A dresser makeover with spray paint and new hardware. An easy way to update the look of an old piece!
My brother Stephen just started his first job.
Being a recent college grad, he doesn’t have a huge budget for furniture.
So instead of buying new, we gave an old dresser a makeover with spray paint and new hardware.
The dresser was a good size and was in good shape.
It just needed some updating.
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Supply list for a dresser makeover:
- Black spray paint (I used Rust-Oleum)
- Scotch Brite Soft Scrub Sponge
- Painter’s tape
- Screwdriver
- New hardware
How to paint a dresser:
1. Sand the dresser
The top of the dresser had some scratches. Use a Scotch Brite Soft Scrub Sponge to buff out any scratches.
Sanding a furniture piece also helps it absorb paint better.
2. Wipe off the dresser
Use a damp cloth to get any dirt or dust off the dresser.
3. Remove the hardware
4. Tape off what you don’t want to be painted
Sometimes I do this, sometimes I don’t. It depends on how much time I have.
Taping off the inside of the dresser will give it a more finished look, rather than having random spray paint inside.
We used newspaper and painter’s tape.
5. Spray paint the dresser
Move the paint can back and forth, keeping the can moving so you don’t end up with any drip marks.
I usually start at the bottom of a piece and work my way up.
6. Face the drawers up before painting them
This ensures the paint hits the drawers evenly.
7. Let the paint dry; apply a second coat
8. Put on the new hardware
I love the new silver hardware.
I, of course, love styling a piece after I finish it.
Pieces always look a bit better with some decor.
My brother may or may not have cleared this stuff off the dresser already, but hey, I got some good pictures first!
Have you used spray paint or new hardware for a dresser makeover?
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Kathryn Griffin @TheDedicatedHouse says
Meg, it’s such a great transformation! Thank you for sharing. You are the Star Feature at the Before & After Wednesday party at The Dedicated House. Here is the link to this week’s party. http://www.thededicatedhouse.com/2015/10/before-after-wednesday-week-65.html Hope to see you again at the bash! Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse
GreenWithDecor says
Thanks so much, Kathryn!! I’m so excited!
Holly says
Thank you for your thorough instruction! I’m going to follow your lead and do my first project. I hope it turns out as nice as yours did! I love the dresser you did for your brother…great job!
Sincerely,
Holly
GreenWithDecor says
Have fun, and happy painting! I’d love to see a picture when you’re done!
Kenia says
Wow that looks amazing! How many cans of spray paint did you use to perfectly cover the dresser?
GreenWithDecor says
I’d say about two cans. Good luck!
Heather says
I’m curious how well the painting has held up. I am redoing 2 dressers for my 6 year old, and am wondering if the spray paint is enough to hold up.
GreenWithDecor says
It’s held up great! Spray paint is awesome!
Kathy says
I love the spray painted dresser! I’m looking a couple things right now that are going to a makeover! Thank you!
Kathy says
I have a really large dresser I wanted to paint, but hadn’t thought of spray paint! I’m so excited! Thank you!
GreenWithDecor says
Glad to help – enjoy painting!
GreenWithDecor says
Have fun! It’s amazing what some paint can do.
Kea says
I have a cherry wood colored bunk bed that I’d like to paint black for the boys room. Do you think spray paint works well for beds as well?
GreenWithDecor says
Absolutely! Just be sure to sand it down first. I think it will look great! Have fun!
Alissa says
How long did the ‘smell’ of spray paint last?? Or do these products not have the same smell?
GreenWithDecor says
I typically spray paint outside so the smell drifts away relatively quickly. The dresser itself didn’t smell like spray paint too long – maybe a few days?
Laura says
Meg, that looks great! I am going to paint my desk and replace the hardware. I never thought of using spray paint – think I’m gonna try it!
GreenWithDecor says
Thanks, Laura! Do it! Let me know if you have any questions 🙂
Michelle says
I love this idea. I want to try it on a painted dresser. Should I remove the paint first? Or just sand?
GreenWithDecor says
You can paint right over the other coat of paint, just be sure to sand it first. If you’re painting a light color over a dark color, I’d use a coat of primer first – that will ensure the original darker color doesn’t come seeping through. Plus, often if you paint a light color over a dark one, you have to do several coats for good coverage – primer will eliminate the need to do that! Happy painting!
Liliana says
I have a distrssed tv stand in white, I’d love to change the color, would I need to dand it first? And should I also spray pain the inside?
GreenWithDecor says
What material is the TV stand now? Wood or laminate? It’s up to you on if you want to paint the inside – if you can see it through glass doors or open shelving, I would paint it. Otherwise, you can probably get away with just leaving it since no one would ever see it except you!
Liliana says
It’s wood. And I apologize for not spell checking.
GreenWithDecor says
I’d sand it a bit, it will help the paint stick to it. Happy painting!
LP says
Did you paint the inside edge of the drawer fronts? I know that seems tedious, but I’m curious how to get that area without a ton of overspray on the inside of the drawer. Maybe it’s not even necessary – I tend to overthink!
GreenWithDecor says
So I don’t really have a standard process for drawer fronts, haha. Sometimes I care about it, and sometimes I don’t. On this dresser, I got some overspray on the insides of the drawers as I was spraying the fronts. Sometimes I paint the whole insides of the drawers, sometimes just the parts you’ll see when you pull it out, sometimes I just leave the overspray. It depends how much time I have when I’m painting. 🙂 I really think it’s just personal preference!
Elizabeth Regalado says
I have this identical dresser from my childhood that I saved for my kids to use. I will now be using your tips to do the same makeover with mine. First I will have to remove some half-torn stickers from the 80’s and sharpie drawings of old boyfriend’s initials! lol
Thanks for sharing! 🙂
GreenWithDecor says
Aw how funny is that?! Good luck with the stickers, haha! Happy painting!