How to waterproof old dresser?

I think the best you can do is cover it with marine varnish, but it will not last very long - water will pool in spots and damage it. It will do better if you keep it under an over hang like a porch roof.

You need to seal the bottom of the legs especially. I put plastic spacers (cut up cutting board) under table legs I built for my patio. A good exterior paint should help protect the rest of your dresser. Poly would also help.

Marine varnish will help to make it last longer. You could also paint with enamel paint. Think of home exteriors. Line the areas you will have fertilizer since it is corrosive or rot will happen quickly.

Paint with a good exterior paint and then but a few coats of poly on it. It won't be a forever fix but will help you expand the life.

You could use outdoor paint and then put poly on top

Hi Elizabeth, hope this helps you make your old dresser waterproof for the outdoors.

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Paint the entire dresser (underneath, everywhere!) with exterior house paint. Allow to dry fully and then seal it everywhere with marine varnish. This has UV protectant in it to keep your paint color vivid and it is the best exterior sealant for wood. If you want this to last a long, long time I'd suggest you use a grill cover to keep it covered when not in use.