How to Sand a Dresser or Chest of Drawers
- Remove all dresser drawers.
- Remove hardware.
- Prepare your items to sand outdoors if possible or in a well ventilated space.
- Use a drop cloth for easier clean up.
- Using a palm sander, start with medium grit sanding pad and adjust as needed.
- When all stain/paint is removed, move to finer grit sanding pad for smooth finish.
- Ensure all roughness is gone.
- Clean surface.
How to lacquer a dresser?
Part 3 of 3: Applying Additional Lacquer Coats Download Article PRO
- Sand the surface lightly again, with fine-grit sandpaper. Wipe with a tack cloth.
- Apply a second coat of lacquer. Let it cure.
- Sand and wipe the surface. Apply a third coat of lacquer and let it cure for 48 hours. ...
- Finish by buffing the surface of the furniture with No 0000 steel wool. Wipe with a tack cloth, and then apply paste wax to the surface.
How to refurbish an old Dresser?
Ways to Refurbish an Old Dresser
- Paint. Apply your choice of paint in any particular design. ...
- Stain. Like the original look of the dresser or the original wood grain? ...
- Fabric, Wallpaper or Burlap. If you want a more textured look to your furniture, adhere fabric, burlap or wallpaper to the drawer fronts or body of the dresser.
- Stencils. I love using stencils. ...
- Replace Hardware. ...
How to restore old Dresser?
Supplies needed to refurbish an old dresser
- Sandpaper in fine, medium and coarse
- Oscillating tool with sanding attachment and pads
- Cloth for wiping sanding dust
- Screwdriver for removing hardware
- Paint brushes
- Drop cloth
- Water-based pre-stain
- Water-based stain in pink
- Stir sticks (since stain is stirred, not shaken – sorry, James Bond)
- Silver spray paint
How to refinish old dressers?
Refinish your dresser with oil to bring focus to its grain and texture.
- You can find oil finish at most home improvement stores.
- Oil finish creates a glossy sheen that emphasizes the wood's natural look.
- When cleaning your refinished dresser, rub a few drops of oil into it to buff the surface. For the best results, make sure to rub with the grain.
What to check before sanding furniture?
How to make a ruler out of sandpaper?
How many grits should I use for a sanding pad?
What grit sanding pad should I use for a sanding pad?
How do I refinish a table top?
What to wear when dusting your eyes?
How to get paint off a spindle?
See 4 more
About this website
Do I need to sand an old dresser before painting?
DO sand the furniture before applying the paint. Furniture comes in a variety of materials and nearly all will require some level of sanding to make sure paint adheres to the surface, since it removes any imperfections or dimples.
How do you prepare a wood dresser for painting?
InstructionsSand the Existing Finish. If your dresser has a smooth finish and is in good shape, feel free to skip this step if you use chalk paint. ... Clean the Dresser and Let It Dry. Remove any dust and debris from the surface. ... Roll on a Coat of Paint. ... Trim With a Brush. ... Buff on a Wax Finish. ... Reattach Your Hardware.
How do you sand down a dresser?
Sand the dresser using medium-grit sandpaper, moving with even pressure along the direction of the grain. Sand thoroughly, including all the details. Wipe with a tack cloth to remove any dust. Sand again with a finer-grit sandpaper, and wipe again with a clean tack cloth.
What grit should I use to sand a dresser?
A 180-grit sandpaper does the job if you're planning to re-coat the dresser with paint or varnish. If you won't be applying a finish coat, put some extra effort into smoothing the wood by sanding it down with 220-grit sandpaper.
What do you clean furniture with before sanding?
1:155:02How To Prep Furniture Before Painting | Cleaning and Sanding TipsYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo basically what you need for this is what i use for natural product is one part vinegar threeMoreSo basically what you need for this is what i use for natural product is one part vinegar three potter three parts water and a paper towel or um a lint-free cloth.
What to use to wipe down wood after sanding?
Ensure that all sanding residue is removed by wiping your whole piece down with a damp microfiber cloth or sponge.
Can you sand a dresser by hand?
Always sand with the grain of the wood, making long, light, even strokes with a padded sanding block. Sanding, more than any other part of refinishing, is a process that can't be rushed. It must be done by hand; power tools can damage the wood.
What is the fastest way to sand furniture?
