how do you paint a dresser thats not real wood

Steps

1. Prep! Prepping is as important as painting itself. ...
2. Sand. I’m sorry – everyone wants to skip this step – but it is so important. ...
3. Prime. Primer is an optional step, but it helps to ensure that paint adheres evenly to your dresser or chest of drawers.
4. Sand again! ...
5. Paint. ...
6. Seal. ...
7. Replace hardware and enjoy. ...

Full Answer

What kind of paint to use on a dresser?

What kind of paint do you use on a dresser? For furniture it's best to use a satin or semigloss finish in either a latex or an oil-based paint. Never leave primer unpainted.

How to paint and decoupage a dresser?

• If your dresser has an existing finish that’s already smooth, sand with a 220-grit sanding sponge and then wipe clean with a moist cloth. ...
• Remove the drawers and tape off the furniture to paint. I like to use FolkArt Home Decor Chalk to cover my furniture pieces. ...
• Use a roller (as opposed to a brush) to get the smoothest finish. ...

How to chalk paint a dresser [Easy Guide]?

Pick the color of the chalk paint, and with the use of chalk paintbrush, apply it to the furniture. Leave for 30 minutes to dry. Once dried, apply the second coating. Let it dry. Distress the furniture using sandpaper. Go over the edges and corners. Start it with light sanding until it reached your requirements.

How to paint and glaze a dresser?

• Leave the glaze the thinnest at the center of flat surfaces. Leave slightly more around the edges. ...
• Let the glaze accumulate thickest around sharp corners, edges, cracks, and embellishments. ...
• Push the glaze away from the "high points" on emblems, embellishments, carvings, and so on to give them a warm "shine."

Can you paint a dresser that is not real wood?

You can sand, prime and paint laminate as if it were a solid wood piece of furniture! It's easy to skip the sanding step, because sanding is a drag… but it's especially important with laminate. Because it's often somewhat glossy-looking, and important to sand it down until the finish is very dull before priming.

Can you paint over fake wood dresser?

0:526:26HOW TO PAINT LAMINATE FURNITURE *no sanding* - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo far i like to use this primer which is a shellac based primer shellac base primer not water-basedMoreSo far i like to use this primer which is a shellac based primer shellac base primer not water-based. It's going to enable. Your paint to stick to your laminate surface.

What paint do you use on fake wood furniture?

Latex paint is recommended for laminate surface painting projects because of its durability and smooth finish.

Does paint stick to fake wood?

The first thing you need to know is that, without proper preparation, paint won't adhere to a laminate surface. Some paints will just bead up on the surface of the laminate. Other paints will go on with a splotchy, uneven finish and the first coat will begin peeling off as soon as you try to paint a second coat.

Do you have to sand fake wood before painting?

Don't paint a dirty surface—make sure you clean first. Don't skip sanding. Because laminate has a synthetic, glossy surface, sanding is especially important.

How can I tell if my furniture is laminate or veneer?

1:354:46How to tell the difference between laminate and veneer ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo first and foremost the wood grain it's a pattern. So that's usually a good sign that it is aMoreSo first and foremost the wood grain it's a pattern. So that's usually a good sign that it is a laminate. But do you see how it kind of chips back here. And you can't really see the wood grain.

How do you paint a particle board dresser?

InstructionsRepair Damage. You will achieve the best results from painting your particleboard furniture if you carefully clean the entire piece and repair any damage before painting. ... Sand the Surfaces. ... Prepare the Primer. ... Apply Primer. ... Lightly Sand the Surfaces. ... Apply Paint.

What paint do you use on veneer furniture?

Veneer can be a very smooth surface, so chalk paint alone will probably scratch off. Make sure the veneer doesn't have cracks. If needed, remove any sections of peeling veneer. Clean the piece well, prime, and then apply a few coats of chalk paint to the veneer furniture.

How do you paint composite wood furniture?

Painting Fiber Cement CompositesUse a pressure washer to clean the surface.Wait two to four hours for the cement composite to dry.Apply a primer.Wait for the primer to dry. Check the product instructions, but generally, it can take up to two hours. ... Apply the paint in the same manner as you applied the primer.

Can you spray paint laminate dresser?

Look for a primer specifically designed for laminate furniture; in many cases, it may be a brush-on or roll-on primer, rather than a spray. Spray paint can be used over the primer, regardless.

What primer works best on laminate?

Best Bonding Primer for LaminateBIN Shellac Based Primer. BIN Shellac Based Primer is my go-to white primer when preventing bleed through on furniture. ... Zinsser Cover Stain Primer. ... Clear Shellac. ... STIX Bonding Primer. ... Country Chic Paint's Clear Bonding Primer.

