How to Repaint an Ikea Dresser

Take apart your Ikea dresser. Don't disassemble the pieces; just remove the drawers and any knobs, fittings or finishing pieces. Use painter's tape to mask off areas that don't need paint, including drawer tracks or bolts.

Rub rough sandpaper over the surface of all areas to be painted. It is easier for the paint to stick to this rough texture. Wipe down the sanded pieces with a tack or microfiber cloth to remove the dust.

Use a foam roller to apply an oil-based primer to the dresser. Do this step outside or in a well-ventilated area. Allow the primer to dry, then apply additional coats to cover any lingering Ikea color showing through.

Apply paint to the primed dresser using a foam roller and brushes, and allow the primer to dry fully. Verify that the paint is completely dry by touch before moving on to the next coat. Continue applying paint and allowing it to dry until the paint coverage is even and smooth.

Apply a clear finishing spray or polyacrylic top coat over the paint, and allow it to dry throughly according to the manufacturer's instructions. Reassemble your painted Ikea dresser, and it is ready for use.