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DIY Painted Dresser With Gel Stained Drawers

Easily makeover pieces of furniture with DIY chalk paint and gel stain.
Print Tutorial
midcentury modern dresser with dark brown drawers and light outside with lamp and artwork on top.

Equipment

  • Paintbrush
  • Rag
  • Gloves

Supplies

  • Gel Stain: We used Minwax Red Elm
  • Deglosser
  • DIY Chalk Paint latex paint + Plaster or Paris or Store Bought Chalk Paint
  • Wipe-On Poly waterbased so that it does not yellow
  • Furniture Glaze optional
  • Foam Brush or Lint Free T-Shirt

Instructions

Prep the Dresser

  • Clean with deglosser.
  • Fill imperfections with wood filler.
  • Sand and wipe the dresser.

Make DIY Chalk Paint

  • Mix 1/3 cup plaster with 1/3 cup water.
  • Add 1 cup latex eggshell, flat, or satin paint.
  • Coat the dresser's body with 2-3 layers.

Apply Gel Stain to Drawers

  • Degloss and lightly scuff up drawers with 220 sandpaper.
  • Use foam brush or lint-free t-shirt for even strokes.
  • Remove excess stain, let dry, and repeat for 2-3 coats.

Seal Chalk Paint

  • Once dry, use wipe-on poly, polyacrylic, or furniture wax.
  • Reattach clean brass hardware.

Notes

  • Label drawers before removal.
  • Use a lint-free t-shirt for gel stain application.
  • Wait 24 hours between gel stain coats.
  • No need to seal the gel stain, but add polyacrylic for high-traffic areas.
  • Minimal wiping for gel stain application.
Author: Erin Nutter
Cost: under $20