When you spy that dresser at a garage sale for $20, don’t turn the other way. BUY IT. Why? Even if it has wear and minimal damage (and doesn’t stink), you can make it look like new. Yes, you can because I’m going to show you how easy it can be to paint furniture in 3 simple steps. My subject for today is this funky Mid Century Modern dresser that needs some lovin’. These things are built like a rock – structurally sound and have great bones.
When I’m ready to start a project and walk into to see the wonderful array of colors, it makes my heart beat faster. eep! You can even choose the type of finish you want from flat, to eggshell, to satin, to semi-gloss.
When choosing a color, look up the exact color online or use the in-store kiosk to see the color on a large wall or surface. You’ll get a better idea of the undertones and what the color will look like on a large piece.
My subject for today is this funky Mid-Century Modern dresser that needs some lovin’. These things are like a rock…structurally sound and have great bones.
Step 1: Prepare
When you are starting your project piece, it is super important to prepare it for paint. Look for any defects like scratches, knicks, or damage that needs to be filled in. The best fix for all of those defects is wood filler. Use a putty knife to fill in the spots and leave a bit raised as it will shrink when it dries. In most cases, the wear is minimal and it may be that you don’t need any.
Once the filler dries, it’s time to sand. You can use a piece of sandpaper or an orbital sander to smooth it down. This also works if you need to add “tooth” for glossy surfaces.
Step 2: Prime
Now, this step is completely optional when choosing to paint furniture. If you find that there are chemical stains or a red-toned wood stain (like cherry or mahogany) was used on the original piece, you will need this step. Especially if you are doing a light paint color. My dresser had burns and a red stain was used on it, so I used my favorite stain blocking primer, Kilz®. You can either roll it on or brush it, and most often only one coat is needed. For stubborn stains you may need to apply a second coat to that particular spot.
TIP: Save money by using a plastic grocery bag to line your pan. Just make sure to turn it inside out because if you use it on the inked side, it will bleed into your paint. This will save you time and money.
Step 3: Paint
Onto the fun part! Seriously, this is where you get to see all your hard work coming to life. For my project, I headed to the home improvement store to pick my color.I am ever entranced by all the selections there are, but the one that spoke to me the most was Bleached Linen by BEHR. You may wonder what made me choose my color…well, I wanted a soft neutral and linen is one of my favorite textiles. Isn’t this color gorgeous?
My typical tools include a paint brush and paint, but for these Mid-Century pieces I also like to use a micro-foam roller and pan. It makes the job faster and gives a super-smooth finish.
You will want to use your brush in nooks and crannies mostly, but feel free to brush the whole thing as I normally do too. When rolling, however, start on one end and work in the same direction. Get the paint on in as many batches as needed, then go back and lightly roll over to blend seams. If using two coats, just make sure to let each coat cure before applying the second coat (approx. 2 hours). I did not use a topcoat since I used an eggshell finish.
Last, but not least, consider the hardware. Replace it or take the existing and give it a new look. Since mine were custom for this piece and were not solid brass, I chose to refresh them with a shiny gold spray paint. Easy-peasy.
And you’re done!
Now this piece is refreshed and ready for many more years of delight. Isn’t the hardware fun?
Tips
- When choosing a sheen, the higher the sheen the better the durability. If you want durability with less sheen, use a topcoat of wax or poly. Though do know that I have yet to find a poly that won’t yellow over time. It’s best on darker colors.
- Use a magnet to tell if your hardware is worth saving. If non-magnetic, then it is brass (score!) and you could give it a good polish or enjoy the time-worn patina.
Additionally, do pin and share how to paint furniture in 3 easy steps. So many feel daunted by the task, and it really is easy!
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Also, more of my paint furniture tips and tutorials:
I love using Behr paints. It’s the only thing I use when it comes to painting up a piece of furniture, etc.
Just giving an old piece a new paint job makes all the difference in the world……..making the old look like new again. Your newly painted dresser is gorgeous. Love the looks of the old furniture pieces.
I sure could use that Home Depot gift card as I have a large dresser with making head and foot board to do along with a small 3 drawer dresser as well as a small end table. Always some sort of painting project going on.
