There’s nothing wrong with buying secondhand furniture or repainting a new one; it won’t break your bank and is good for the environment. However, if you find a dresser that needs a little bit of touch-up, it can be challenging to decide how you can make it look beautiful again.
You can hire a professional painter, but that won’t be an option if you’re trying to save money. You can paint it yourself, but traditional paint methods can be time-consuming and challenging. The easiest choice would be to spray paint it. But can you spray paint a dresser? Let’s find out.
The short answer is yes; you can definitely spray paint a dresser. If you want to unleash your creativity by using wood and paint, this method is an excellent option for you.
However, you need to note that the process isn’t as easy as you think it is. You don’t just spray the dresser and end up with a colorful one; you need time, effort, and a little bit of cash for a successful output.
But before we discuss the ins and outs of spray painting a dresser, we will talk about different ideas on how you can show your creativity with this furniture. Dressers usually come in neutral colors so that they can blend well with your house’s interior design.
However, some people find these boring. If you want to make your home as unique as possible, one way to do it is to add some colors to your furniture. Here are some ideas you can try:
Spray Painting a Dresser Black
Do you want a bold statement piece for your bedroom? If so, the best color for your dresses is black. You know what they say; you can never go wrong with black.
While the natural wood look of a dresser is acceptable for most homes, a black one can be seen as adventurous. It can also blend well with many home designs. You can also paint or replace the handles to achieve a more sophisticated look.
Spray Painting a Dresser Turquoise
Turquoise has become one of the most loved colors in recent years. In fact, many people are so attracted to this color that they have chosen this to be the color theme of their homes.
If you want a splash of color in your room, you can always paint your dresser turquoise. It can be an accent piece if you prefer to keep everything in your home neutral or repaint some of your furniture in this color to match your dresser.
Spray Painting a Dresser White
Another color you can use for your dresser is white. This classic color can turn anything such as a dresser into a luxurious look. In addition, a white dresser can easily match any interior. Plus, it’s easy to find white spray paint compared to other colors. You can even change the color of the handles into gold for a more opulent look.
Why Is It Better To Spray Paint A Dresser Instead Of Using A Paint Brush?
The answer is simple: spray painting—whatever surface or furniture—is much faster than any other painting method. Apart from the fact that it requires fewer materials, it dries up quicker than brushed-on paint.
For example, you won’t need to buy different sizes of paintbrushes just to get through all the spindles, intricate nooks, and crannies of your dresser. Spray paint can reach all of them.
In addition, it’s also much easier to clean. There’s no need to clean the brushes, rollers, paint trays, or bucks that you’ve used. Plus, you can cover the dresser more evenly. Lastly, you don’t need to learn application techniques just to make sure the paint is beautiful. Just spray away and let the paint do its magic.
How To Spray Paint A Dresser Step By Step
As mentioned, spray painting a dresser isn't as easy as it seems, but it's not too difficult either. You need to understand that it requires a bit of knowledge for you to finish this project successfully. First, you must be able to choose the right primer for your paint. It will help make the paint job last longer, saving you money in the long run.
Next, you need to prepare your workplace and make sure you have everything you need within your reach. Spray paints dry up quickly, and if you can’t coat them right away, you may end up with patchy work. So, here’s how you can properly paint a dresser:
What You’ll Need
Instructions
- 1Choose a place where you will work on your dresser. If you have a big yard, it’s best to do it outdoors as it will provide better ventilation, so you won’t have to breathe in paint. However, make sure that the weather is good and there are no bugs, dew, and other factors that may disrupt your work.
- 2Next, cover the floors and any other surfaces that can get painted on. This will also serve as a protection from dust while you sand the dresser in the following steps.
- 3If painting in an enclosed space, make sure you have proper lighting.
- 4Once you’ve prepared the work area, the first step in spray painting the dresser is sanding it. If there are any loose finishes from the piece, scrape them. Flaking or peeling should be sanded as well. You also need to lightly sand the whole piece to ensure that the primer and paint stick well.
- 5Using a vacuum or Shop-Vac with a brush attachment, vacuum all the dust and remove any residue using a dampened cleaning cloth.
- 6After prepping your dresser, spray it with the proper. Make sure to remove the drawers from it to ensure that you prime every corner of the furniture. It’s best to flip the furniture and spray the bottom first. To apply the primer, press the nozzle a few inches away from the piece, ensuring that everything is covered evenly. Don’t stop in the middle as it may leave marks and drips. You can overlap each pass by 30-50% if need be. Let the primer dry.
- 7Once it’s completely dry, check if there are any rough parts on the furniture. If there is, sand it again. Otherwise, start spray painting it. Always do long continuous sprays for even coverage. You also need to coat it twice for an even finish. Once the dresser is dry, you’re all set!
Important Tips & Safety Measures
You need to remember three crucial things when spray painting a dresser: choosing the suitable primer and protecting your workspace and yourself.
But why is primer choice important? Well, if you end up getting the wrong one, the paint job won’t last long. It will chip, scratch, and peel easily. There are many different primers to choose from, but we suggest getting a spray primer to make the job easy. An ideal primer is the one that says bonding or adhesion on the label and is made for wood.
If you can’t find a spray-on primer, you can also buy a gallon-sized container and use an airless player to apply it. To ensure that the primer works, do a scratch test. Apply the primer on it, dry the primer overnight, and scratch it with your fingernail. If it doesn’t come off, it’s a good primer. If it does, look for another one.
The two other things are protecting your workspace and yourself. We have discussed how you can protect your workstation above in the instructions. This is important since it ensures that the paint won’t go anywhere that it’s not needed to. If you are working in an enclosed space, make sure you have a protective mask so you won’t inhale all the paint fumes.
The fumes may not harm you right away, but they can stay in your system for a long time. Lastly, protect your hands by wearing long gloves if you don’t want any paint on them. If you’re okay with getting paint on your skin, ditch the gloves.
Spray Painting A Dresser FAQs
Can I spray paint a dresser without sanding?
Yes, it’s possible to spray paint a dresser without sanding. However, you may end up with a piece that has bumps and rough patches. If you’re okay with that, you can skip sanding your dresser.
How many cans of paint should you use in painting a dresser?
It depends on how big the dresser is and how many coats you will apply. Some use three cans, but it’s best always to get extra cans.
How long does it take for paint to dry on a wood dresser?
It will take an hour for the spray paint to dry, but it’s best to let it cure for 24 hours.
How much does it cost to paint a dresser?
The cost of repainting a dresser depends on how many cans of spray paint and the brand you’re using. It usually starts at $150 and goes up to $500. But if you want to keep your cost down, you have to be mindful of the paint you buy.
Conclusion
If you’re up for some DIY project, spray painting your dresser can be a great choice. Even if you don’t have much information about painting or woodwork, you can easily do so because it’s relatively straightforward, even for beginners.
So, don’t be afraid to buy that rundown furniture. With spray paint, you can upcycle it and make it beautiful again.