How To Paint Furniture Like A Professional!

Jenni Ingram
by Jenni Ingram

Hi everyone, Jenni here! My friend texted me a picture of this dresser asking if I could update it?? My first thought was a gray dresser, but then considered a two-tone gray dresser. Oooh yes!


I get a ton of questions about how to paint furniture for a professional-looking finish. In this tutorial, I'm breaking down the basic how-to steps, but I'm also so excited to share that I recently partnered with Hometalk to create an online furniture painting class! It's a 6-module series that breaks down the foundations of painting so you can learn everything you need to know to achieve a gorgeous end result! We're offering this class for just $27 - if you've been wanting to redo your furniture to match your taste and style and maybe brighten up a room, click on this link to learn more and sign up! It's an amazing series and you'll learn a ton!

Here’s what I was working with – this dresser is in approximately half of all bedrooms in the United States – it’s a common style, with the most common (awful) handles – not pictured – and the most blah reddish brown stain. I need to do something about it…

Step 1.

I removed all the hardware.


Step 2.

I removed the drawers, then sanded them down with my pad sander and 120 grit sandpaper. When finished, I set them aside.


Step 3.

I scuff sanded the rest of the dresser with 220 grit sandpaper, and then cleaned with a mix of denatured alcohol and water (or White Lightning).

Step 4.

I painted the case of the dresser – using the NEW Perfect Gray. It’s a beautiful warm shade of gray that will go beautifully in the new room. 


Step 5.

While the dresser was drying, I stained the drawers using my favorite 50/50 mix of Antique Oak and Walnut Water Based Wood Stain. I just used a rag to apply it, then wipe it off quickly. Once dry, I gave it a second coat.

Step 6.

I topcoated the drawers using GF High Performance Topcoat in flat finish. I let that dry, then came back to smooth out any rough spots with 400 grit sandpaper before giving it a second coat of topcoat.

 

Step 7.

I installed my new hardware.


What a difference paint makes! That's why I'm super excited about this workshop. What most people don't realize is that painting furniture like a pro doesn't require a magic touch, it’s a skill you can learn, a formula you can apply to every piece of furniture you see. This can be the start of turning your home into a space you love and are proud of again! By the end of this course, you’ll be able to paint any piece of furniture you want with the confidence that you’ll be proud to have in your house for years to come. Click on this link to join me and let's do this together!

Jenni Ingram
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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  • John Biermacher John Biermacher on Mar 28, 2021

    Jenni,

    Hope as is well. maybe there is finally light at the end of the tunnel.


    William is right on point and the testament is two of your postings were feature an a single article. Keep up the great work.


    john

  • Wendy Wendy on Mar 28, 2021

    Wow! Hard to believe it’s the same dresser!!! Great job.

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