DIY Dresser Makeover

Years ago, I was gifted this dresser, and it became my very first furniture makeover. I was incredibly proud of the bold teal color paired with a rich dark stain. I even created my own chalk paint using a DIY recipe (which you can find here). But over time, tastes evolve—and that’s perfectly normal. The teal no longer complemented my current décor, and I knew it was time for a refresh.

Admittedly, I’m not the best at capturing photos during the transformation process, but I can walk you through the steps I took:

Step 1: Removing the Chalk Paint
I started by applying a generous coat of Citristrip paint remover to all painted areas. Once the majority of the paint had lifted, I carefully wiped away the residue and cleaned the surface thoroughly, making sure to follow all manufacturer guidelines for safe use and cleanup.

Step 2: Sanding
After the surface was clean and dry, I used an orbital sander to smooth everything down. While not every inch came out perfect, I aimed for an even, clean finish overall.

Step 3: Refinishing
I painted the dresser body in a crisp white (2 coats) and refreshed the wood drawers and top using Restore-A-Finish in the color Cherry. It brought the dulled sanded down wood back to life.

In the end, this turned out to be a quick weekend project that exceeded my expectations—and a great reminder that a little change can breathe new life into an old favorite.

I hope this inspires you to grab a paintbrush, a little creativity, and give new life to something that’s been waiting for its second chance.

Disclosure / Disclaimer

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through my links. All opinions and projects are my own — shared to inspire your next DIY creation!

All opinions, tutorials, and projects are completely my own and shared to inspire creativity within your home.
Always follow proper safety precautions when using tools, paints, or finishes.