Then again; I would also like to repaint my guest bathroom and give a whole new make-over.
Thank You for this wonderful giveaway opportunity
You and me both! They have done me well in home and furniture and you can’t beat the color selection. My pleasure to share!
Hmmmm….What would I like to start?…I could use some more tools to paint with,there never seems to be enough brushes..and then again I love the paint. I do have an old rocker for the grands that is in desperate need of paint,it sits outside on the deck right at the moment. That would be a great place to start:)
You sound like me, Melinda! 😀
My next building- painting project is to make shadow boxes and using large thrift store picture frames as hinged fronts. My son has many electric trains and we want to display them, but also don’t want them all dusty. I would love one of the sprayers to get into all those corners!
Ooh…that sounds like fun and a great idea!
I love the mid century look too and happened upon a desk at an antique store in a booth that was clearing out and everything was slashed. I grabbed it up and am looking forward to giving it new life! Thank you for the detailed instructions and tips…my accessories aren’t magnetic either (score!!).
Have a wonderful day, I always enjoy seeing your transformations!
Score!! I would love to see what you do with it, and thanks for the love.
A Home Depot gift card would be a great kickstarter. I have a stool that’s been in my family for almost 60 years. The top is cracked and has been drilled through. But with a wooden round and a fresh coat of paint, it will have a new life as a side table in our spare bedroom.
Gosh! I have soooo many projects that were put on hold “til after Christmas” and haven’t started yet! Great opportunity to get goin’ on with a gift card from Home Depot! Let’s see; master bedroom, dining room, rocker, stool, etc. Thanks for the chance to win!
I know the feeling. ugh. But…like my dad says, “The only way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time”. 😀
I have a couple of bedrooms and some pieces of furniture I would like to paint!
Sounds good to me!
Hi Larissa! Love ALL of your projects and they inspire me to tackle all of the “treasures” I have picked up at thrift stores and on the side of the road :0)! I must admit, a lot of these “treasures” are still waiting patiently for me to bring them some love. I would definitely use the Home Depot gift card to finally get started on the projects. I have dressers, chairs, 2 old sewing tables, shelves, a bench, a few tables, etc. all waiting to be picked! Knowing I had that $50 sure would be the jump start I needed to tackle these makeovers.
That sounds like a pan, Shannon! I know what it means to get those projects done and feel good.
I’m in the midst of restoring an old Hoosier cabinet. The tambour door was warped and off track. The cabinet doors were in the same condition. I’ve loved on and sanded this beaut. I have a paint color picked and am in need of some hinges and hardware to bring this piece back to life. I’m super excited to see the end result. Elbow grease and time sure do pay off!
Ooh…Hoosier cabinet envy! I would love to see it when you’re done.
I’m currently redoing my kitchen, and I have a table and chairs that need a paint makeover to get them out of the ’90’s!
eek! I have done the same and it feels so good. Here’s to DIY!
I would love to tackle a night stand I found at a garage sale the other weekend. I went ahead and bought it!
Score!! This will be perfect for that.
I would like to paint/update my 30 year old cane chairs. I just love them, but they could use a change.
Those kind of updates can make a huge impact. Fun!
I’m in the process of redoing a pedestal table that my mom left me. I want to paint it and finish wax it!
Wonderful! I’m sure you’ll rock it. 😀
I have a dresser add-on that is narrow shelves. I am wanting to make it a children’s grocery store front. This will be a piece in my grandbabies playroom. After that, anything is possible.
awww!! That will be wonderful!
Making centerpiece boxes with mason jars for my sons wedding. Lots of building and painting going on here!
Congrats to you all! What fun and memories you will have.
I’d love to tackle a sofa table that is in desperate need of an update. Scared to even start but you made it look easy enough.
You can DO IT! 😀
Hi Larissa, I have so many projects just waiting in line, but I believe I would start with my bedroom furniture. It was purchased new in the 80s and desperately needs a makeover!
Sounds like a plan!
I’d love to win! I NEED new floors, bad! I’ll be doing them myself. I love everything you do, Larissa!! Thank you for sharing it all with us!
That is one project that feels so good when done. Kudos to you and I hope you win! Wish I had a card for everyone.
