How to flip a dresser from start to finish
How to Flip a Dresser From Start to Finish
We’ve all seen that sad dresser… the one that looks like it’s been through too many moves, has water rings from every cup of coffee in the 90s, and is covered in mystery stickers.
Here’s the thing — dressers are one of the BEST starter flips, and they sell fast. But let’s do this the right way.
Step 1: Cleaning
Grab a degreaser (Krud Kutter [link] or even this budget cleaner from Pop Shelf [link]). Spray down the entire piece — inside, outside, drawers, tracks, even the back. Years of dust and polish buildup will fight against your paint adhesion if you skip this.
Wipe everything clean. I’ve pulled entire colonies of Goldfish crackers out of drawers before, so yes, check everything!
Step 2: Repairs & Filling
This is where wood filler or Bondo spot putty [link] saves you. Any scratches, gouges, or old hardware holes? Fill them.
👉 Trick: If it’s hardware holes, I recommend using hard-drying filler [link] instead of putty — it sands smooth and stays strong.
Let it dry, then sand smooth. You’re basically giving this dresser a mini facelift.
If drawers wobble, add a little wood glue [link] and clamp it. You will never regret investing in a variety of clamps[link] — trust me, you’ll use them all the time.
Step 3: Sanding
Do a quick scuff sand with 150 grit sandpaper. You can use an orbital sander [link] or a sanding block by hand. Both work!
Remember: you’re not stripping it to bare wood, just giving the surface some “tooth” so primer for furniture [link] will grip.
💡 Pro tip: Always sand AFTER filling holes so everything blends. I also like to spray one quick coat of primer after sanding — it reveals hidden scratches or dings you missed, so you can patch them before painting.
Step 4: Priming
Here’s where I’ll shout it loud: SPRAY IT.
I use my paint sprayer [link] for primer because brushed-on primer = brush strokes that haunt you later. Spraying gives that flawless base coat.
Go light and even — two thin coats are better than one thick coat. Always overlap your passes by about 50%.
👉 If you’re new to spraying, practice on cardboard. If your spray comes out too thick/orange peel → thin your paint slightly (no more than 10%). If it’s too runny → you added too much water. Test first, save yourself the headache!
Step 5: Painting
Now the magic. Load your sprayer with your furniture paint [link].
Spray light, even passes. Don’t rush — 2–3 coats are perfect. Patience now keeps you from crying later over drips.
And if you do see drips? Don’t panic! I’ve got a whole tutorial on how to fix paint drips [internal link to your drip blog post].
Step 6: Sealing
If you’re using a high-quality enamel paint like Sherwin Williams Emerald Trim Urethane [link] or Gallery series, you can sometimes skip the topcoat.
But for most paints, especially on dressers, don’t skip sealing! I spray a water-based polycrylic topcoat [link] — it won’t yellow and you can choose your sheen (matte, satin, gloss).
👉 If brushing on, I actually love using a cheap kitchen sponge [link] cut in half to apply the topcoat in light, even strips. Super beginner-friendly.
💡 Darker pieces? Mix a touch of your paint color into the clear topcoat for a smoother, less streaky finish.
Step 7: Hardware
New hardware = instant upgrade.
This is where you can turn a $10 thrift store find into a $500 designer look. I’m obsessed with Amazon hardware finds[link] — they’re affordable and make a huge difference.
Or, if you’re on a budget, just grab some spray paint for hardware [link] and update the originals. Easy, fast, and cheap!
The Big Reveal & CTA
And that’s it — from thrift store find to showstopper dresser makeover, you’ve done the whole flip start to finish.
It’s really just about taking it step by step, and before you know it you’ve got a piece you can be proud of.
👉 If you’ve been thinking about trying your first furniture flip, this is your sign… grab that old dresser and get started!
💬 Drop a comment below and let me know what piece you’re tackling first, or ask me any questions.
📌 Save this post on Pinterest if you want to come back later.
🔗 And check out my full list of favorite furniture flipping tools & supplies [link] to make your DIY projects easier.
