Painting wood furniture is not the time-consuming, difficult process it used to be. The improvement in paint formulas has made the job of painting furniture a breeze. This paint project is very basic, with no special techniques. Perfect for the beginning painter.
We had to do a few repairs to the chest before getting to the easy part....painting. We bought this chest at auction for $17.50. We found a board in the wood stash to replace the missing bottom piece.
It was a simple process to cut the board and nail it to the chest of drawers.
Once the chest is painted, you will never know the board is a replacement piece.
The drawers were beat up too. One drawer edge was eaten away…..or something.
We built up the damaged edge of the drawer with wood filler, going through the process a couple of times, sanding the filler until it was smooth each time.
There was red permanent maker on the drawer fronts and someone named “Brooklyn” had etched her name in several places on the drawers.
A quick sanding took care of the marker and the etching.
One of the steps in prepping furniture includes covering the hardware screw holes with painter's tape on the inside of the drawers. I hate for paint to seep into the drawers and it will if you don’t tape those holes off. That’s your paint tip for the day…..you’re welcome.
Finally, to the painting! I used Beyond Paint in Pewter for the makeover. Beyond Paint is a primer, paint, and sealer all in one. I’ve used this product since it was first manufactured in 2011.
To give the chest a more updated look I decided on a combination of the original hardware and some new round wood knobs. I first painted the hardware and knobs a soft gray. When I put the hardware on the chest, I didn't like it. I removed the hardware and knobs once again and spray painted them with Krylon Modern White. Sometimes you just have to do the extra work.
And that was it. This is a basic painted furniture makeover. Paint for the chest and spray paint for the hardware. No distressing, aging, priming, sealing, etc. Just paint.
So, have you tried painting furniture? It’s really easy and the results are amazing. The furniture piece will look entirely different. Leave me a note and I’ll see you next week. Have a great weekend and thanks for being here, Kathy
Author: Kathy Owen (Petticoat Junktion)
Kathy is the founder of PetticoatJunktion.com, a home décor blog focused on repurposing and upcycling furniture, old hardware, rusty stuff, and thrifty finds into unique home décor. Kathy’s projects have been featured on the Home Depot Blog, Plaid Crafts, Behr Designer Series, and in numerous magazines. Read more about Kathy here.
Tiffany
Hi Kathy, I am about to paint a dresser for my nieces nursery, we have decided on this color, my question is how much paint do I need? Or I should say how much should I buy? I was looking at dark pewter from Behr and I would need primer and a coating of wax after, will I need to wax this? I see primer is included, yay!! Lol Thank you.
Kathy Owen
Buy Behr Ultra paint and primer in one or either Behr Scuff Defense paint. You shouldn't need to prime or wax. One quart should do the trick.
Regena
That's what I haze been looking for my pieces!
Thank you Kathy
Awsome!
Barbara
Kathy, never having used Beyond paint, would you recommend using it to repaint a bathroom vanity? I'm wondering how well it would hold up with moisture, etc. Thanks for your response.
Kathy Owen
I do recommend it for cabinets Barbara. I have several friends who have used Beyond Paint on their cabinets. Check out the Beyond Paint website.
Patty Soriano
A very pretty shade of gray. I don't really understand taping the holes on the inside of the drawer. The paint can still go into the holes from the outside. What am I missing ?
Marsha L
That just prevents the paint from dripping down inside the drawer.
Kathy Owen
Hi Patty, The tape prevents the paint from seeping into the drawers. I always pull the drawers out and set the drawer front up to paint.
Rebecca
It is STUNNING! I love the gray and white!
Kathy Owen
Thank you Rebecca!
Dawnn
It's beautiful!! I love it.
Kathy Owen
Thanks Dawnn!
Debra Wise
Just lovely. Never thought about taping the drawer pull holes. Thanks for the tip.
Kathy Owen
You're welcome!
Shay
Beau...to...ful....great job...
Kathy Owen
Thank you!
Sandra Bollendorf
Kathy,
That really turned out so cute. The gray tone with the white pulls and knows is quite striking!
Take care kiddo!
Kathy Owen
Thanks, I love gray and white together.
Cathy
Just love that color combo - great job! And yes, I paint wood furniture all the time. I also have refinished wood furniture too. I'll have to try the brand of paint you mention in the blog. That would save SO many steps in the process. Have a wonderful day!!!
Kathy Owen
Yes, the paint is a time saver for sure.
EFFIE CARROLL
Do you order most of your paint online and if so who do you order it from? The dresser looks great. Thanks for the tip about taping the inside of drawers.
Linda Bardi
HSN sells it...colors are wonderful
Kathy Owen
The Beyond Paint is carried at a local store so I buy it there. I also use latex and other paints. I very seldom order paint online but I know a lot of people don't have the paints readily available. The Beyond Paint is sold on Amazon and HSN online. Thnaks!
Linda
Love this piece...just received my Beyond Paint shipment in pewter and soft gray (Woo Hoo and hand rubbing). Can't wait
Kathy Owen
WooHoo, can't wait to see your project.
Stephanie Mudd Carrico
Looks great. I have painted a few pieces (my DH does not approve), sometimes it is the only way to save a piece. We try to keep a lot of projects original but some are so far gone a little paint is the best fix.
Kathy Owen
I do love to paint but some pieces are too lovely to paint.
Barb
That is beautiful, Kathy! I love the contrast of the white knobs/pulls against the darker gray paint. You did a great job fixing this dresser up - and all the prep work beforehand paid off. Lovely.
Kathy Owen
Thank you Barb. Unfortunately prep is a must.
Nancy
Gray and white are some of my favorites right now. This piece turned out lovely. I love reading your blog and seeing the restorations you and your husband do.
Kathy Owen
ah, thanks Nancy. We love doing it....most days.
Christiane
Wow, looks great !
Kathy Owen
Thanks Christiane.
Susan Maclean
V. Impressed by that one, Kathy - it looks so good! I paint furniture myself, but not to sell, just to change something around the house - but I do love the difference it makes. Thanks for the tip about taping the holes.
Kathy Owen
You're welcome Susan.