How to Sand Wood FasterGrab a second sander. Double your productivity. ... Sand faster with suction. Keep the surface clean. ... Stop the swirls. Slow and steady wins the race. ... Save your sanity. Music makes the job easier. ... Stack 'em and sand 'em. ... How to use a sander: Sand across the grain. ... Premium paper works faster. ... Prevent glue spots.
What happens if I don't sand before painting?
As a general rule, if you don't sand the wood before painting then the applied paint could peel off after a while. This will only happen, however, if the new paint was applied to an already painted or sealed surface.
How long does it take to sand down a dresser?
Sanding a piece of furniture shouldn't take more than 5 minutes. When you picture yourself sanding a furniture piece, you might envision yourself sanding away with a small piece of sander for hours to get every bit of old stain or paint.
How do you clean wood after sanding before painting?
Wipe With Denatured Alcohol Many woodworkers end the wood preparation step with the tack-cloth wipe-down, but for the very best results, conclude your preparation by wiping down the surfaces with a clean cloth moistened with denatured alcohol.
How much should you sand wood before painting?
I usually start out using 80- or 100-grit sandpaper, especially if there's a durable lacquer finish on the piece. Once most of the stain/paint has been removed, I switch to 150-grit or higher to remove any remaining finish and smooth out the surface.
Do I need to prime a dresser before painting?
It is best to prime all painting surfaces to prevent stains from bleeding through the new paint. Primer must match the type of paint you have chosen. 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.
What is the best paint for a dresser?
My Top Picks for the Best Paint For Furniture, 2022Behr Interior Satin Cabinet and Trim Enamel (Home Depot)INSLX Cabinet Coat Trim & Cabinet Enamel.Behr Urethane Alkyd Satin Enamel (Home Depot)Pro-classic Waterborne Interior Acrylic Enamel (Water-based Latex Version)Behr Marquee Interior Paint (Lowe's)More items...
Can you paint over a finished dresser?
Note: It's perfectly fine, in fact preferable, to use a water-based paint over an oil-based primer. The oil-based primer is what will prevent stains from the wood or previous varnishes from seeping through. You don't want to use a water-based paint over an oil-based paint, however.
Is primer necessary before painting?
Absolutely. A primer preps the painting surface and seals any stains so that the paint adheres well, and you'll get the smoothest, cleanest finish possible. Read on to find out why you should never skip priming before painting.
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 grit is used for sandpaper?
Sand paper – medium and fine grit – an orbital sander makes this faster!
How to sand wood with a handheld sander?
If sanding by hand, be sure you sand evenly with the grain of the wood, not against it. If you’re using a handheld electric sander, use circular motions to ensure you’re sanding evenly. You’ll start with a coarse sandpaper grit—perhaps 60 or 80—and work up to a finer grit—perhaps 240—over the course of three rounds of sanding.
How to stop dust from sanding?
Get a vacuum or dust-catching attachment if you plan to use an electric sander indoors, which will significantly reduce the dust kicked up into the air. Before you get started, be sure to put on eye protection and a face mask to protect yourself from the dust sanding produces.
How to prevent dust from settling in house?
To prevent dust from settling around your house, consider taking the piece of furniture outside for this process if it makes sense. Otherwise, cover anything you want to protect—including electrical outlets and electronics. Get a vacuum or dust-catching attachment if you plan to use an electric sander indoors, which will significantly reduce the dust kicked up into the air. Before you get started, be sure to put on eye protection and a face mask to protect yourself from the dust sanding produces. Wear gloves, too, if you decide to chemically strip away any paint or sealants before sanding.
How to fix scratches on furniture?
Examine the piece of furniture for any deep scratches, gouges or nicks. You can use wood filler to min imize the appearance of minor damage like this. Match the color of the wood as closely as you can and allow the filler to dry completely according to its instructions before you sand it down to be level with the rest of the item’s surface .
How to stretch your decorating budget?
Stretch your decorating budget by giving a tired table a fresh coat of paint.
Do you need to prep furniture before painting?
Whether you want to spruce up an old wooden Adirondack chair or give a fresh coat of paint to a great thrift store dresser find, you need to prep your furniture before painting . Here’s how.
Can you sand wood before painting?
Before painting wooden furniture, you need to remove the paint and finish already coating it and sand it down to make it ready for a new coat. Unlike sanding your hardwood floors, which is best done with large machinery, you’ll want to sand furniture manually by hand or with a small, hand-held sander—for large items like tables, ...
