Isabella Flores
Painting a chest of drawers is a great way to upcycle old furniture and give it a new lease of life. Whether you're working with wood or laminate, there are a few key steps to follow to ensure a professional finish. Firstly, it's important to prepare the surface by removing any hardware, sanding down rough spots, and filling in any scratches or dents. Then, you'll need to choose the right type of paint and primer, considering factors such as adhesion and the desired finish. Once you've gathered your materials, it's time to start painting! Be sure to allow adequate drying time between coats and finish with a protective layer, such as wax or polycrylic, for added durability. With the right tools and techniques, you can transform a dated chest of drawers into a stylish statement piece.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Clean the chest of drawers | Use TSP (trisodium phosphate) to clean the chest of drawers. |
| Repair the chest of drawers | Fill any deep scratches in the surface of the wood with wood putty. |
| Primer | Use a primer to ensure the paint adheres to the surface. |
| Paint | Choose your colour palette. Use a roller for flat sections and an angled brush for brushing away paint drips. |
| Wax | Apply wax to protect the paint. |
| Paint tools | Use painter's tape to mask off areas you don't want to paint. |
| Paint type | Avoid latex paint. Chalk-based paint is a good option. |
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What You'll Learn
Preparing the chest of drawers for painting
Preparing a chest of drawers for painting involves several steps to ensure the paint adheres well and the final product looks neat and professional. Firstly, closely inspect the piece of furniture. Check if the drawers pull out smoothly, if there are any screws that need tightening, and if the hardware is in working order. If there are nicks and dents in the wood, you may want to fill them with wood putty or a wood filler product like Bondo, using a putty knife or old credit card to smooth it out. This step is especially important if you plan to use a thin paint that may not cover scratches and dents.
Next, clean the chest of drawers. You can use a product called trisodium phosphate (TSP), which is an all-purpose cleaner in powder form that you mix with water. Wipe down the entire surface of the chest of drawers with this mixture.
Once the chest of drawers is clean and dry, you may want to sand it lightly to create a rough surface for the paint to adhere to. Sanding is particularly important if the surface is very shiny or smooth. If you plan to use chalk paint, you may be able to skip this step, as chalk paint often requires little to no prep work. However, if you are using an old piece of dark wood furniture with a finish that looks like coffee grounds, you may want to use a stain-killing primer first.
After sanding, wipe away any dust with a tack cloth or a damp cloth. If your chest of drawers has multiple drawers, you may want to number them on the back so you can replace them correctly after painting. Remove the hardware, including knobs and drawer pulls, and set them aside, keeping screws and other small parts organised so you can easily put them back on later.
Finally, if there are any areas you do not want to paint, such as the inside of the drawers, use painter's tape to mask them off.
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Choosing the right paint
Firstly, assess the material of your chest of drawers. Modern furniture is often a mix of solid wood and laminate or other wood substitutes. If your chest of drawers has a laminate surface, opt for a shellac-based primer to ensure the paint adheres well and doesn't chip or peel. Chalk-based paint, such as Annie Sloan's Chalk Paint®, is also suitable for laminate surfaces and eliminates the need for sanding or priming.
If your chest of drawers is made of solid wood, consider the type of finish you want to achieve. For a flat finish with excellent adhesion, chalk-based paint is a good option. It requires minimal preparation and can be further protected with a wax finish. However, if you prefer a glossy or satin sheen, other types of paint may be more suitable.
Avoid using latex paint or spray paint on your chest of drawers, as it tends to peel and leaves noticeable brush strokes. Instead, opt for paints specifically designed for furniture, which offer better durability and adhesion.
Before painting, prepare the surface by sanding any rough spots or peeling areas with medium-grit sandpaper. This step ensures that your chosen paint adheres properly and creates a smooth base. If there are deep scratches, fill them with wood putty or a wood filler before sanding.
Additionally, consider the colour palette and the overall aesthetic you want to achieve. Chalk paint offers a wide range of colours and can be paired with coloured waxes to create antique, bleached, or industrial effects. You can also get creative and paint the inside and sides of the drawers in contrasting colours or add metallic accents.
Lastly, don't forget to choose a suitable primer if needed. Priming is essential when painting over laminate or painted wood furniture to provide a consistent surface for the paint to adhere to. It is also important when painting over old, dark woods like walnut or mahogany or if the finish resembles coffee grounds. Stain-killing primers, such as KILZ or Binz, are recommended to prevent wood tannins from seeping through the paint.
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Painting the chest of drawers
Painting a chest of drawers is a great way to upcycle old furniture and give it a new lease of life. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to paint a chest of drawers.
Firstly, you will need to gather your tools and materials. Choose your paint colour and purchase the required amount, ensuring you have enough for two coats. You will also need a primer, paintbrushes or rollers, sandpaper, wood filler or putty, a putty knife, and a soft cloth. If you wish to add a wax finish, you will need to purchase clear wax.
