How to Paint a Chest of Drawers

Nothing looks worse in a room than an old tattered, outdated chest of drawers. Luckily, these pieces of furniture are also one of the easiest to update and when complete can be a great focal point or addition to a room.

To give life to an old chest of drawers with a new paint job, follow these instructions. First you will need to gather your supplies. You will need the following:

Drop cloth

Medium grain sandpaper

Dust mask

Tack Cloth

Screwdriver for knobs and handles

Primer

Paint

Paintbrush

Wet Cloth

New Hardware, if you are replacing the old (recommended unless you really like the original pieces)

The first thing you want to do is spread out a drop cloth. Work in a room that has windows because the primer and paint will need ventilation.

Take the drawers out and remove the hardware (the handles and knobs only).

Now put on your dust mask and grab a piece of medium grain sandpaper.

You want to sand all of the old paint off of the piece so you can start anew. This can take a little time, but do a thorough and good job because it is the base of the project and will determine your end results. Sanding removes paint, dirt, gloss, residue, etc., and it gives you a nice grab for the primer to hold on to. Rub your tack cloth across where you have sanded.

Now it is time to apply the primer. Open up your windows to allow for proper ventilation. Read the manufacturer's instructions, as they can differ from primer to primer. Apply primer as instructed and allow it to dry thoroughly before you apply your paint.

Once your primer is one hundred percent dry, it is time to apply your paint. Take a good look around your room and see what colors would really work best in the spot where your dresser will be. You do not have to opt for a neutral tone or a white. You can go all out and really make your dresser a showpiece in the room. If you are feeling really crafty, you can even paint a design on the front of it when you are finished.

Carefully apply the paint to the dresser, being sure you are coating with even strokes. You want to make sure the paint is evenly distributed and not too thick. Also be sure to check for paint runs and drips as you go, and immediately wipe them down with a wet cloth as necessary. Make sure too, that you have the appropriate type of paintbrush for the job you are doing. It can make a world of difference.

If the chest is going to require more than one coat, allow the dresser to dry for twenty-four hours and then repeat the painting process until you have the desired affect.

Once the piece is dry, attach your new knobs and handles, and congratulate yourself for a job well done.