Your Guide to a 24-Hour Dresser Makeover

One-of-a-kind pieces for your home can be hard to find these days. Fast furniture and easy access to quick shipping make it very easy to buy new. With consumption at its peak and the awareness of the environmental impact of fast furniture, a lot of us are reevaluating our needs and spending habits.

Upcycling is a great way to add value to an item that would otherwise be left at the curb. And the best part, you may already have everything you need to get started. If not, swing by and grab what you need from Wood Country Building Services.

If you have an old dresser or cabinet hiding away, it’s time to revive it, giving it a second chance at life. In just one weekend, you could be falling in love with your favourite new statement piece.

Materials and Tools:

Here are the tools and supplies you’ll need for a 24-hour dresser makeover.

• Rubber gloves
• All-purpose cleaning spray
• Rags
• Paint stripper
• Sandpaper
• Respirator or face mask
• Paint or stain
• Primer
• Top coat or sealant
• Paint brushes
• Putty knife

Optional:

• Grain filler
• New knobs or hardware

How to Transform Your Dresser in Seven Easy Steps

1. Clean the dresser and decide on a new style

The first and most necessary step is cleaning it thoroughly, then choosing a new look. Starting with a clear plan will set you up for success on this quick flip. Consider a colour or style that will match the colour scheme in your home.

2. Strip old paint or varnish

Move your dresser to a well-ventilated area, ideally a garage, driveway, or backyard.

Disassemble the dresser and remove the hardware. Apply a thick coat of paint stripper with a brush on all the painted surfaces. You will usually need to wait a few hours before using the putty knife to scrape the loose paint or stain.

Be sure to use rubber gloves and a respirator for this process and follow all safety instructions on the container, as the chemical stripper can often be harsh and abrasive.

3. Sand surfaces

Sand down each surface using medium-grit sandpaper, moving in even, circular motions along the direction of the grain, before moving to a finer-grit sandpaper for finishing. Wipe the wood with a damp cloth to remove the excess sanding dust.

Optional: Fill in imperfections with grain filler:  Many older wooden dressers might have chips and gouges, which you can now sand down or fill in with an easy grain filler. Follow the instructions on the product to mix the filler, apply it to the affected area, then sand when it is dry.

4. Prepare wood for painting

If you want to use paint rather than a stain or an oil, first apply a primer in a thin, even coat with a brush.

5. Apply paint or stain

Depending on how you want to cover the wood, you will need either a paintbrush for paint or a rag for the stain. Be sure to follow the instructions on the can and apply the paint or the stain in even layers, allowing them to dry before applying the next coat.

6. Apply sealant

While the fresh stain or paint might look brand new now, the colour can fade or become chipped easily without a sealant. Apply the sealant with a brush or use the aerosol applicator in a thin, even coat, allowing time to dry.

7. Add hardware and admire your work

Screw in your chosen hardware and knobs to the dresser drawers, then place the drawers back into place.

Move the refinished piece back into your house and admire your hard work! This project might take a lot of elbow grease and physical effort, but creating a new look out of an existing piece of furniture can be incredibly rewarding and a great way to update your space.