Does anyone have any advise on refinishing a dresser

Question

I want to paint a dresser white, my last attempt turned out kind of powdery(not very smooth, used spray pain) does anyone know of a good paint/primer to use? sanding advise?

Answer 1

I regulary refinish wood furniture and i start with Formby's Paint remover( be careful not to get it on you make sure you wear gloves) you will need to take a cheap paintbrush and slop it on thick then take a plastic putty knife and scrape away finish after it has blistered, then i take a steel wool pad and get rid of any excess finish, now you can start sanding start with 120 grit then go back over with a 220 grit then you will be ready to paint I like min wax wood stain it comes in all kinds of colors ( i am currently using Antique Jade) and it turned out gorgeous! After 2 coats of paint apply a polyurethane finish and Voila!!!

Answer 2

I don't think priming will be necessary, since you're painting it white.  Primer is meant to cover up dark things, or to keep old colors from bleeding through to new paint.  (At least that's what I always thought)

I would start by removing the old paint with a stripper, or sanding it down to a smooth finish.  The thing with the old paint is, you have to first rough it up, or new paint won't stick.  So start sanding with 120 grit and keep it up until you have knocked all of the shine off of the paint.  Then go back with a finer, 220 grit and smooth down any rough spots.  Always go back over the furniture with a damp cloth afterwards (several times if necessary) to remove any loose paint or sanding dust.  This is where  you would fill in any knicks or scratches with wood filler.  Apply the putty using a plastic putty knife, pushing it down into the spot, and then smoothing over in a straight line.  Once the putty has dried the recommended amount of time, you need to go over it with the fine sand paper and clean with a damp rag again.  Once everything is completely dry again, you're ready to paint.

I suggest using enamel paint.  It can be a little difficult to work with, but you will get a good, hard finish afterwards.  Very important: Buy a good paint brush.  Something with natural bristles is best.  You will not get a smooth finish with nylon bristles.  Apply the paint (after you have stirred it very well) in the same direction as the grain of the wood.  You do not need too much paint on your brush.  Basically, if it's dripping, you're using too much paint.  Go in the same direction, either up and down or sideways on each section of wood  you're painting.  Let it dry completely before applying a second coat! Be wary of fans blowing onto your project while painting (for drying it's fine) because they may make your paint dry too fast and end up leaving you with "seams".  Good luck!  BTW, it should say on your paint, but even though it will feel dry, enamel paint does not completely harden for quite awhile after being put on...so in the first couple of weeks, be wary of scratches and knicks.  It's best not to set anything down on the dresser, or use it if you don't have to.

Answer 3

Scuff sand the entire dresser with 120 grit paper.  Tack cloth the dust off.

Prime with a good, sticky primer like Bull's Eye 1-2-3(Zinsser) or Gripper (ICI).  Use a foam roller or short nap roller (3/16") for a smooth finish.  Top coat with a semi-gloss, using same type of roller.