Can I use acrylic paint on laminate furniture?

Once the cabinets are primed, you can paint them with oil-based paints, acrylic paints or melamine paints. Melamine paints are specifically designed for painting laminate surfaces, as the moisture-resistant materials in the paint make them just right for the moisture and steam so prevalent in kitchens.

What paint will stick to veneer?

Veneer can be a very smooth surface, so chalk paint alone will probably scratch off. Make sure the veneer doesn't have cracks. If needed, remove any sections of peeling veneer. Clean the piece well, prime, and then apply a few coats of chalk paint to the veneer furniture.

Can you paint composite wood furniture?

You can use a satin or semi-gloss latex paint on interior wood composites, but be sure to use acrylic latex enamel on exterior wood composites.

How do you redo fake wood cabinets?

Step 1: Prep Cabinet Surface. The key to getting the best paint results is preparation. ... Step 2: Prime Cabinets and Doors. Apply a good-quality primer. ... Step 3: Sand Laminate Surfaces Again. Once the primer has fully dried, give everything a light sanding again. ... Step 4: Paint Laminate Cabinets.

Can you paint over old fake wood paneling?

Apply a normal coating of primer. Latex primer will work best for painting over fake wood panels. If you can still see through the primer, apply a second coat after the first one dries.

How to make a dresser look new again?

One way to make a dresser seem new again is to improve its function. This quick trick will help old wooden dressers slide better and not get stuck. Buff on a clear wax finish on the wood rails of the dresser drawer. Additionally buff on the same wax finish on the inner rails where the wood rubs against each other.

How to buff dark wax on 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.

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.

How many square feet does a quart of spruce paint cover?

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

How to open drawers without pulls?

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.

What do you need to do with chalk paint?

If you are using another type of paint, you'll need to sand down a lacquer and shiny finish so that the paint adheres. Lauren Thomann / Heirlooms at Home.

How long do solid wood dressers last?

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?

How to prevent paint drips on dresser?

It’s that simple. Where you need to be careful is that you don’t overload your paintbrush. Overloading your paintbrush will leave your dresser with drips. To prevent paint drips, keep the paint on your brush light. To remove paint drips, smooth them out before they dry. If they’re already dry, lightly sand them smooth after they dry and touch up the paint lightly.

How long does it take for paint to dry on a dresser?

Be sure you let the paint dry in between coats. Some paints suggest 2-4 hours of drying time in between. I’ve done second coats in about 1 hour. You might even need to do THREE coats, depending on your dark your dresser is.

How to get gunk out of a thrifted dresser?

Try using a steam cleaner (I recommend the HomeRight Steam Machine) to get the deep down gunk out of the dresser. You can find a full video tutorial HERE for all of the Steam Machine’s uses, plus see how I used the steam cleaner to blast those dirty thrifted file cabinets I used in my basement home office DIY desk.

How to cover bleed in paint?

If you run into this problem, use an oil-based primer (try KILZ Original spray primer, and be sure to use it outdoors–it stinks) with 2 coats to cover the bleed. Be sure to let it dry completely in between the two coats. Then start painting once it fully dries. I’d let it dry 24 hours.

How many coats should I put on a dresser?

My rule of thumb is: the more heavily used something will be, the more coats you should add. So for a dresser top, I think 2-3 coats would be fine.

How to add clear wax to a sandpaper?

To add clear wax, simply wipe on a thin coat, let it dry for a few minutes, and then buff it out. It will leave a smooth, slight satin appearance. Don’t panic if it looks streaky. Just keep going over it and buffing it out.

How to smooth out scratches on wood?

You’ll need a medium grit sandpaper of 150-grit, followed by a 220-grit fine sandpaper to smooth out the scratches. You can do this either by hand or using an orbital sander. Be sure to wear a dust mask, too. If you’ve got deep gouges, use a bit of wood filler to fill any gouges or scratches, then sand them smooth when the wood filler dries so it can be painted over. The surface should turn out very smooth!

How many coats of paint do you need to make a table smooth?

This table took 4 coats to achieve a completely smooth surface. The final result is stunning…

What paint is used for low luster?

My preferred paint, however is a Benjamin Moore’s enamel, specifically DTM Low Lustre. This paint adheres to almost everything. There’s also a high gloss version called Impervex.

How to sand a table top?

Instead, use a very fine 220-grit sandpaper and lightly hand-sand the table top in the direction of the wood grain. It’s very important that you use a light touch and sand in very straight lines following the wood grain.

Do you go back to a section you brushed on?

