Thrift Flip: $15 Dresser Paint Makeover

I spotted this solid-wood dresser at the thrift store for $15. It was scratched, orange-toned and had one sticky drawer, and I loved it. Here’s how I brought it back to life.

Supplies

• Chalk-style furniture paint (1 quart covers a standard dresser)
• A good synthetic brush and a small foam roller
• Degreaser (a little dish soap works)
• Wood filler and a sanding block
• Clear matte topcoat
• New knobs or pulls

Step-by-step

1. Clean it well. Scrub every surface with degreaser. Paint won’t stick to grime.
2. Fix damage. Fill gouges with wood filler, let it dry and sand smooth.
3. Scuff-sand glossy spots. Chalk-style paint usually doesn’t need primer, but a quick scuff helps with shiny finishes.
4. Paint in thin coats. Roll large flat surfaces and brush the details. Two thin coats beat one thick one.
5. Seal it. Two coats of clear matte topcoat protect the finish on high-use furniture.
6. Add new hardware. This is the magic step. Hardware is the jewelry of furniture!

Fix that sticky drawer

Rub a candle or bar of soap along the drawer runners. It works like a charm on old wood drawers.

Total cost: $15 dresser + about $45 in supplies = a piece that looks like it cost $600.