WOW! Where to start?!?! Our farmhouse was built in 1888 so it is a constant labor of love and projects!! We are currently about 10% into a kitchen and bathroom redo….We have so much work to do it’s scary!!!
We are having cast iron tub refinished tomorrow then adding corrugated tin surround this weekend. I’m a DIYer but hubby not so much when it comes to woodwork so mostly it’s going to be me! We have most of the ingredients to start just not enough time! Between teaching art, working on my master’s, our side business and kids…house keeps getting put on back burner 🙁
If I won…..I’d buy wood to use in bathroom redo and for my pantry I’m building for our kitchen.
THANKS!!! and Fingers Crossed!!!
Ooh…sounds like work, but very worth it! We are in the same mix as weekend warriors. 🙂
So cool that you’re on the Behr website! Would love to go spend some time at Home Depot and find just the right paint for some projects. I have a couple of display cabinets that really need a makeover, but I really want to start on an antique chest I received in exchange for plants at a local plant swap. I know it will be gorgeous ! Thank you, Larissa!
Thanks, Patty! I love a good barter. People should make use of it more often. It’s win-win!
I have a very old family rocker that really needs a good painting. Now if I can just decide on a color. Thanks for all your great projects, I always learn something!
Sound like a perfect project. 😉
Well, I have 2 bookcases, a rolltop desk in 90’s orange oak that I want to liven up! I can use all the help I can get!
I know the feeling! 😀
I want to build a barn door to cover up my electrical box on the front of my house.
Perfect! I’d love to see that too.
I think I’ve mentioned my garage full of furniture projects…3 bays and can’t fit a single car inside! If I were to be the lucky winner of the Home Depot gift card, I could certainly put it to good use, buying much needed paints and supplies. I desperately need some new sanding blocks! I would also love a sprayer…I have at least 8 (maybe more) assorted chairs to paint! Thank you again, for all of your inspiration and tips!
You sound like me at one point. I can’t hold anymore than I have as it drives me nuts. ha!
Hi Larissa! I would put that gift card toward the purchase of a miter saw. I am going to be painting our kitchen cabinets and I would like to add some personality to them with some trim. We live in my parents home and the kitchen has never been remodeled. Doing it myself, I know would make my mother so proud. Love your website and your shop!!
I love my miter saw! It will do you good in so many ways.
Hi Larissa, I’ve been wanting to paint our bedroom furniture that we got when we were married, 38 years ago. Your tips and tutorials inspire me. I love Behr paint, it’s the best!❤
How refreshing that would be and fun that you are keeping it, but making it new. Yay!
Behr paint is all we use. My husband and I have had several projects as well as all the rooms in our home we have used Behr paint. We are doing a kitchen make over and just got the granite and back splash done. We will tackle the cabinets next and plan to do them with Behr paint in a black satin finish. I would love to win this gift card for the paint. Thanks for the great blog and giveaways you have. I’ve enjoyed folowing your blog and all your new projects.
I would do the dresser in my son’s room. He’s had the same dresser handed down from his brother who got it when he was born. It is need of a makeover and needs new handles to bring it into this century. I have never done a dresser before and think it would be a great challenge
It would be perfect, Donna. You can do it!
I would like to buy one of those awesome paint sprayers you talk about using. I have always been afraid to use one and not knowing which one worked good. But after reading your posts, I think I would be able to use it. I have some great chairs that need painted to go with a table I started. Thanks for your inspiration.
It is just a matter of squeezing a trigger! Seriously, you can do it and there are ample videos showing how.
I have some small occasional and end tables that need some Behr love!
Woot, woot! 😀
I have a dresser that was my father’s and suffered water damage. I think the solution is to paint the body of the dresser (which sustained the damage) and leave the top in its natural wood state. Thanks for the chance to win the gift card from Home Depot, but more importantly, thanks for all the inspiration you provide.
I love a good stain/paint mix! I know you know that already. 😉
I have a large campaign dresser that was my Ex’s. I need some Behr to paint away the memories and make it my own!!
Makes sense to me. 😀 Have fun!
