How to Paint Stripes on a Dresser

Select paint colors. Use an eggshell or satin finish for a less reflective surface. Semi-gloss paint will give your dresser a smooth, slick feel. Sketch a plan for your striped pattern.

Remove the drawer pulls with a screwdriver. Take the drawers off their tracks and set them aside.

Prime the dresser with water-based primer. Use a foam roller. Apply paint with a small foam brush if necessary in some spots. Roll the primer onto the front of the drawers.

Use the lightest stripe color as a base coat. Paint the entire dresser, including the drawers, with this color. Let the paint cure for approximately 12 hours.

Tape your pattern of stripes on the body of the dresser. Save the drawers for last. Use a ruler to make sure that the stripes are correctly placed. Check the taped lines with a level. Place diagonal strips of tape in any section that you should not paint, as this part can be confusing.

Paint inside the taped off areas with a flat paintbrush. Remove the strips of tape as you go. Let the paint dry.

Place the drawers back on their tracks carefully. Use the stripes painted on the front of the dresser as a guide to tape off matching stripes on the drawers. Open the drawers slightly to avoid getting paint on the dresser. Paint the stripes on the drawers. Remove the tape.

Wash your brush with warm, soapy water. Rinse it under running water until there are no more traces of paint.

Check to make sure that the paint on the drawers is dry. Carefully screw the knobs back on the drawers.