Advice on painting fake wood dressers?
I’ve had these dressers since I was a kid. They are the kind from Sears that are particle board (I think) with that “fake wood” sort of finish on top. It sort of looks like this. I want to paint them a very dark chocolate brown and add some stainless steel knobs. Currently the dressers are an ugly dark blue with beige tops and knobs.
I went to Home Depot and asked what paint I should use. I was given BEHR Deep Base, 100% Acrylic Latex in “Interior Eggshell Enamel”. Then they tinted it for me in the colour I picked. I also bought a 4” foam roller, masking tape, and those sticks to stir paint. I already know I have to sandpaper. However, do I need a primer? They didn’t say I did so I don’t think so. Should I do it outside? I’m worried because I have heard that this type of thin layer of fake wood can react badly to wet paint (bubbling and stretching). As long as I sandpaper thoroughly will it be okay? Do I need to use some sort of paint thinner on it before I sand it? What should I use to clean it before sandpapering? Any other tips and warnings would be appreciated. I am not knowledgeable in this field whatsoever.
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6 Answers
No sanding, no primer. Just wipe it clean with a damp paper towel first. I painted a similar dresser using the cheap paint from Walmart. I got nice handles from Home Depot, and when people come over, they say “that’s a piece of furniture that I like.” I tell them honestly, it used to be one of those teen furniture white pieces of crap. It’s now a cranberry color with brushed brass looking handles, kind of colonial looking. Keep the project simple.
The good thing about painting a piece of crap furniture is that if you screw it it’s not that valuable. Still, it should come out fine, and if you don’t like the color or whatever, you can just re-do it. Post an update as to how it turns out.
JCA
The Update Lady
Unless you got the Behr Ultra Premium Plus, I’d prime first. Primer helps the paint stick to materials, and I don’t know how well it’d stick to a veneer on top of particle board, particularly if it’s some sort of plastic.
@incendiary dan Well I’m sanding the veneer off first, so I don’t see why I would need a primer.
I have another question. After sanding how do I clean off the wood before painting?
I am at a loss as to why you would sand off the veneer. It’s possible that under that is a particle board, which would look and feel like crap.
After sanding, use a damp rag or paper towel to clean the wood. If the item is then damp, let it dry before painting.
@jca I sanded off the veneer because the paint can peel off of it, and will not stick as well as it does to the particle board. I sanded it off, vacuumed off the sawdust, and then wiped it down. After it was dry I painted it with a roller (2 coats). It worked very well and looks as smooth as before. On the sides of the drawers themselves (not the dresser) I didn’t bother sanding because it is a small, hidden area. I noticed a glop of wet paint on one and tried to crush it. The paint peeled off, thank god it was only the first coat.
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