How to Refinish a Dresser

A dresser is one of the most versatile pieces of furniture to refinish. Whether you want to restore the natural wood grain or give it a fresh coat of chalk paint for a modern farmhouse look, refinishing a dresser is a weekend project that delivers big results. Here's how to do it.

What You'll Need

• Chemical stripper: Citristrip Paint & Varnish Stripping Gel
• Sandpaper: Atosun 45PCS Sandpaper Set (120–5000 grit)
• Orbital sander: DEWALT 20V MAX Orbital Sander
• Tack cloth: Dura-Gold Pure Gold Tack Cloth, 12-Pack
• Chalk paint brushes: Chalk Paint Brushes 5-Piece Set
• All-in-one paint: Heirloom Traditions ALL-IN-ONE Paint, Iron Gate
• Painter's tape: ScotchBlue Original Painter's Tape
• Wood stain (if going natural): Minwax Wood Finish, Dark Walnut
• Topcoat: General Finishes High Performance Water Based Topcoat, Satin
• Drop cloth: GREEN LIFESTYLE Canvas Drop Cloth, 4x12

Step 1: Remove Drawers and Hardware

Pull out all the drawers and remove all hardware (knobs, pulls, hinges). Label each drawer so you know where it goes back. This gives you full access to every surface and makes the job much easier.

Step 2: Clean Everything

Wipe down the dresser frame and all drawer fronts with a damp cloth, then a degreaser if needed. Old dressers often have built-up wax or polish that will prevent new finishes from adhering properly.

Step 3: Strip the Old Finish (If Staining)

If you plan to stain the dresser to show the natural wood, apply Citristrip and let it work for 30–60 minutes. Scrape off the old finish and clean with mineral spirits. If you're painting, you may be able to skip this step — just sand lightly for adhesion.

Step 4: Sand

For staining: sand progressively from 80 to 220-grit using the DEWALT orbital sander on flat surfaces and sandpaper by hand on edges and details.
For painting: a light scuff with 120-grit is usually sufficient to help paint adhere.

Step 5: Wipe with Tack Cloth

Remove all dust with a tack cloth before applying any finish. Don't skip this step.

Step 6A: Paint the Dresser

For a painted finish, use Heirloom Traditions ALL-IN-ONE Paint — it has built-in primer and topcoat, so no extra steps needed. Apply with a chalk paint brush using long, even strokes. Apply 2 coats, allowing full drying time between coats. Use painter's tape to protect any areas you don't want painted.

Step 6B: Stain the Dresser

For a natural wood finish, apply Minwax Dark Walnut stain with a staining pad, let it penetrate, then wipe off the excess. Follow with 2–3 coats of General Finishes Topcoat.

Step 7: Reassemble

Once fully dry and cured, replace the hardware (or upgrade to new knobs for a fresh look), slide the drawers back in, and your dresser is ready to use.

Pro Tips

• Paint the drawer fronts separately for a cleaner finish.
• New hardware can completely change the look of a dresser — consider upgrading while you have it apart.
• For a two-tone look, paint the body one color and stain the top.
• Wax or topcoat is essential for painted dressers to protect against daily wear.