Transform Your Dresser With Annie Sloan Paint

Painting a dresser with Annie Sloan paint is a simple and fun project that can give your furniture a whole new look. The versatility of chalk paint means that you can skip the sanding and priming steps, and get straight to painting. Whether you're working on an old dresser or a new find from a flea market, Annie Sloan paint is a quick and easy way to transform your furniture. You can choose from a range of colours and finishes to create a unique piece that suits your style. With just a paintbrush and some wax to protect your finish, you can achieve stunning results. So, if you're looking for a fun and creative project, painting a dresser with Annie Sloan paint is a great option!

Choose your colour palette

Choosing a colour palette is the first step in making an old dresser your own. You can either get a Chalk Paint™ colour card from your local Annie Sloan stockist or browse the website for inspiration. You can also order the Chalk Paint™ Colour Card or one of the sample pots to test out a colour before starting.

The next step is to decide whether you will use one colour or two. You might want to add some metallics to create a pattern or border around the drawers. You can also paint the inside and sides of your drawers in a different or contrasting colour for a fun pop of colour.

If you are looking for a quick fix, you can simply paint one coat, but two coats are recommended for a more durable finish. The paint dries super fast, especially in dry climates, so you won't have to wait long between coats.

Annie Sloan's Chalk Paint™ comes in a variety of colours, including blacks, blues, browns, greens, greys, neutrals, oranges, pinks, purples, reds, whites, and yellows. You can also mix colours to create your desired shade. For example, if you want a deeper, richer red, you can add a coat of dark wax to your red paint.

Remember, if you paint your dresser and don't like the colour, you can always try another one. It won't take long, and you don't need to strip or sand the paint before applying a new coat.

Remove hardware

Before you begin painting a dresser with Annie Sloan paint, it is important to remove any hardware, such as metal handles or knobs. Removing the hardware will ensure that you can paint the dresser evenly and achieve a smooth and professional finish. It is also a simple process that does not require any sanding, priming, or prep work, so you can quickly move on to the fun part of painting!

To remove the hardware from your dresser, start by gathering the necessary tools. You will need a screwdriver to unscrew and remove the hardware. It is recommended to use a screwdriver that fits the hardware screws snugly to avoid slipping or damaging the screws. Place drop cloths or old blankets under the dresser to protect the surface you are working on and to catch any small pieces that may fall during the removal process.

Once you have the necessary tools and have protected your work area, you can begin removing the hardware. Use your screwdriver to unscrew each piece of hardware from the dresser, including handles or knobs. Place the removed hardware and screws in a safe location to ensure they are not misplaced. If the screws are rusty or difficult to turn, you may need to apply a penetrating oil or lubricant to the screw head to help loosen them.

After removing all the hardware, inspect the dresser for any remaining screws or attachments. Ensure that all screws are removed and stored safely. At this stage, you can choose to fill in any holes left by the hardware with wood filler or putty if you plan to replace them with new hardware. Alternatively, you can paint directly over the holes if you prefer a more subtle look.

By following these steps, you will have successfully removed the hardware from your dresser, creating a smooth canvas for your Annie Sloan paint transformation. Remember to keep the hardware and screws organised, as you may want to reuse them or replace them with new ones that match your chosen colour palette and design aesthetic. Now you are ready to move on to the painting stage, where you can truly personalise and transform your dresser!

Paint application

Painting a dresser with Annie Sloan paint is a simple process that requires few tools and can be done quickly. The paint is versatile and can be applied to a range of surfaces, including wood, metal, laminate, concrete, and more, with no need for sanding or priming beforehand.

To begin, you will need to choose your colour palette. You can opt for a single colour or experiment with two colours or metallics to create a pattern or border around the drawers. If you are painting over an already painted surface, you can simply paint right over it with no need for stripping, sanding, or priming. However, if the surface is very shiny, you may want to gently sand it to provide more grip for the paint.

Before you start painting, remove any metal hardware, such as handles or knobs, unless you plan to paint over them. Place drop cloths or old blankets under the legs of the dresser to protect the floor from paint.

Now, you are ready to load your paintbrush and apply the first coat of paint. Dip your brush directly into the pot of paint and apply it to the dresser and drawers. Move the brush in every direction to maximise coverage. Apply only one thin coat of paint to the sides of the drawers to ensure they glide back into the frame easily. Allow the paint to dry, and then apply a second coat if needed to ensure full coverage.

For a fun pop of colour, consider painting the inside and sides of the drawers in a different or contrasting colour.

Waxing

Firstly, it is important to note that there is no need to strip, sand, or prime your dresser before applying Annie Sloan Chalk Paint. This paint is designed to go directly onto most surfaces, including wood, metal, laminate, and concrete. So, you can skip the tedious preparation process and jump straight into waxing after painting.

Before waxing, ensure that the paint is completely dry. Depending on the temperature and humidity, the paint can dry within 10 to 15 minutes. Once dry, you can begin applying a layer of wax. Annie Sloan offers a range of wax products, including clear wax and coloured wax options. Choose the wax that best suits your desired finish.

For waxing, you can use a wax brush or a rag. Work in small sections at a time, applying the wax in thin coats. Recharge your brush as needed and ensure that you cover all surfaces, including the sides and corners of the dresser and drawers. The wax will not only protect your paint job but also add a beautiful sheen to the surface.

If you're using coloured wax, such as Annie Sloan's Dark Wax or Black Wax, you can create unique finishes. For example, applying dark wax over red paint can enhance the depth of colour, resulting in a richer and more intense shade. White wax can be used to create a bleached effect, while black wax is perfect for an industrial finish.

Finally, after applying the wax, use a clean rag to wipe and buff the surface. This will ensure an even finish and a smooth, desirable patina. The waxing process is straightforward and will enhance the durability and aesthetic appeal of your painted dresser.

Finishing touches

Once you're happy with the paintwork, it's time to seal it in for a lasting finish. Choose a wax or lacquer sealant depending on the location of the dresser. For indoor use, seal your dresser with a coat of Chalk Paint™ Wax. Work in small sections at a time, recharging your brush as you go and ensuring that all surfaces are covered. You can use a wax brush or a rag to apply the wax.

If you want to make the colour deeper and richer, you can add a coat of dark wax too. For a bleached look, use white wax, and for an industrial finish, use black wax.

For high-traffic areas, seal your dresser with Chalk Paint™ Lacquer. If your dresser has any metal hardware, such as handles, you can choose to remove them or paint directly over them. You can also replace the hardware with on-trend handles or knobs to instantly elevate your dresser.

Now you've given your dresser a beautiful makeover, be sure to share your project online!

Frequently asked questions