The Ultimate Children's Dresser Makeover: From Worn to Wow!
Sometimes just keeping it simple works best
Materials and Tools Used in this Project
SurfPrep 3”x4” Electric Ray Sander
Dewalt Orbital Sander
Krud Kutter
Graco TrueCoat 360 Variable Speed Sprayer
Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel - Site White
Sherwin-Williams Extreme Bond Primer
Minwax Polycrylic Satin
Vevor Spray Tent
Assessing the Project
This dresser, made by a company called Pali, was in relatively good shape but had some minor wear and tear. Since the goal was a quick, elegant refresh, the plan was to paint it white, keeping the original wooden knobs and painting them to match.
The Most Important Step—Cleaning
Cleaning is a crucial step in any furniture makeover. It removes dirt, grime, and unseen buildup that can interfere with adhesion. For this project, Krud Kutter was the cleaner of choice—proven to cut through years of buildup effectively. The knobs were left in place initially for easier cleaning and then removed after the deep clean.
Numbering and Organizing Drawers
One of the most common mistakes in dresser refinishing is removing drawers without labeling them. Since drawers can subtly shift over time, it's essential to number them to ensure a perfect fit after reassembly. Numbering left to right or top to bottom works—as long as it's consistent.
Prepping for Paint
To achieve a smooth, professional finish, proper sanding is a must. A surf prep sander with a 220-grit sanding pad was used for scuff sanding the entire dresser, ensuring the paint would adhere properly.
The drawer fronts were also removed to allow easier access to the edges, making for a cleaner, more polished look. Additionally, DAP wood filler was used to repair dents, dings, and imperfections on both the dresser body and the legs, which had suffered significant wear over time.
Priming for Durability
Once the sanding and repairs were complete, it was time to apply Sherwin-Williams Extreme Bond Primer. I had sprayed the first coat and after I had put my sprayer away, I found some issues on the top and decided to roll the paint on to fix the issues rather than breaking out the sprayer since it was such a small surface.
Pro Tip: Always sand lightly between coats to remove any dust or texture buildup. Using a fine-grit sanding pad on the lowest setting helps achieve a flawless finish. I am using my Surfprep on a low speed to sand between coats.
Painting the Dresser
For the final color, Sherwin-Williams Urethane Trim Enamel in Site White was chosen. This paint is durable, self-leveling, and perfect for furniture projects.
The dresser received two coats of paint, followed by three coats of satin polyurethane for added protection. The sprayer I used was a Graco TrueCoat 360 Variable Speed Sprayer.
Finishing Touches—Liners & Knobs
To complete the makeover, peel-and-stick drawer liners were added to give the interior a clean, fresh feel. When applying liners, I like to cut them slightly larger than the drawer size and trim them once placed to ensure a precise fit.
Finally, the original wooden knobs were painted to match, maintaining the dresser’s simple charm while giving it a modern refresh.
The Final Reveal & The Happy Ending
The transformation was stunning! The dresser now looked crisp, clean, and ready for its new home. And the best part? It sold within 24 hours to a couple expecting their first baby—turning this refinished piece into their little girl's very first dresser.
This project is a perfect example of how a little effort, attention to detail, and the right products can breathe new life into an old piece. Whether you're flipping furniture or creating a custom piece for your home, these steps will help you achieve a professional-quality makeover every time.
Want More Furniture Makeover Inspiration?
Follow along for more transformations, tips, and refinishing tricks to bring old furniture back to life! You can also subscribe to my YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@Doug.TheNextSeason.