We have built an addition (14’x26′ with a basement) consisting of a rustic “porch” and a new bathroom. We are now redoing the old bathroom into a powder room. I only use Behr paint. I have tried many and always come back to Behr. I have painted 2 small old drop leaf tables and am now refinishing a very old Library table.My head is always swimming with new projects to be done. I always re-purpose instead of buying new. Home Depot is my home away from home. LOL
Yours and mine both. Ha!
I have a “white” hutch that someone else redid. It needs some lovin care.
Time to get your DIY on! 😀
Thank you for all your inspiration and ideas. Your mid century dresser looks awesome, love, love, love your work. I recently acquired an antique headboard, footboard and dresser and would love to refinish it in a subtle pink and would love the opportunity of receiving a gift card, thank you.
My absolute pleasure, and thank you for the compliments. 🙂
In truth I don’t know what I would paint next. I just finished a dining table with 6 chairs so I need at least a day or two off to catch my breath 🙂 However, Craigslist is my friend so it shouldn’t take too long to come up with a new project!
Good for you! Taking a break is so worth it. For me it helps me keep the creative juices flowing.
I would like to redo my kitchen table. It is in dire need of a makeover! It’s a dark stained wood table with lots & lots of dings with a tile recessed in the middle to use as a trivet . I got it at Pier 1 years ago. It was a display table with a few scratches & I talked them down to $100 (the original price was $800 before they discontinued it).
Wow! You scored on that one! Plus, you get to have a fun makeover. Yay!
Hi, I would paint the outside entry to my house and buy a nice planter and plants. I would buy new front door hardware as well. I realized the other day that my entry is depressing and that’s not how I want to feel when I come home. 🙂
It can make such a huge difference in how we feel and our guests too. I totally understand. 🙂
I have a built in entertainment center that is plain akward. It has a giant space in the center to hold an enormous TV. Since I don’t have an enormous TV and don’t really care if I have one, I would love to paint the back wall of that empty hole with a nice accent color. I also have a great antique headboard and footboard (found in the dumpster) that need some love and attention. I prefer to use paints like Behr because they go on so smoothly.
Thanks for all of your posts and very helpful tips. I have learned a lot from you.
Ooo,I have the same dilema-my TV is not tall enough ,so there’s a huge gap above it.And ,of course,that’s where cords are showing. Drives me crazy. Hope you show Larissa (and us) what you come up with.
Will do! 😀
I have a sad looking mid century china cabinet that has been in my garage so looooong time it has become storage shelving while awaiting a makeover. Looks like an oily substance was spilled on it for an extended period of time. Will be a challenge!
Ugh… Time to break out the Kilz! I know you will rock it. 😀
I would use my winnings to paint my front door and my garage door. They are looking quite bedraggled at the moment. Great to hear you are on the Home Depot website!!
Thanks, Mary! I redid our garage door years ago. Best decision ever!
I would use the money towards a chopsaw to help with my projects.
Those are so handy!
Okay here’s what I would use the fifty buck on. I own a small motel and in one of my suites there is a dresser that is in need of a makeover, really bad. That’s what I would do. It would be perfect!
That sounds perfect!
I have an antique dresser that I want to make into a kitchen island. That would be a good start.
I love it when those pieces are used in the at way. Fun!
After being inspired by you and other bloggers to try my hand at painting furniture, I now have a double garage filled full of furniture pieces. My husband has begged me not to pick up any more trashures to bring home until I can get what is awaiting me finished. I have recently retired and now have the time but unfortunately do not have enough paint, a paint sprayer or any tools. This Home Depot gift card would be heaven sent to help me get many things I need to complete these projects. Thank you for the inspiration you are to so many of us and taking the time to show us how to do it and give the confidence that we too can turn trash to trashure!
ha! That is hilarious and awesome at the same time. You can do it and this prize will help!
I am finally getting my ouw sew room. I am sooooooooooooooooooo thrilled, but now I have a lot of old dressers and tables that need some loving! But I now have a room to put them in!
For real?? So very cool. My sewing area is in our family room. It works, but I’d rather it be out of sight. Yay for you!
I have used Behr paints and they are fantastic! Can’t beat the quality.