Next, prepare the chest of drawers. Remove all hardware, such as knobs and handles, and keep them safe in a container. Take out the drawers and set them aside, face up, to be painted separately. Inspect the chest of drawers for any scratches or dents. Mix wood putty with water and use a putty knife to fill in any cracks or deep scratches. Once dry, sand the chest of drawers, especially any rough spots or peeling areas. If the chest of drawers is very shiny, you may need to lightly sand the entire piece. Wipe down the chest of drawers to remove any dust and residue.
Now, you are ready to start painting. If your chest of drawers is made of laminate or has a previous paint job, you will need to apply a primer. Choose a primer suitable for your furniture's material, such as a stain-killing primer for old, dark woods. Apply a thin coat of primer and let it dry. If you are using chalk paint, you may not need to prime, but you can do so for added adhesion. Once the primer is dry, apply your first coat of paint. Use a roller for large, flat surfaces and a brush for smaller areas and details. Allow the first coat to dry completely before applying a second coat if needed.
Finally, finish and reassemble your chest of drawers. If desired, apply a coat of clear polycrylic for added durability. Reinstall the hardware, such as knobs and handles, and let the paint cure for a few days before using the chest of drawers.
By following these steps, you can transform an old chest of drawers into a beautiful piece of furniture that suits your style and space.
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Waxing the chest of drawers
Waxing a chest of drawers is a great way to protect the paint and ensure a long-lasting finish. Here is a step-by-step guide to waxing your chest of drawers:
Prepare the Surface:
Before waxing, it is essential to prepare the surface of the chest of drawers. Ensure that the paint is thoroughly dry. If you have just painted the chest, allow it to dry overnight or for a few days to ensure the paint is completely cured. Clean the surface with a soft cloth to remove any dust or residue. If there are any scratches or imperfections, fill them with wood putty or filler, and sand the area lightly to create a smooth surface.
Choose the Right Wax:
Select a clear wax, such as Johnson's wax or Fiddes and Sons wax, to avoid altering the colour of your paint. You can test the wax on the back of the chest of drawers to ensure it doesn't affect the colour vibrancy. Soft wax, such as chalk paint wax, is easy to apply and can be used to create a protective finish.
Apply a Thin Coat of Wax:
Using a soft cloth, apply a very thin coat of wax to the chest of drawers. Work in quick, circular motions, ensuring that you use only a small amount of wax. Cover the entire surface, including the sides and fronts of the drawers. Less is more when it comes to waxing, so avoid applying too much wax in one go.
Allow the Wax to Sit:
Let the wax sit on the surface for about 5 to 10 minutes. It will be ready for the next step when it starts to look hazy and feels slightly tacky or sluggish when you wipe it with a dry cloth. This indicates that the wax is ready for buffing.
Buff the Wax:
Use a soft cloth, such as a blue shop paper towel or an old t-shirt, to buff the wax. Work in circular motions, buffing the wax into the surface until it feels smooth or slippery. This step will help create a shiny, protected finish.
Troubleshooting:
If you encounter any issues with the waxing process, such as wax stripping off in patches, you may need to use a wax remover to strip the wax back to the bare wood. Be careful to use a mild remover that will not damage the wood. You can then reapply the wax, ensuring that you follow the above steps carefully.
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Finishing touches
Once you've painted your chest of drawers, there are several finishing touches you can add to elevate your piece.
Firstly, consider whether you want to add any patterns or borders to your design. You could try stencilling a pattern or adding some decoupage for a more intricate look. You could also add a border around the edges of the drawer fronts and the top of your dresser.
If you've used chalk paint, you should finish by brushing on a layer of chalk paint wax using a wax brush. Work in small sections, making sure to cover the whole dresser and all the drawers, then remove any excess wax with a clean, dry cloth. Allow the wax to dry before putting the drawers back in.
If you're looking for a shabby chic look, distress your chest of drawers with sandpaper. Rub the edges and corners with medium-grade sandpaper to reveal the wood beneath, then sand the distressed areas with softer sandpaper to blend the paint away for a natural look. You can then add some bling, like silver diamantes, and apply a thin layer of furniture wax, especially where the wood is exposed.
Finally, consider upgrading the handles or knobs. On-trend handles can instantly elevate an old chest of drawers and are easily replaced.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to use chalk-based paint as it has excellent adhesion and is fairly durable. You can also protect it with a wax finish. Do not use latex paint or spray paint as it will peel and will not hold up well.
First, remove the hardware, including the drawer pulls and knobs. Clean the chest of drawers with TSP (trisodium phosphate). Fill any deep scratches with wood putty. If your chest of drawers is very shiny, you should lightly sand the entire piece. If it is old, dark wood, use a stain-killing primer.
Choose your colour palette and consider whether you want to use one or two colours. You can paint the inside and sides of the drawers in a different or contrasting colour. Apply a thin coat of primer sealer, then apply a couple of coats of your chosen colour. Wait until it is completely dry, then put on another coat.
