Marcus Chen
Refurbishing a river edge dresser is a great way to bring new life to an old piece of furniture. Whether you're working with solid wood, wood veneer, or laminate, there are several options for painting or refinishing your dresser. Before you begin, it's important to understand the type of material you're working with and decide on the desired finish. You may need to strip the dresser of its existing coat of paint or varnish, which can be done through sanding or the use of a paint stripper. Once the surface is prepared, you can apply paint or stain, working in the direction of the grain and allowing adequate drying time. You may also want to consider adding new hardware, such as pulls and knobs, for a more contemporary or antique look.
How to paint or refurbish a river edge dresser
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Identify the material of the dresser | Wood, wood veneer, laminate, solid hardwood |
| Evaluate antique dressers before painting | Ensure that altering the appearance won't devalue the piece |
| Empty the drawers and remove hardware | Place the dresser and drawers on a leakproof drop cloth in a ventilated area |
| Strip paint or varnish | Use a hand scraper, paint stripper, or sandpaper |
| Sand the dresser | Use medium-grit sandpaper, moving with even pressure along the direction of the grain |
| Wipe the dresser | Use a tack cloth or lint-free cloth to remove dust and debris |
| Apply wood stain | Use a paintbrush or staining pad, working in the direction of the grain |
| Seal the dresser | Use a product such as wax or polyurethane to protect the finish |
| Paint the dresser | Choose the appropriate paint type (chalk, acrylic, milk, etc.) and application method (brush, roller, or sprayer) |
| Add hardware | Install new knobs, pulls, or handles |
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What You'll Learn
Sanding the dresser
Sanding is an important step in refurbishing a river edge dresser. It helps to smooth out any rough spots, scratches, or light damage, creating a uniform surface for the paint or stain to be applied. Here is a detailed guide on how to sand a dresser:
Prepare the Dresser:
Before you begin sanding, remove any hardware, such as knobs or pulls, and take out the drawers. Place the dresser and drawers on a leakproof drop cloth in a well-ventilated area to catch any dust or debris created during sanding. Cover any remaining parts of the dresser that you want to protect, such as electrical outlets or electronics. If you plan to use a chemical stripper to remove old paint or varnish, be sure to wear gloves and eye protection.
Choose Your Sanding Method:
You can choose to sand by hand or use an electric sander. Sanding by hand provides more control and helps avoid over-sanding. Use medium-grit sandpaper, around 120-grit, and sand evenly with the grain of the wood, not against it. An electric sander can speed up the process, but be cautious to avoid damaging the wood. Use circular motions to ensure even sanding.
Sand the Dresser:
Start with a coarse sandpaper grit, such as 60 or 80, to remove any existing finish, paint, or varnish. Work systematically, sanding the dresser in sections. If there are any deep scratches, gouges, or nicks, use wood filler to minimise their appearance before sanding. Sand until the surface is smooth and uniform. If you're removing a finish coat, be cautious not to over-sand and damage any veneer or thin layers of wood.
Clean and Inspect:
After sanding with the coarse grit, use a tack cloth to remove any dust from the surface. Inspect the dresser to ensure all scratches and imperfections have been addressed. If necessary, switch to a finer-grit sandpaper, such as 220-grit, and sand again, following the same process of sanding and then wiping with a tack cloth. Continue using finer grits until you achieve the desired smoothness.
Final Preparation:
Once you're satisfied with the sanding, give the dresser a thorough cleaning to remove any remaining dust or debris. If you plan to stain the dresser, you can apply the stain after ensuring the wood is completely clean and dry. If you plan to paint the dresser, you may need to apply a coat of primer before painting, depending on the type of paint you're using. Always refer to the paint manufacturer's instructions for the best results.
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Filling knob holes
Next, you will need to fill the knob holes. You can use wood filler, Bondo, KwikWood, or wood epoxy to fill the holes. If using wood filler, you will need to let it dry, sand it down, and repeat this process 3-4 times until it is flush with the wood. Wood filler is great for covering any scratches around the holes. Simply spread the filler into and over the scratches, let it dry, and sand it down.
If using Bondo, you will need to mix a hardener into it, as it dries quickly, within 20-30 minutes. Wood epoxy is another option and does not shrink or have air bubbles, so you can overfill the hole and sand it down once dry. You can add a little water to the epoxy to make it easier to work with and spread it at the top of the hole.
Once you have filled the holes and they are dry, you can sand them down to create a smooth finish. If you are filling the holes to install new knobs, you will then need to drill new holes. You can use a drill bit that matches the size of your new hardware screws and drill two holes equidistant apart.
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Painting techniques
Preparation:
First, identify the type of material you are working with. Solid hardwood dressers are built to last and can be updated with paint. If your dresser is made of wood veneer, it may not be coated in a surface polish, making it more susceptible to water damage. Understand the condition of your dresser and what you want to achieve with the refurbishment.
Next, empty the drawers and remove the hardware, such as knobs and pulls, and place them somewhere safe. Place the dresser and drawers on a leakproof drop cloth in a well-ventilated area. If your dresser has an existing paint job or varnish, you may need to strip it. You can use a hand scraper or paint stripper for this messy and tedious task. If you are stripping the dresser, use steel wool and mineral spirits to remove any remaining stripper and paint residue. Allow the surface to dry for about 15 minutes.
