How to Repaint a Painted Dresser

Place dresser pieces in a large work area on top of a drop cloth. Make sure that you use a well-ventilated work area, such as a driveway or open garage. Remove the hardware from the dresser and set it aside.

Sand areas that have peeling paint or scratches using 100-grit sandpaper, and use 220-grit sandpaper on areas without paint imperfections. Sand until the surface of the dresser is rough. Wipe off the sawdust using a clean tack cloth.

Apply a thin coat of primer using a small paint roller. Work around the drawer frames and small corners using a paintbrush. Allow the primer to dry overnight or for a full 24 hours, depending on the manufacturer’s instructions.

Apply the top coat using a high-gloss or semigloss latex paint. Gloss paint cleans easier and is more resistant to scratches than flat finishes without the need for a top coat. Use only a thin, uniform layer of the latex paint and allow it to dry for two hours.

Apply a second coat so the paint finish is smooth and even, and allow it to dry overnight.

Reattach the hardware pieces and install the drawers once you have moved the dresser back.