How to Keep an Old Dresser Brown

Remove the drawers from the dresser. Remove any hardware, such as drawer pulls, using a screwdriver. Set aside all screws in a plastic bag.

Apply paint stripper if the piece has an existing finish that is damaged and will affect how the wood takes new color. Paint the stripper on with a paintbrush and let it sit while the chemicals work on the finish. Scrape the old finish and the stripper off with a putty knife or steel wool.

Sand down any rough areas on the old dresser and fill any holes or cracks with wood filler, using a putty knife. Wipe down the dresser with a damp rag to remove all sanding dust, and let it dry completely.

Spray each piece of the dresser with primer in a color similar to the finished hue, if you’ll be using paint. Alternatively, apply the first coat of wood stain using a paintbrush. Wipe away excess stain with a clean rag and let the coat dry completely.

Apply brown paint or a second coat of wood stain, painting with the grain of the wood. You can use a roller to apply this coat, but a paintbrush will have a more natural finish if you want the wood grain to be evident. Wipe away any excess wood stain. Let the coat dry completely.

Apply a furniture sealant so the wood has a shiny gloss finish. Let this coat dry completely.

Reassemble the dresser and screw all of the drawer pulls back in.

Clean the finished dresser regularly with furniture polish and a rag to ensure that the dresser keeps its brown shade.