- Use a latex paint formulated for indoor use. Latex paint is one of the best choices for furniture, due to its resilient finish.
- Roll or brush the first coat of paint onto the dresser. Paint with long, linear strokes from one side of the piece to the other.
- Paint the drawers separately. Once you've added a new layer of color to the frame, move onto the individual drawers.
- 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 ...
- Layer on additional coats of paint. Allow the first coat to dry completely, then repeat the painting process with a second coat.
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 refinish a dresser with chalked paint?
Step by step guide to painting furniture with Chalk Paint®
- Remove any hardware, such as handles, from your furniture if possible.
- Give your piece a quick clean with a damp cloth (avoid any harsh chemicals).
- Stir your chosen Chalk Paint® colour. ...
- Dip your brush in, and apply the paint straight onto the furniture. ...
- Wait for the first coat to be touch dry. ...
- Once dry, apply a second coat in the same manner.
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 paint a dresser high gloss?
- Wood Filler (optional) use only if you need to repair holes
- Primer you want to use a good primer, after making the mistake and using another one I ALWAYS use Zinsser Smart Prime–it is no to low VOC and covers the ...
- Paint For furniture, I use Benjamin Moore Semi-Gloss Natura in semi-gloss or Benjamin Moore Advanced which is a low VOC cabinet paint. ...
Can you use any paint on a dresser?
Painting the dresser As I mentioned before, you can really use any type of paint using this method. Plain latex paint will work just fine, as will chalk paints and other specialty furniture paints.
What kind of paint do you use on wood furniture?
Chalk paint is the most common choice of paint for wooden furniture and gets its name from the luxurious chalky finish it creates. 'It's a multi-purpose paint that applies to just about any surface, without the need for priming or sanding,' says Annie Sloan, founder of Annie Sloan Paints (opens in new tab).
How do you repaint a dresser?
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.
Can a wood dresser be painted?
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.
What is the best paint for wood dresser?
Oil Paint. Oil-based paint, also sometimes called alkyd paint, is one of the most durable paints to use on furniture.
What is the most durable paint for furniture?
The best furniture paints you can buyRust-Oleum Chalked Furniture Paint. ... Valspar Cabinet Enamel Semi-Gloss Latex Interior Paint. ... Rust-Oleum Painter's Touch Ultra Cover Gloss Paint. ... Behr Interior Chalk Decorative Paint. ... Rust-Oleum Painter's Touch 2X Spray Paint. ... Benjamin Moore Arborcoat Stain - Solid.More items...•
Can I paint a dresser without sanding it?
Milk paint, which you can purchase as a powder or premixed, or even whip it up yourself at home, is a nontoxic and biodegradable paint option that's great for use on wood furniture—and if you mix it with an equal part of bonding agent, you don't need to sand the piece before beginning.
How do you get paint to stick to a dresser?
4:0212:10Furniture Painting for Beginners | One Step Paint Dresser MakeoverYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis paint is going to adhere to almost any surface you can apply it to raw wood painted woodMoreThis paint is going to adhere to almost any surface you can apply it to raw wood painted wood whether it's oil latex polyurethane varnish or epoxy.
Do I need to sand a dresser before painting it?
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.
Do I need to prime a dresser before painting?
More Tips on Painting Wood Furniture 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 kind of paint can you use on furniture without sanding?
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. I like both Kilz bonding primer and Zinsser Oil Based primer for use on furniture.
What happens if you don't sand before painting?
There are times you can skip it, but sometimes not so much. If the finish of the piece you are painting is damaged or chipping in any way, then always sand first. If you try to paint over that, then your new paint job will start chipping off almost as soon as you paint it on there.
Is oil based or water based paint better for wood?
Nowadays, a old school decorator will insist that oil based paints are better, however the reality is today that water based paints can offer an equally good finish, but without the pain that comes with oil based paints. That said, it is purely down to individual preference and the job it is needed for!
What kind of paint can you use on furniture without sanding?
Chalk paint is the best way to paint practically anything without sanding. It offers a gorgeous matte finish and no need to prepare the surface. Annie Sloan's Chalk Paint was the cornerstone of the painted furniture industry as we know it.
Do you have to sand furniture before painting?
You may choose to chemically remove paint and varnish from the furniture before you begin sanding, but this isn't necessary. You'll still want to sand it even if you do remove finish chemically, so you can sand out any scratches or light damage to the furniture and get it ready for a coat of paint or stain.
How do you clean wood furniture before painting?
Paint just won't stick to dirt, grease, dust or anything else that lurks on vintage and antique furniture. I've found the best way to clean pieces is to use Denatured Alcohol mixed with water (50/50 ratio). A scotch bright pad works great to clean off all that gunk.
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 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 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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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 paint finish for furniture?
If you opt for a washable formula, you’ll find it easier to keep clean. Semi-gloss: This might be the best paint finish for furniture, since a semi-gloss paint reflects light well and stands up to washing and the demands of increased use.
What is high gloss paint?
High-gloss: A glossy paint finish will give your pieces the most drama and durability —but demands the most prep. High-gloss paints reflect a lot of light and their increased concentration of resins makes them able to withstand a lot of use and cleaning. But beware—a surface with this much sheen will amplify imperfections. So if you opt for this type of paint for furniture, you’ll need to make sure it’s prepped and ready and any imperfections have been remedied.
What is chalky paint?
Reclaiming vintage furniture or giving newer pieces old-world charm has led to a rise in popularity for chalky paint. This water-based paint typically has latex as its base, but delivers a thicker, buildable texture.
What is milk paint made of?
This non-toxic paint is made from milk protein with an activator, typically lime or Borax. Color pigments are added to change the tint of the paint. Milk paint for furniture is popular for its eco-friendly ingredients with no chemicals or added fumes.
What is oil based paint?
Oil-based paint, also sometimes called alkyd paint, is a durable type of paint for furniture. However, this durability comes at a cost—oil-based paints are usually more expensive, take longer to dry, and have high levels of VOCs that require abundant ventilation.
How to clean acrylic paint?
Drying times are short for acrylic paint, so you can apply several coats in a relatively short period of time—but you will need to give it plenty of time to fully cure once the project is complete. Clean-up is also easy with just soap and water, since it’s a water-based paint. It should be noted that acrylic paint does have more elasticity to resist chipping or cracking than some other types of water-based paint, but is still best suited for pieces with light to moderate use.
Is chalk paint available?
Chalky paint is available from specialty retailers, though it’s becoming more and more widely available. Some people have even found success making their own chalky paint, but the best and most consistent results come from buying a commercially available formula. It’s more expensive than conventional latex paint, but people love it for its unique look and silky smooth finish.
What color paints are used for girls dresser?
Girls dresser makeover in Coral Paints and a Delicate Image Transfer
How many DIY painted dressers are there?
57 DIY Painted Dresser Ideas to inspire you!
What color is used for a mid century modern look?
If you like a mid century modern look, you will love the pale wood and white combination in this project!
Can you stencil furniture?
Stencils are another option for painting furniture. Here's how to stencil a dresser.