the paint can cure.