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 that I found online (recipe to come soon!). Over time, our style evolves—and that’s perfectly normal. The teal no longer complemented my current décor, and I knew it was time for a refresh.

I’m not the best at capturing photos during the transformation process. I don’t have a lot of in-progress pictures for this makeover, but I can walk you through the steps I took:

Step 1: Removing the Chalk Paint
I started by applying a generous coat of paint remover to all painted areas. Once the majority of the paint had lifted, I carefully wiped away the residue. I then 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. 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

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.