My next paint project will be the garage sale dresser waiting for me in my basement.
Love your blog. You always have creative ideas using thrifted stuff and I appreciate that. No cookie cutter things in your home.
I’m with you! They work for anything and offer so much variety. I’m all about my own home.
Have lots of projects always in the lineup but really want ro tackle a bathroom next! Thanks for your awesome ideas, tutorials and finished project pictures!
Those are so worth all the effort. The bathroom and kitchen are so crucial to our home. Good for you!
I’d love to win the gift card! I’d buy materials to make a wooden bath mat!
What a great idea!
I just bought a waterfall vanity that already has a good layer of paint so I’ll need to do A LOT of prep work before getting started. I imagine that is what most of the gift card would go toward. Once that is complete I can begin the beautiful transformation using your “Painted Lady” as inspiration. It was absolutely stunning and I pray that mine turns out half as beautiful! Thank you for all the tutorials and amazing ideas!
It will be gorgeous when you are finished. I can’t wait to see!
I love Behr paint. It’s always been my go-to paint. I’d use the $50 to buy new paint for my living room. It’s champagne gold for 8 years or so. I’m not sure what color I’d choose! I’ve added dark hardwood floors and a white fireplace mantle/surround since the living room was painted. It’s a big room (15’x18′) so it can handle a darker color–I just don’t know which one!!
Ooh…I love to start fresh! I’m with you, picking the right color takes time. It will be beautiful!
I will be painting my ugly hollow core doors white and adding some trim to make them visually interesting before we list our house for sale next month!
Kudos to you! I hope it sells quickly. Selling a home is my least favorite thing. 😀
I have a dresser from 1964 from my first bedroom suite. I want to paint it and make it into a bench for our den. Would love to win the gift card for this project.
What a treasure! I’m sure it could probably use some updating and this is perfect for that.
Thanks for the tutorial I’m just getting started with refinishing furniture and am eager to learn all I can to create quality pieces. I would use the gift card to buy supplies to complete our ongoing project of drywalling our ceilings.
Sounds like a plan!
I have a dresser at my mom’s cottage just waiting for me to paint it! Love your projects!
Yay! It’s always fun to make things new. 🙂
I have a mid century credenza and three bookcases that I have been eyeing as my spring time projects! I can’t wait for the warmer weather to get here so I can get started on them! I love your ideas – they inspire me so much!
I am so with you, Debra. I have spring fever!!
I have an old wooden corner cabinet that needs some TLC this spring.
Sounds perfect. My list is long for to-do’s too. Bring on spring!
Behr paint and other goodies from Home Depot would help me paint a collection of odd pieces that I have gathered to cover the feature wall of my kitchen. Going for the “mish-mash” look of items added over time.(think Cracker Barrel commercial.) BTW: Always love your stuff!
Love that style! Thanks for the encouragement, Sharon. I have fun!
It’s so hard to pick which project to start next, but I would have to say the cabinets in the kitchen. They so need to be freshened up, and given new life. I love, love, love Behr paint. It goes on so smoothly, and is so easy to work with.
One of my least favorite things to do…cabinets. But, it makes a HUGE difference when done, so very worth the work. You will rock it!
I’d use Home Depot gift card to buy supplies and paint to frame all of my builder grade bathroom mirrors
I love those kind of upgrades! Easy and so effective.
I have so many things that need painting & I do love Behr paint, would use the gift card for a paint sprayer, thans for the give away!!
Ooh…one of my favorite tools! You will LOVE it.
I’ve picked out the paint for the brick in the front of my house, as well as the shutters and door. Now I just need to buy a new door handle/lock, doorbell, light, and paint roller for brick. I would use the gift card towards that.
Wonderful! I really hope we can tackle our living room where our entry is this summer. Here’s hoping!
Hi Larissa- I would use the gift card for a paint sprayer. I’ve never had one and it would make so many of the refinishing jobs so much easier. It would be nice to have the paint go on without brush strokes. Thanks for the opportunity to win!
Oh yes, it would. It is a blast…literally! 😀
Love, love, love your MCM makeover! We just relocated to a new city, so I haven’t had time to paint anything for several months! I have a vintage vanity in the garage, begging for a Behr makeover.
