Photo: Q&S Digital Studio

Dresser (after)

1. Remove the old hardware from the dresser.
2. Lightly sand the dresser's painted surfaces with medium-grit sandpaper. (You don't need to sand it down to the wood, just enough to roughen the surface so the primer will adhere.
3. Use a damp cloth to wipe away the dust, then let the furniture dry completely.
4. Paint the dresser with a coat of primer, making sure to apply it as evenly and smoothly as possible. Keep an eye out for drips as you work.
5. Let the primer dry according to the package directions before applying a second coat; let that coat dry thoroughly.
6. Apply the paint with smooth, even strokes. Let the paint dry. You may need a second coat, depending on the color you used. Again, follow the package directions for drying times between coats.
7. If your piece has inset panels or details, you can accentuate them by painting them a different color. (On this dresser, we opted for a darker shade of blue for the details.) Let the base color dry overnight, then mask off the detailed areas and apply the accent-color paint.
8. Again, let the paint dry overnight. Be very gentle when removing the tape. Touch up any spots as necessary.
9. Finish with new hardware.
10. Allow paint to set for at least two days before placing anything on top of the bureau.

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