How to Flip an Old Dresser into a Bold, Custom Statement Piece

To get started, find a solid wood piece. Solid wood offers better quality and holds up better to sanding and paint. For this project, Mailey used a dresser.

Before anything else, clean and prep your dresser. Remove all hardware, pull out the drawers, wipe down both the inside and outside and inspect for damage.

To further prepare your piece, sand it down. Sanding can be the most time-consuming step, but it's crucial for a great finish. Start with 80-grit to remove the old finish quickly and move up to 220-grit for a smoother surface.

Now it’s time for the fun part — the paint design! Using FrogTape^® Delicate Surface Painter's Tape, create stripes on the furniture. This painter's tape is made for use on freshly painted surfaces and delicate finishes. For perfect stripes, use pieces of tape as spacers between each stripe, use a level to keep everything straight and press the tape down firmly using a smoothing tool or card to seal the edges.

Before painting, apply a shellac-based primer. It helps paint adhere better and creates a durable finish that resists scratches and stains. Then paint with a color of your choice using a foam roller for a brush-free finish. Mailey used 4 coats of paint for full coverage since she was working with an enamel paint.

While the last coat is still wet, carefully peel back the painter's tape to reveal crisp, clean lines.

For this optional step, you can paint the top of the dresser and the drawers. To protect the freshly painted stripes below, use the delicate surface painter's tape to create a barrier.

To finish up the piece, Mailey added a glossy topcoat for more protection. A glossy topcoat will make details and colors pop more, along with making it easier to clean. Once the topcoat is dry, add hardware of your choosing. Now, you have officially created your own unique piece of furniture!