Asked on Mar 05, 2016
Advice for an old dresser re-do...
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I have a couple of older wood pieces I want to paint but I don't really know where to begin. I don't think I want to 'distress' it. This type of thing isn't my forte`. Any suggestions? All are welcome!
This old dresser has been drug around with me for years. I want to paint it lighter.
10 answers
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Before you paint it, lightly sand it, so the paint will adhere better. It is easier, if you will get a couple of foam sanding blocks. You can use a regular interior paint or a chalk paint. Of course, both types come in a wide range of colors. I would suggest an off white for such a big piece of furniture. My husband just painted a chest of drawers an off-white, and it really looks good and blends well with other furniture. I did not distress the piece. If you paint it, you might decide you want to put a glaze over it. Either way, it will look "fresh." I would suggest a satin finish paint, as it is not shiny, but it does have a slight gloss to it. I hope this gives you some ideas.
Paula Brock
on Mar 05, 2016
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You will for sure have to sand the old fiinish off, I will recommend using a good primer before you paint your furniture to give the piece a more even appearance. Once painted you will also have to seal it with a non yellowing polyurethane.
Janet Pizaro
on Mar 05, 2016
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Sand it, clean it, prime it and paint it! It will look gorgeous in a lighter hue, probably will be your favorite piece once its done! If you use a latex paint with satin finish you don't have to seal it, if you use a chalk or milk paint then you'll need to seal it because it will be porous.
Oak+Olive
on Mar 05, 2016
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Stop! Before your paint a "good" wood, try wiping the entire piece down with a rag fully moistened but not dripping with paint thinner or mineral spirits and let it dry. Then take a look at it. Go to a couple of reputable antique shops and see if you can find a "like" quality piece. You might discover you are painting over a real treasure.
Barb
on Mar 05, 2016
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If you use a chalk paint, all you need to do is lightly sand it. Don't forget to use a wax, like clear Minwax, to seal it. If you use paint, use latex indoor paint.
Margo
on Mar 05, 2016
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Don't ruin that wood by painting it. You can strip the old layers of stain and varnish off and use a lighter stain with a new layer of varnish. It will be a beautiful piece of furniture again.
Cathi
on Mar 05, 2016
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OH MY! I have a GREAT idea for this, because of the detail. Leave, but sand, clean, & fix any scratches or dents on the body of the piece. And varnish. As stated in the above comment. Then: You could easily decoupage a paper over the top of JUST the drawers, or use a textured paper. Cut out that small, slit, in the center area & paint it solid, with a color in your paper design. (Hopefully brassy gold) And add 2 knobs or pulls, to the center, solid area. It looks like that part should be easy. Don't forget the inside & sides of drawers. Here is a similar project, I did. Your drawers already look like they have that "framing" that's needed. Hope this will will help show you what I mean.
Mickey Baron
on Mar 06, 2016
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I have painted dressers, with much success! It is nice to have something painted instead of everything wood, wood, wood. First get all the finish off, looks like varnish in the pic, so use a paint stripper, outside, you do not want to breath it. Sand it. paint with a good quality paint. Looks like the drawer pulls are wood built on. A different color of those would really look great, like dark grey, light grey, or white and any color. Lots of ways to do it. My dresser was painted 3 years ago, with no other finish on it and it is fine. Good luck!
Jackie
on Mar 06, 2016
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Hi Nancy! I recently just put a post up myself for a 1920 mahogany dresser and got a couple of good options from fellow members. With some further research, Restore-A-Finish looks like a good product to me. It will save you the time and sweat of stripping and sanding. Chalk paint (which you can make at home) is something you could do to highlight the top or drawers or trim
Kathleen
on Mar 06, 2016
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Kathleen just beat me to it! I was going to suggest Restore-A-Finish as well. You can use a couple different colors to add interest, you can also paint or decoupage parts as well. Whatever you decide take your time and enjoy the process. Don't worry about making a mistake as it is your furniture, not someone else's, you only have to please yourself...plus if you start something and decide you don't like it...change it. Have fun.
Lisa House
on Apr 13, 2016
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