Do you have a DIY bucket list? Finding a vintage dresser with mid-century details has been on my list for years, and finally, the perfect project came along!

It started when I was browsing NextDoor and came across a dark and blurry picture of this little dresser that was being given away for free. I took a chance and quickly claimed it. I knew there was a chance that this was laminate, so I did a bunch of reading on research on how to paint this smooth plastic finish.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• High quality paint brush
• 4” foam paint roller set or try out this amazing painting pad I found – it paints quickly and gives a great smooth finish!
• Rags
• gloves
• TSP or other deglossing solution
• Sandpaper – medium and fine grit
• Bonding primer designed for slick surfaces
• Latex paint – mine is a semi-gloss in Benjamin Moore 1623 Britannia Blue, which is a deep blue-grey
• Clear polyurethane sealer
• As needed, new hardware or metallic spray paint for your old hardware 
• If you need new holes for your hardware, some filler material for the old holes
• For the “dipped” legs, painters tape, paper, and metallic paint

Here’s how to do it:

• Clean off dirt and dust
• Remove hardware
• If you are changing hardware, fill in the old holes and drill the new ones
• Sand the laminate surface lightly with medium grit sandpaper. Don’t sand too aggressively, because you don’t want to damage the laminate or make it peel
• Wipe with surface with deglosser such as Gloss-off or TSP
• Apply the primer using a brush for small corners or details, followed by the roller or paint pad for as smooth a finish as possible. I did two coats of primer and let it dry thoroughly overnight
• Sand lightly with 400 grit sandpaper and wipe off dust with a rag
• Paint several coats of latex paint using your brush and roller or painting pad and let dry thoroughly 
• To create the dipped legs, use masking tape to define your dipped area and paper to protect the surrounding areas from overspray
• Once all the paint is dry, coat with sealer to protect the finish

I found my new brushed brass hardware on Etsy – I chose hexagon knobs that complement the curved detail on the upper drawers and simple pulls for the lower drawers. The dresser was free, and I spent about $80 on hardware and painting supplies. Not bad for a finished product that makes me swoon!

Also, my husband noticed that the hardware looks like little faces, so now I always feel like my dresser is smiling at me 🙂

In truth, it is a bit under-sized for this space, so stay tuned for the reveal of my next dresser makeover project (yes, I am addicted!)

As the saying goes these days, stay safe and well!

Julie aka “Jewels”