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 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 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 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 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?
Can you paint a dresser with a roller?
Not every surface of the dresser can be painted with a roller. With a paint brush, 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 of paint. (We applied one coat since the paint covered the dresser well.)
How to keep paint from drying out on dresser?
If you’re using a roller, fill a disposable paint tray with just enough paint to cover one side of the dresser at a time. This will keep the rest of the paint from drying out while you work.
How long does it take for a dresser to dry before painting?
Allow the primer to dry for 4-6 hours. The base coat needs to set completely before you can paint over it. To speed the process along, make sure the dresser receives plenty of airflow. Opening a couple doors or windows or setting up a portable fan in front of the piece can help with this.
How long does it take for a dresser to dry?
After the topcoat has had time to dry, roll or brush on a final clear coat of varnish to seal the new paint. Spread the varnish in a thin, even layer over every surface of the dresser that you painted. Like the other coats, it will need 2-4 hours to dry.
How long does it take for a paint coat to dry?
Give the first coat 2-4 hours to dry. After you’ve covered the entire dresser, you’ll need to give the paint time to begin hardening before you can follow up with a second coat. Leave the piece uncovered and avoid handling it while it’s wet. Exact drying times will vary depending on the type of paint you’re working with, so always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions.
What do you use to cover a dresser?
Use painter’s tape to cover any parts of the dresser that you don’t want the paint to come into contact with.
When is the painting specialist interview?
Painting Specialist Expert Interview. 22 July 2020. Cover the faces and frame with a coat of basic white primer, then brush on your color of choice once it’s had a couple hours to dry. Finally, go over the dresser with a coat of varnish to protect the new paint from chips, scratches, and moisture damage. Steps.
Can you use oil based paint over water based paint?
It’s important to keep your layers consistent—don’t use an oil-based paint over a water-based paint or primer, or vice versa.
What is the best way to sand wood furniture?
The best way to sand wood is to start coarse and finish fine. Whether you use an electric sander or do it by hand and spend more time on the project, the approach should be the same.
What happens if you do not sand furniture before painting?
Failing to sand a damaged or slick surface before painting means the paint could peel off. The paint requires something to grab on, and a smooth surface does not offer it any of that. Neither is a damaged old finish on the wood surface.
Why is sanding important?
Sanding can improve the quality of the outcome of your paint job. Therefore, it is crucial to understand how to do a good sanding job. Here are some tips to keep in mind.
What is the best way to smooth out wood?
Coarse sandpaper will quickly remove any inconsistencies on the wood surface. Then you can switch to fine sandpaper to smoothen the surface.
How to keep dust from adhering to floor?
The best way to prevent this dust from adhering to the floor and other surfaces around your workspace is by covering them with a drop cloth.
How to keep dust bumps off sanded wood?
Wiping the entire sanded surface with a tack cloth to keep dust bumps and dirt from remaining on your finish.
How to make a wood surface flush with the rest of the wood?
This will allow you to make it flush with the rest of the wood surface during sanding.
What to check before sanding furniture?
Before sanding a furniture piece, check for any deep gouges, cracks, or dents. You want to fill those with wood filler to get the best finish possible.
How to make a ruler out of sandpaper?
Fold over a sheet or piece of sandpaper until you have a long piece about the shape and length of a ruler.
How many grits should I use for a sanding pad?
Using a rougher sanding pad, place it on the bottom of the sander as it just velcros on. I like to use a 60-100 grit sanding pad for my first pass. Remember the lower the number, the rougher the sandpaper and the surface.
What grit sanding pad should I use for a sanding pad?
The vast majority of the time I will use a 100 grit sanding pad first to prep the surface and will finish with a 240 grit.
How do I refinish a table top?
Using an electric sander to refinish a table makes the process so much easier. I like to sand the top, top edges and apron first. Just sand lightly in a circular motion to rough up each surface and then you can move onto the spindles.
What to wear when dusting your eyes?
Be sure to put on your safety glasses and sanding mask to protect your eyes and lungs from dust particles.
How to get paint off a spindle?
Fold over a sheet or piece of sandpaper until you have a long piece about the shape and length of a ruler. Then, wrap it around the spindle and move it back and forth. Revolve the sandpaper around it once or twice. Remember you are not trying to take off paint, just rough up the surface.