Thanks! Ugh…are you going through withdrawal? 😉
I will also use my $50 Home Depot card to buy a spray painter. Oh the furniture I will paint!
That is definitely one of my top 10 favorite tools. You will love it!
I meant paint sprayer, ha!
I would love to transform my Coffee Bar so that it looks as awesome as the one you had on FB this week. Plus I need a bunch of new brushes!
That was a cute one and what a handy spot to have. How fun!
Larissa, that’s a great picture of you standing in the paint aisle looking at the swatches. I love Home Depot and if I won the gift card, I’d put it to good use buying paint and wood filler to redo an antique vanity that I have in my bedroom. It’s got quite a bit of wood damage so I plan to use wood filler on those areas. I’m planning to darken the good wood areas and paint around the sides and the drawers with a cream color. I think it will be beautiful!
Love me some paint and stain! It is my favorite way to finish furniture.
I have an old Duncan Fife dining table and 6 chairs that is just begging for a makeover!!
Love that style!
I too have a mid century modern piece, an old record cabinet. That will be my next project and a Home Depot card would come in handy.
Ooh…are you going to repurpose it? How fun!
I love to watch you re-purpose anything and everything! If I won, I would get a jump start on the light fixture I want to build! Or maybe more paint for my dining room. Or metallic paint for the kitchen back splash. Or ….. could I have 2 gift cards????? Hah!
aww…thank you, Shana! 🙂 Hahaha… I wish I had oodles to share with everyone.
I am new to furniture painting. I have a wonderful art deco buffet I just adore and want to either repair the drawer the veneer came off to match the rest or maybe paint it. I love wood though. I also want to redo our kitchen chairs or buy some to redo.
Sounds good! I am a wood lover too and that’s what I have mostly in my home. Sometimes though, the only save is paint. 😉
I would get paint to redo an old vanity table for my granddaughter. She’s the apple of my eye, but she shares this distinction with her 2 brothers. I can’t play favorites!
hee hee hee! So cute. Yes, grandkids are treasures that I can’t wait to have one day.
I have a hall table that I’d like to paint and perhaps change out the hardware, and add some baskets to the bottom for storage (hide all of our shoes).
Sounds like a plan!
I have a small French Provincial desk with a hutch that has been sitting in my garage for a year. I bought it for $20 and I think it will be stunning if I just get started in it. I’ve been procrastinating.
I know the feeling, Natalie. For me, there aren’t enough hours in the day to get all I want done. I try though! 😀
I want to make a few pallet signs with quotes for different rooms in the house and paint a bookshelf for a little reading area.
Wonderful!
Keeping my fingers crossed!!!! Needing wood to redo bathroom!!!
THANKS!!!
That’s a great DIY!
I have 2 dressers my Dad made me in the Seventies that are antique green-ugh! I would love to win the gift card and redo them to use as a buffet in my dining room.
What a treasure you have. I’m sure they’d be wonderful redone.
I always enjoy your projects! If I won the gift card, I’d put it towards a kitchen cabinet to add to our new to us house.Our home is a blank canvas & we look forward to the special touches that will make this new house ours :0)
Blessings, Jenny
Love a blank canvas! 🙂
I have a dresser I want to tackle next. I was wondering which paint finish you usually refer to use on furniture?
It depends on the piece. I use all finished from flat to semi-gloss to get the desired effect. I typically only use a box store acrylic, so no need for chalk paint. I hope that helps!
I have a 50’s dresser and chest of drawers I need to tackle. It was my mom’s and dad’s. I have always been a little hestitant to start but since following you, I have confidence that if I follow your directions, I can do it. Thank you so much for that. So I would use that gift card for some paint! Blessings.
I have a LOT of painting to do! We bought this house a year ago and the wall colors are maroon, brown, sage and gold. Needs some serious updating! 🙂
Have a bedroom floor that really needs some love.
I have a dresser that I want to redo. It’s from my childhood and now stores the linens at the family cottage. I’ve been redoing the kids bunk room on a shoestring budget, and I’ve been repurposing everything I can find! That gift certificate would be a blessing!