What Kind of Paint Should I Use to Paint a Lacquered Dresser Without Having to Sand It?

Primer

• Start with a layer of primer to prepare the unsanded surface of the lacquer-coated dresser for paint. Select a primer formulated to adhere to glossy surfaces. This type of primer creates a strong between it and the lacquer finish, and its adhesive properties creates a stronger bond to the paint. The stronger the bond of the paint to the lacquer finish, the longer the painted finish will last. The primer also saves steps by becoming a color base for the paint that blocks the lacquer finish from showing through the final product.

  Reinforce the finish of the lacquer dresser by applying two coats of primer. After the first one dries, paint on another coat. The thick primer layer will only add to the durability of the dresser's painted surface.

Oil-Based Paint

• Finish the lacquered dresser with an oil-based paint. This application does require a layer of primer, to give the oily, tacky paint something to adhere to. Allot enough time in the day to apply an even coat of paint, painted with even strokes. Unlike water-based paints, oil-based paints do not distribute as smoothly, and a fresh coat of paint does not like to be disturbed with multiple strokes of the brush. Too much oil-based paint on the brush will result in undesirable drip marks that are not easy to wipe away once the paint starts to dry. Paint the unit in a well-ventilated space, in the exact location where it can be left to dry, because once it is done, it will take up to one week to completely dry to the touch.

Water-Based Paint

• Select a high-quality, water-based, latex or enamel-finish paint. Latex or enamel paint have an enhanced durability and a shine. The durable qualities of the paint sets it apart from standard semi-gloss. The paint finishes similar to a baked-on paint finish. Besides using an old-based paint that also dries to a durable, baked-on-like finish, other types of paint will not yield the same results. The use of standard semi-gloss and stain-finish paints does not ensure that the painted finish will last. These are options, however, for a shabby-chic finish that is expected to wear down with usage over time.

A Sealant for the Painted Finish

• If the only option available is a semi-gloss or stain water-based paint -- because it coordinates with the room's decor -- then this painted finish will have to be coated with a clear-gloss sealant to protect the paint from damage during normal use. After the one to two coats of paint completely dry, brush on an even coat of protectant, such as varathane, polyurethane or another coat of lacquer.