A white dresser is like a secret home design weapon.  It’s amazing how a coat of classic white paint can transform boring and dated furniture into a statement piece.  Even if you’re not a DIY -er, you can totally rock this DIY Dresser Makeover!

 

My friend Natalie inherited her grandmother’s dresser and wanted to give it a fresh, updated life. She wasn’t quite sure how to transform old furniture but knew that it was too special to let go.  Natalie also happens to be an extremely gifted photographer, so I pose the idea of switching “talents”… family photo shoot for a DIY dresser makeover. Boom, deal!

She is a natural beauty of a dresser, just needed a simple refresh to bring her up-to-date.

By the way, ANYONE can do this… seriously.

It just takes quite a few STEPS and, therefore, patience. And here is my motto… what may take someone 1 day, will probably take me at least 2 but my plate is overflowing full and I’m content with that. So, I give myself grace and know that projects are full of steps that you can’t rush or skip over… and not only is the end result inspiring but also extremely satisfying.  ahhh…

Here’s my simple 4 step DIY Dresser Makeover Tutorial:

1. Quick sanding

You can just take a sanding block like this & give her a quick go.  Wipe off all the dust with a wet rag and let her dry.  I also taped the drawer areas so i wouldn’t get too messy but it’s not necessary since the drawers will hide any imperfections.

2. Prime (2 coats)… about 1 hour between coats with a light sanding and then 7 days to fully cure.

Using Rust-Oleum 2004 Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 White Water-Based Primer

And I like high-density foam roller brushes for applying primer (and sometimes paint as well).  They make the job very easy.  (I like the smooth stroke appearance for the paint so sometimes I apply first with the foam roller and then go over with a paint brush.)

 

*A little tip here for the busy woman who is saying “but when???”… if you’ve had a long day at work or with the kids… put them to bed, get some dark chocolate, a glass of wine, put on your fave music/podcast/audio book in the garage (or whatever space you have for this project) and have a little stress relieving experience.  It can seriously be therapeutic.  The trick is to rest in the incomplete.  You won’t finish it in one night.  You will need to follow the steps.  Wrap the brushes in seran wrap (or wash and dry if needed) and return to the project as you can.  But be ok with “undone”… not everything can be checked off the list right when you want it.  Just start somewhere.  You will be thankful, trust me.

3. Paint (2 coats)… light sanding in between coats.  Follow drying times on can instructions based on your area’s climate.

Using Rust-Oleum 7921502 American Accents, Satin Heirloom White  (the loveliest white)

4. Paint Top Coat for added protection and durability.

Using Minwax 23333 Satin Polycrylic Protective Finishes

I bought a brush specifically for this topcoat and I really like the coverage using it.  You can do 2 coats of topcoat if the furniture you are refinishing will be used and “loved” often.

 

This is also a great time to replace hardware for added visual appeal.  Natalie chose to keep the brass knobs, which I also think was a good choice. 🙂

Happy refinishing friends!  Grab that chocolate and music…you’ve got this!

xoxo