Refurbish and refresh an old dresser

Skill Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 1-2 days 

How to Refinish Furniture 

Kate, Expert Blogger: 

With the popularity of upcycling and decorating with salvaged finds, many seek to refresh second hand furniture with paint. It’s one way to update Aunt Jane's hand me down or modernize the latest thrift store find. It's possible to take something dowdy and reinvent it to suit your style and space with a few hours of work. Follow these steps and you'll be on your way to a refurbished, refreshed piece in a weekend! 

Step by Step Instructions 

Step 1. Remove Hardware 

First things first, remove all hardware before you begin. BLACK+DECKER's PivotDriver Cordless Rechargeable Screwdriver is great to have on hand to work without a cord wherever you're refurbishing and will remove hinges and pulls quickly. 

Step 2. Patch Damage 

Wood glue works wonders to repair pieces that are chipped or broken. Apply it to the damage (if any), clamp if necessary, and wait 24 hours for the glue to cure. Wood filler will cover or fill those unsightly blemishes or scratches, apply it before sanding or priming your piece. If you’ve opted for new knobs, often they will fit right in the old holes, but many modern pulls are sized differently than the old hardware. Wood filler is also your best bet for starting over with new hardware. 

Step 3. Sand + Prime 

If your piece is in good condition, you can skip the sanding step and go straight to priming your piece. Bonding primers don’t require sanding, even if your piece is heavily varnished, but giving the furniture a good scuffing with a medium (80 grit) sanding wedge not only helps clean off any debris, but gives your primer a better surface to cling too. If you want a paint job that will last, using a good bonding primer is key. If you’re going to take the time and energy to paint a piece, take the time to prime it too. If using the spray version instead of a brush on formula, be sure to work in a well-ventilated area and dispose of your cans according to your local waste regulations. If using a brush, apply it with a foam roller and follow up with a brush. Once you’re primer is fully dry, sand away any drips or residue and wipe your piece down with a soft cloth. 

Step 4. Paint 

Invest in the best quality paint you can afford, you can use latex or enamel paint to refinish furniture. Never skimp with just one coat, two is always best for uniformity and even coverage, allowing 6 to 8 hours of drying time between coats. If painting by hand, a high-quality angled paint brush is also essential. However, with the BLACK+DECKER SmartSelect HVLP Sprayer, you can apply two thin coats of paint quickly and easily, and in a uniform manner. 

Step 5. Apply Final Protectant Coat 

You can choose anything from flat to semi gloss to refinish your furniture, but it is the final protectant you use that determines the ultimate sheen. You have your choice of several options, water based polycrylic protectant in satin or gloss, or for a hand rubbed matte finish, choose a clear furniture wax protectant (shown above). If you opt for furniture wax, apply several coats buffed to shine between applications. Do not use an oil based polyurethane on white or light paint, it will be amber or yellow over time. 

Step 6. Reattach Hardware 

Once the protectant is dry, you are free to reattach all the hardware and bring the piece inside your home! It may seem time-consuming and labor-intensive but with a little patience, you’ll achieve a perfectly painted piece with smooth, even coverage that will last for years to come!