Home Garden

How to Paint an Oak Dresser

Oak hardwood dressers are typically sturdy and make well-built furniture. Over the years, the finish on an oak dresser can become damaged and scratched. The easiest solution for many homeowners is to paint the dresser. Paint will enhance the look of the dresser and lengthen its lifetime. Paint also allows homeowners to customize the dresser to their home’s decor colors. The project of painting a dresser can take several days to a week to complete.

Things You'll Need

  • Wood filler
  • Putty knife
  • Fine-grit sandpaper
  • Damp cloth
  • Primer
  • Paintbrush
  • Paint roller
  • Latex paint
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Instructions

    • 1

      Apply wood filler to any dents, cracks or nail holes in the oak dresser. Use a putty knife to spread the wood filler into these areas. Let the filler dry per manufacturer directions.

    • 2

      Sand the dresser with fine-grit sandpaper so that the wood is smooth and no longer glossy. Wipe down the oak dresser with a damp cloth to remove the sanding dust.

    • 3

      Apply a coat of primer to the oak dresser with a paintbrush and paint roller. The coat of primer should be thin but cover the oak dresser. Give the primer two hours to dry.

    • 4

      Paint the oak dresser with latex paint. Spread the paint in thin coats with a paint roller and paintbrush. Let the paint coat dry completely and apply the second paint coat. Repeat as needed. Wait 24 to 36 hours for the paint to cure before everyday use.