Can I Paint a Tiger Oak Dresser?

Preparation

• New or newly stripped furniture must be smooth, clean and dry. Unfinished wood furniture is referred to as “in the white.” An unfinished tiger oak dresser may have some rough spots that can be smoothed over with medium coarse steel wool or No. 1 sandpaper. Lightly sand the entire surface of the dresser with No. 0 or No. 00 sandpaper, going with the grain of the wood.

Undercoat of Shellac

• Tiger oak is an open grained wood that absorbs moisture easily. A coat of white shellac prepares it for paint. Knots and indentations are covered by the shellac, creating a smooth surface to paint. Wipe the entire surface clean of dust from the sandpaper. Apply a thin coat of white shellac and allow it to dry thoroughly.

Protection

• Cover the floor with newspaper or a painter’s drop cloth before beginning to paint. Shake the paint can vigorously, turning it end to end. Stir it thoroughly with a wooden paddle or stick. A small quantity of paint poured into another can makes maneuverability easier. A soft, flat bristled 2½ inch paint brush is a practical size for painting flat surfaces and small crevices.

Finishing

• Apply each coat of paint as thinly and evenly as possible. Thin coats dry quickly. Allow 24 to 36 hours of drying time between each coat of paint. Brush marks may be removed by a light sanding with No.00 sandpaper. Apply a thin second and third coat of paint to finish the project. Light colors of paint may require more coats to cover the piece thoroughly.