Tip 1: Once you go past the section you’ve brushed on, do NOT go back to it. If you find an imperfection, you must wait for it to fully dry.

Can you paint a table with imitation wood?

Since the table was made of an imitation wood and I was not able to remove the old finish, I opted for paint. At this point if you plan to use a basic latex, first apply a primer and let sit overnight to ensure adhesion.

Can you use enamel paint on a table top?

The low lustre enamel paint is durable enough for a tabletop. However, it doesn’t wipe clean as easily as a higher gloss finish and as you rub your hand across the top, you may get a gray dust mark from your hand print. Therefore, it’s best to apply a clear-coat over the low lustre.

Step 1

Unscrew the hinges from the cabinets, using a screwdriver. Remove the doors from the cabinets and any decorations you do not want painted. Completely disassemble the cabinets as per how they were constructed. Move the pieces into a well-ventilated area, preferably a garage or outside. Lay the pieces down on the table.

Step 2

Place small boxes on top of a table that has a tarp on top of it. Prop a piece of the cabinet on top of each box. Fill the paint canister to the HVLP paint sprayer with latex primer. Spray the primer onto the cabinet pieces one side at a time.

Step 3

Fill the HVLP paint sprayer canister with the latex or alkyd paint. Apply the paint the same way you applied the primer. Paint a side facing up and the sides, then allow the piece to dry. Flip it over and paint the opposite side. Continue this process until all the cabinets are fully primed, painted and dried.

What paint do I use for furniture?

Now, on to the other methods for how to paint furniture without sanding! The method above uses primer and latex paint, but what if you don’t want to prime too? There are a few other paint options you can choose from.

What is the most important step in painting laminate furniture?

The priming step is the most important for painting laminate furniture since you don’t want to sand an already delicate surface. Take care to follow these same steps and your laminate furniture will turn out just as beautiful.

What is a good substitute for sanding furniture?

Deglosser is a wonderful way to substitute the sanding process. It is a much less strenuous and much faster alternative to sanding furniture to remove varnish or lacquer. Combine this step with priming and you have a beautifully prepared surface for paint to adhere to.

How do I fix a hole in a wood cabinet?

This is an easy fix! Simply use wood filler to fill the existing holes, sand down the surface flush, and then drill new holes in the position you need for your new hardware. I like to drill these holes before I prime and paint so I don’t mar up a freshly painted surface later.

Is it necessary to use primer on latex paint?

Since I am using a latex paint, a quality bonding primer is necessary. Latex paint is versatile since it comes in many finishes and colors, but it isn’t the most durable option for furniture. So priming first will ensure a long lasting finish.

How to clean deglosser after applying?

After you’ve applied the deglosser, wait for the allotted time on the label and then wipe down with a clean wet rag. Each brand has a slight variation to the instructions so make sure to follow the recommendations of the brand you buy.

What to do if your t-shirt ends up showing wear and tear?

If it ends up showing wear and tear then I will simply touch up those areas and then apply a matte poly for more durability.

How do I paint a dresser?

The materials that you need will vary slightly based on the type of and condition of dresser that you are starting with. Here are some basics: 1 A dresser 2 Sand paper – medium and fine grit – an orbital sander makes this faster! 3 Primer – spray paint or in a can with a brush 4 Paint – latex paint is my go to 5 High quality paint brush OR foam brush 6 High density foam mini roller 7 Polyeurathane or sealant of choice 8 Drop cloths to protect your flooring

What is the best way to protect a newly painted dresser?

Seal - apply a sealant to protect your newly painted dresser.

How to get rid of a bump in primer?

This will help with any lumps or drips. Always follow the directions on your primer can. I usually use 220 grit sandpaper to just lightly sand and remove any tiny bumps.

Why do you need to sand paint over another paint job?

2. to rough up the underlying material so your paint sticks better. If you paint over another paint job, the slick topcoat can cause your new paint to scratch or chip more easily. Sanding is the best option for a durable finish.

How many coats of paint should I use on a dresser?

You might need a brush for smaller or more intricate spots. I usually do 2 – 3 coats of paint when repainting a dresser. If you think that your paint job looks good after 1 – 2 coats, you can call it a day. It will all depend on the paint color and the color of the dresser underneath.

What to do with paint that has cured?

Once your paint job has fully cured, you probably want to apply a sealant to your dresser. A clear sealant will act as a top coat protectant and keep your dresser’s new paint from getting damaged.

What to do if your dresser is damaged?

If your dresser is damaged, apply wood filler, allow to dry, and sand smooth. This is your chance to fix any imperfections!