Asked on Dec 17, 2016

Dresser Makeover - get creative!

Sandy Vargas
by Sandy Vargas
This dresser was part of my son's bedroom set before we moved. I bought him bedroom set because we moved to Fl and where we're lying there was bed bugs. Thankfully, this dresser didn't have any. Long story short, I'm on budget and would like to updo this dresser. I also lost a knob on one of the drawers. I would like some ideas of what type of paint to use. Thanks!

  22 answers
  • Sandy Vargas Sandy Vargas on Dec 17, 2016

    Also, where can i get new knobs? It will be great if I could find the piece I need.

  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Dec 17, 2016

    You can try a gel stain from MinWax.

  • Donna Hayes Donna Hayes on Dec 17, 2016

    You can get new knobs at Walmart, HomeDepot or Menards.

  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Dec 17, 2016

    I would research Amazon for the match on the knobs.

  • User User on Dec 18, 2016

    You could paint it with chalk paints, they are quite easy, no need for preparaton, just paint and then use a mat of satin finish laquer. You can find in amazon chalk paint maker which mixed with any water based paint makes the final chalk paint in any colour you like. The water based paints can be found in your local store selling paints and tools

  • Shawna Bailey Shawna Bailey on Dec 18, 2016

    THis dresser would look lovely with a nice coat (or two) of chalk paint.

  • Sandy Vargas Sandy Vargas on Dec 18, 2016

    Yeah, I was told that with chalk paint I won't have to sand it down?

    • Melbrooks Melbrooks on Dec 18, 2016

      You shouldn't need to sand it. I did two old corner cupboards right over their original finish then gave them a coat of satin polycrilic from minwax. They turned out great! I wiped them down with white vinegar first, but other than that no prep, and no problems!

  • Judy Prier Burgess Judy Prier Burgess on Dec 19, 2016

    Take one of the drawer pulls with you to Menard's - purchase 6 similar drawer pulls - you should be able to match the size so the fit into the existing holes. If needed spray paint all pulls to same metallic color. I would try gel stain first. I think that would be the easiest fix. I've used chalk paint a couple of times. It usually takes me at least 3 cows, and the paint is quite expensive. I haven't used gel stain, but from reading it seems like a good easy solution. Good luck!

  • UpState UpState on Dec 19, 2016

    At least re-finish the top and stumpy feet a 'natural' wood-stain finish, before you cover the rest with paint.

  • 9530106 9530106 on Dec 19, 2016

    http://howardproducts.com/restor-a-finish/

    You may want to research this product. The wood is quite pretty!


  • Ann Marie Ann Marie on Dec 19, 2016

    I would like to see the molding around the handles on the front of the drawers done in a different color than the rest of the piece and maybe do the feet and the top in the same color as the molding. It would give the piece some additional character. You could do different shades of the same color or do contrasting colors. I would also try to do it with a paint or stain that will go over the existing finish without too much prep. You could change those six handles for a different style or paint them in a metallic, depending on the paint color you decide on. I agree that a matching pull should be pretty easy to find either at your local hardware or home improvement store or on amazon or other web site offering such items. They don't seem that elaborate or unusual to be difficult to find. Whatever you decide, please share the "after" photo with us ! Happy Holidays !

    • Karen Walker Karen Walker on Dec 20, 2016

      I agree update the hardware or give it a coat of paint/ hammered brass, copper look , or even black. Make sure you take your son's personality and likes into consideration.


  • Karen Rae Lvine Karen Rae Lvine on Dec 19, 2016

    Annie Sloan chalk paint. I've used it a million (well, maybe not a million) times. It's water-based so cleanup is easy. Yes, a bit more expensive but you probably only need a quart, maybe two. Then buff it with furniture wax. Lighter colors need more coats. I don't like staining because you need gloves, it smells. and it's harder to clean up. But that's just me. You only need six new matching knobs if you paint them all the same color. For that, i would use spray paint. Good luck!

    http://karenraelevine.com/blog/

  • Janice Peterson Janice Peterson on Dec 20, 2016

    I think it is quite nice the way it is.

  • Kay Ellen Tomlinson Kay Ellen Tomlinson on Dec 20, 2016

    I agree with Janice Peterson. The wood is lovely and if this is as well-made as it looks, it would be devalued.

  • Shui Shui on Dec 20, 2016

    I like it just the way it is, changing it morethan a simple polish would take away from its beauty

  • Barbara Barbara on Dec 20, 2016

    I bought sample jars of chalk paint from Lowe's they will even tint it for you. If you can get it on sale that is even better.

  • Missy Missy on Dec 20, 2016

    It looks beautiful the way it is.

  • Minuet Minuet on Dec 20, 2016

    I have used Restor-a-finish to repair finishes and it works really well. I use the color dark oak for most things, it's a medium brown tone. It covers scratches and wear. Replace the handles and try this first. One can will do a lot of furniture, doors stair railing etc... so the cost is very reasonable.


    I have used gel stain too. you brush it on to the color you want (I used several coats to make a piece darker) and seal with polyurethane. (I prefer Rustoleum spray satin.)

  • Kathy Bitzan Kathy Bitzan on Dec 22, 2016

    I like the wood myself it looks pretty manly the way it is... I do have to ask how old is your son. If he is young I would fear the painted surface would chip off easily and leave an ugly mess that would have to be done again. If he is older and takes care of his things I would think paint would okay. I might leave the top and bun feet in a wood tone along with the moldings around the drawer if they are in good shape. Then paint the rest in a color of his choosing . Or leave the wood and paint the molding. Again there are always great ideas around here.

  • Dab Dab on Dec 24, 2016

    It looks like a very nice piece....I think painting would ruin it.

  • Louise_Zielinski Louise_Zielinski on Feb 14, 2017

    I love the DIY painted or stained pieces but I must say, your chest of drawers is already lovely. If you really have your heart on a project,  I'd just change out the handles and maybe use some hemp oil.

  • Bernice H Bernice H on Feb 15, 2017

    I am wondering what you have done. This is beautiful as is, but I have seen some wonderful transformations on HT...done some myself. Do let us know......because I have a feeling this could be even more awesome!