Sanding:
Sanding is an important step to ensure the new paint adheres well. Use medium-grit sandpaper to sand the dresser, moving with even pressure along the direction of the wood grain. Sand thoroughly, including all the details, and then wipe away the dust with a tack cloth. You can then sand again with finer-grit sandpaper and wipe with a clean cloth. If you are still unsatisfied with the appearance, you can sand again using the finest-grit paper.
If your dresser has a very smooth finish, you can skip the sanding step if you use chalk paint, which adheres to most existing finishes. However, if you are using paint with a lacquer or shiny finish, you will need to lightly sand the dresser so that the new paint adheres properly.
Painting:
Choose the right paint for your dresser. Chalk-based paint, for example, is water-based and has excellent adhesion, requiring very little preparation. You can also protect chalk paint with a wax finish. Avoid using latex paint, as it will peel and not hold up well, resulting in noticeable brush strokes.
Use a paintbrush to fill in the edges and any detailing. Depending on the paint used, you may need to apply one to three coats. Allow the paint to dry completely between coats. You can also use a paint roller, but not for every surface on the dresser.
Finishing:
After painting and sealing the fronts of the drawers, you can apply a product like Big Mama's Butta to the sides to hydrate the wood and add a layer of protection. If you have trouble with the drawers sticking, try rubbing a candle along the bottoms and sides of the drawers.
If you are using chalk paint, a wax finish is a common final step. Following the manufacturer's instructions, apply a clear wax finish to the entire dresser. Then, focus on the details and edges with a dark wax finish. Use the same rag to buff the dark wax for seamless transitions.
You can also add a coat of polyurethane for a contemporary touch, as well as new hardware such as antique pulls and knobs, or updated brass hardware.
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Removing paint residue
Sanding
Sanding is a common method to remove paint residue and create a smooth surface for a new coat of paint. It is important to use the correct type of sandpaper and technique to avoid damaging the wood. Start with coarse, open-coat sandpaper to remove the majority of the paint residue. Sand with the grain of the wood, applying even pressure, and work your way down to finer-grit sandpaper as you get closer to the wood. Wipe the surface with a tack cloth after each sanding session to remove any dust.
Heat
Using heat is another effective way to remove paint residue. An electric heat gun or paint remover can be held 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) above the painted surface to soften and lift the paint. It is important to wear protective gear, such as gloves and goggles, and to keep the heat gun moving to avoid scorching or setting the wood on fire.
Chemical Removers
Chemical removers, such as paint strippers, can also be used to remove paint residue. These products should be used according to their instructions and may require multiple applications for thick layers of paint. After using a chemical remover, it is often necessary to sand the surface to smooth it out and remove any remaining paint residue.
Mineral Spirits
Mineral spirits can be used to wipe down the surface and remove any paint residue or stripper. Apply mineral spirits to a piece of steel wool and rub along the direction of the wood grain. This method may not remove all the paint, but it will help to lift any remaining residue.
Water and Denatured Alcohol
For water-based paints, such as latex paint, a soft cloth soaked in warm water can be used to wipe away paint splatters. If plain water does not work, denatured alcohol can be used instead.
It is important to note that the method chosen will depend on the type of paint and the condition of the dresser. Always work in a well-ventilated area and consider using a respirator to protect yourself from dust and fumes.
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Finishing touches
Once you've painted your dresser, there are a few finishing touches you can add to really make it shine. If you've used chalk paint, a wax finish is a common final step. Buff on a clear wax finish to the entire dresser, and then focus on the details and edges with a dark wax finish. Use the same rag you used to apply the clear wax to buff the dark wax for the best results.
If you want to add a bit of shine, you can opt for a gloss sheen finish. This will give your dresser a sleek and polished look. You can also seal the stained top of the dresser with a gloss finish, adding a bit of extra protection.
If you're going for a more antique or vintage look, you can use dark wax to create a subtle antique finish. Apply a light antique wax and let it dry until it becomes slightly tacky. Then, apply a small amount of Amy Howard Dark Antique Wax to the edges and corners of your dresser, feathering it slightly towards the centre.
If your dresser has pulls or knobs, you can clean and paint them to match the new look. You can also replace them with new hardware, such as antique pulls, updated brass hardware, or wooden knobs. If you're filling in the original knob holes, use a wood filler or spackle and sand it down to create a smooth finish before painting.
Finally, don't forget to anchor your dresser to the wall to prevent tip-over accidents. You can buy an anchoring or anti-tip kit to help secure your dresser and improve its safety.
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Frequently asked questions
The first step in refurbishing a dresser is to remove all hardware, including drawer pulls and legs. Then, take out the drawers and rear panel.
Sand the dresser using medium-grit sandpaper, moving with even pressure along the direction of the grain. Sand thoroughly and wipe with a tack cloth to remove any dust.
Apply wood putty or a mixture of sawdust and wood glue to fill in any holes, cracks or gouges. Let the paste dry and then sand it down until it matches the dresser.
Chalk paint is a popular choice for painting dressers as it has excellent adhesion and requires little to no preparation beforehand. However, you may need to thin it out with water to achieve the desired consistency.
