Tools and Materials
Tools
Materials
- Primer (depending on the type of furniture paint you want to use)
- Drop Cloths
Furniture Polish or Wax
Varnish
- Clear Coat Paint
- Wood Filler
Aerosol Paint
Drawer knobs or handles
- Sawdust
- Wood glue
How to Refurbish a Dresser in A Few Steps
You can now start the refurbishing process. Follow these steps to refurbish your dresser:
Empty the dresser and take out all its drawers. Also, remove all handles and knobs, if possible. Clean it properly with a cloth or soft-bristle brush. Next, dip a clean cloth in water and gently clean the dresser inside and out. Wipe the dresser dry with a cloth.
Ensure the surface of the wooden dresser dries off completely. Place it under a fan, under direct sunlight or use a hair dryer to remove moisture.
Check for any damaged shelves or peeling wood strips. Use a crown stapler to reinforce the shelves. Make sure to use the correct size of staples that won’t be visible outside the dresser.
Mix some sawdust with wood glue to make a paste. Use this paste to stick the peeling wooden strips. Allow the paste to dry completely.
Inspect the entire surface of the dresser. Take note of all the minor scratches and splinters. Use stainable wood filler to fill in tiny indentations. Wipe away the extra filler with the help of a putty knife. Allow the wood filler to air dry completely.
Wear protective goggles and a dust mask while sanding to avoid irritation.
Use a cloth to wipe the dresser clean after sanding. If the dresser already has knobs or pulls, cover them with painter’s tape. This will keep them protected from paint or stain.
Set up in a well-ventilated area and lay down a drop cloth or newspaper to protect your floor.
You can use furniture paint in satin, semi-gloss or flat finishes. Remove the drawers and paint them from all sides. Place them separately and let them dry. Begin at the top of the dresser and work your way down. Apply the paint in thin, even strokes following the wood grain.
Use a foam brush for added convenience and to avoid brush marks. Use a small angled brush for corners and grooves.
Wear protective gloves to protect your hands from paint stains
After the first coat has dried, apply the second coat for better results. You can allow the paint to dry on its own or use a hair dryer to speed up the process. If using a hair dryer, keep it moving and about 6 inches away from the surface.
For deep or dark colors, you may need 3 coats for full coverage. Lighter colors may only need 2 coats. Wait for the full recommended drying time between each coat. Rushing this step can ruin the paint’s finish. It’s best to check the paint can for specific drying times.
Test dryness by lightly touching an inconspicuous area - it should feel completely dry. Let the final coat dry for at least 24 hours before reassembling. In humid conditions, allow extra drying time. Don't rush to put the drawers back in. Fully cured paint is less likely to chip or scratch.
Do not use too much heat from the hair dryer. This can damage the paint.
Now that you have finished painting your dresser, it is time to replace or repaint your dresser’s hardware. Purchase new handles or knobs if the old ones have worn out. Ensure that you select the right designs to match your newly painted dresser.
For renewing the old handles and knobs, polish them well first. Use metal, wood or plastic polish, depending on their material. Apply a coat of aerosol paint if needed.
You can apply a coat of varnish or a clear coat to protect the newly painted dresser to give it a longer-lasting appearance. This helps prevent scratches on your dresser.
Once the dresser is dry, you can use furniture polish or wax to give it some shine and protect the dresser. Now, insert all the drawers and screw the hardware back and then you can put your refinished dresser in your bedroom.