How to Repaint a Dresser White

Preparation

• 1

  Lay a drop cloth or old newspapers down on the floor and set the dresser in the middle of the area.

• 2

  Put on the rubber gloves, dust mask and safety glasses as necessary.

• 3

  Remove the hardware from the dresser, if possible; if you can't remove it, cover it with masking tape to protect it from the chemicals.

• 4

  Apply the chemical stripper or paint remover per the manufacturer's instructions; apply only a manageable area at a time. Leave the chemical on for as long as is recommended by the manufacturer, and remove it with the putty knife when the paint is soft enough to scrape up. This step is only necessary if the current finish needs to be removed before painting.

• 5

  Clean the chemical stripper or paint remover from the dresser, using water or chemical stripper cleaner as recommended by the manufacturer.

• 6

  Allow the dresser to dry completely. This usually takes at least 24 hours.

• 7

  Fill in any holes or gouges with wood filler.

• 8

  Sand the surfaces of the dresser to smooth the wood and wood filler and remove any remaining paint or finish.

Painting

• 9

  Wash the sanding dust from the dresser until it is completely clean, and allow the dresser to dry thoroughly.

• 10

  Apply as many coats of the primer as necessary to prepare the dresser for the white paint. Allow it to dry completely between coats.

• 11

  Cover the dresser with white paint, using foam brushes to obtain a smooth, evenly applied coat of paint. Repeat this step, if required, once the first coat dries.

• 12

  Replace the hardware or remove the masking tape from the hardware.