Furniture Flip: Paint an old chest of drawers

The first step in the process is to remove the handle from each drawer and set them aside. If you choose to, you can attach new handles to the finished product instead of the old ones, so do keep that in mind.

Lightly sand all surfaces using a fine grit flexible sanding sponge. These have more flexibility than a sanding block, making them ideal for uneven surfaces – plus they’re washable, reusable and long-lasting. Wipe down with a lint-free cloth. We recommend Tech X Econo as they’re super absorbent so will pick up every last bit of dust. 

If you don’t have an electric sander, you can use sheets of sandpaper instead.

Next, sand the varnish off the top of the chest of drawers using an electric sander and 80 grit sanding disc. This coarse grit is perfect for removing the finish and smoothing imperfections in the wood. Then switch it out with a finer 180 grit sanding disc for a flawless finish. Wipe again thoroughly with your lint-free cloth.

Apply Resene Waterborne Sureseal to all the remaining varnished surfaces, including the inside of the drawers you want to paint (if they’re varnished). This is an adhesive primer that’s been designed for surfaces considered a little tricky to coat, so is absolutely ideal for old varnished furniture. 

Using a PAL Legend Oval 63mm Brush will make the job as easy as possible. These premium brushes are handcrafted and will ensure your finish is seamless. Plus, they work particularly well with waterborne enamel paints like the topcoat we’re using.

Once the sealer has thoroughly dried, decant Resene Enamel Undercoat into a tray (from the Resene #4 Roller and Tray Set). Use a paintbrush to apply the undercoat to the front of the drawers, then use the roller to cover the larger surface at the back.

Once the undercoat is dry, it’s time to apply Resene Lustacryl in your colour of choice. We’ve used Resene Turtle Green here, which is a deep and elegant bronze green. Apply with a roller for a smooth and even finish. Remove the drawers to ensure you cover every surface. Allow to dry before applying a second coat. 

Using a paintbrush, paint the drawer interiors in a contrasting colour and leave them to dry. We chose Resene Nirvana, a salty yellow-green that perfectly complements the exterior colour.

Apply Resene Colorwood natural wood stain to the top of the chest with your paintbrush. We chose the colour Resene Deep Oak, which is an antique wood brown. This step adds colour to the timber, while allowing the natural grain to show through. Wipe away any excess stain. 

Once the stain has dried, apply two coats of Resene Aquaclear to protect the surface and provide a professional-looking, satin finish. For a higher gloss finish, use Resene Aquaclear semi-gloss or gloss instead.

Measure the interior drawer surfaces that you want to apply wallpaper to and make a cardboard template. Lay the template onto the paper and trace around it with a pencil, then cut each piece to size with sharp scissors or a craft knife. We’ve used Resene Tropic Exotic Wallpaper Collection TP81204 for a fun touch of greenery. 

Use Shurstik Wallpaper Stick Down Adhesive to paste the wallpaper insert into the drawers. 

To finish, screw in the old handles or replace them with different ones for a full facelift. Ours are second-hand brass, but you can select whatever type you like.

Voila! Your revamped chest of drawers is ready to hold your clothes or other belongings.