Wondering how to paint a dresser? This easy DIY tutorial walks through painting a dresser with the best spray paint for wood furniture.
I used to be nervous to paint furniture. But I swear, once you get started painting, you find yourself looking around the house to see what else could use a fresh coat of spray paint!
It really becomes addicting.
First up on the project list though, painting the dresser!
Kalen has had this dresser forever.
We’ve talked about painting it for a while but with the kitchen renovation, we just hadn’t quite gotten around to it – until now!
We have lots of black furniture throughout the house (quite a few pieces that we’ve spray painted!), so we wanted the dresser to match.
If you’re worried about how to paint a dresser, don’t be.
It’s really pretty easy!
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Supply list for painting a dresser:
- Spray paint (I used Rust-Oluem)
- Fine sandpaper
- Drop cloth or tarp
- Clean cloth
My favorite spray paint for wood furniture is this paint by Rust-Oleum.
It’s easy to use, and it works on any surface – wood, metal, plastic, masonry, you name it.
Plus having the paint and primer combined in one can saves some work. (Primer helps the paint stick evenly to the surface.)
How to paint a dresser:
1. Sand the dresser.
I used fine sandpaper to roughen the dresser a bit without scratching it.
This helps it absorb the paint.
2. Clean the dresser.
Use a damp cloth to wash off the dresser and get rid of any dust or dirt.
I pulled a tarp on the driveway to catch any mist from the spray paint.
3. Remove the drawers and line them up with the fronts facing up.
You’ll paint the drawers separately from the dresser frame.
If your dresser has hardware on the drawers, take it off and set it aside so you don’t have to worry about ruining it while you’re painting the dresser.
4. Start painting the dresser!
Move the spray paint can back and forth, slowly moving from the top to the bottom of the dresser.
Keep the spray paint can about 8 inches from the dresser while painting.
Remember to keep the can moving while painting the dresser so you get even coverage and avoid any drip marks.
The paint really is easy to use – even if you’re nervous to start painting!
There’s a reason it’s my favorite spray paint for wood furniture!
With the sun shining and warm temperatures, it finally felt like summer in Wisconsin this weekend!
5. Paint the front of the dresser drawers the same way.
You’ll want the drawers face up so you can apply the paint as evenly as possible.
6. Let the paint dry.
7. Do a second coat on both the dresser frame and the drawers.
8. Let the paint dry, and put the drawers back in the dresser.
If you took it off, screw the hardware back on the dresser.
(Or buy new hardware to go with your updated paint job!)
All done!
Spray painting is such an easy way to upgrade the look of a furniture piece.
Have you spray painted anything lately? Ready to paint a dresser for a whole new look? Do you have a favorite spray paint for wood furniture?
It really is addicting once you start!
We put the painted dresser up in our guest bedroom.
You can see more of the guest bedroom here:
- A fun headboard idea / guest bedroom reveal
- 10 tips to transform your guest bedroom into a relaxing retreat
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lisa says
Wow, it looks great with spray paint. Makes it so much easier. Shared your post.
Sara @ Shabby Grace Blog says
What a difference! Love that paint can do SO much! Great piece.
GreenWithDecor says
Thanks, Sara!!
April Rutherford says
It looks great! Such an improvement!
GreenWithDecor says
Thanks, April!
Cathy says
I don’t do much spray painting. I love to brush paint – it’s so relaxing for me. I do love the transformation though – so I may try it on a piece of furniture. Thanks for the tips.
GreenWithDecor says
Thanks, Cathy! Good luck painting!
Sam @ PancakeWarriors says
The next time I paint something, I’m definitely using spray paint, because painting is for the birds!!
GreenWithDecor says
Go for it – spray painting is a fun, easy way to update a piece!
Anya says
i haven’t mustard up the courage to go paint crazy yet on furniture, everywhere else though 🙂 looking forward to our summer furniture painting projects, this looks like a breeze
GreenWithDecor says
Good luck spray painting – it’s an easy way to update the look!
Alisha Merrick says
I’ve recently become a little obsessed with spray paint! But the weather has not been kind to allow me to spray paint, as of late. This reminded me that I have a garage full of items awaiting their fresh new paint. Great job on your dresser!
GreenWithDecor says
Thanks, Alisha! Once you start spray painting, it’s addicting! Hopefully the weather changes soon so you can spray paint!
Miranda @ Miranda Writes Blog says
It turned out great! I have a dresser that I need spray paint. I always forget that spray paint can be used on furniture and not just small items.
GreenWithDecor says
Thanks, Miranda! Good luck with your dresser!
Brittany Bergman says
This looks amazing! I just bought some Rustoleum (oil-rubbed bronze) to redo my outdated brass doorknobs. I’ve never spray painted before, but I’m excited to try it! I didn’t realize you could do a whole dresser this way. Well done!
GreenWithDecor says
Thanks, Brittany! Love Rust-Oleum! Good luck with your door knobs – what an easy way to give them an updated look!
Jaclyn says
I have been SO happy to find spray painting furniture tutorials! Painting furniture is difficult and spray painting can help it be so much easier!
GreenWithDecor says
So glad you found this post! Spray painting furniture doesn’t have to be hard! 🙂
Daria says
Thanks for sharing! I have to paint a dresser, we’ve been having for a while now for a baby room we are preparing for. I was wondering which spray I would get to use. I hope they have an assortment of colors, This recommendation comes right on time…
GreenWithDecor says
Rust-Oleum has tons of spray painting colors available. Good luck painting your dresser!
Sara says
I have been toying with the idea of painting my son’s dresser red and blue for a superman theme. This post makes it seem more doable!
GreenWithDecor says
Go for it! What a cute idea!
Colleen @ MommieDaze says
I’ve never tried spray painting furniture, but it looks like this product works great. I love that the primer in it already.
GreenWithDecor says
Thanks, Colleen! I love this paint!
Michelle says
Great tutorial! What a fun and simple way to freshen up furniture! Thanks for the tips!
GreenWithDecor says
Thanks, Michelle!