Omar Khalid
Painting a plastic dresser is a great way to upcycle old furniture and give it a new lease of life. Whether you're looking to cover up scratches or stains, or simply want to change the colour of your dresser to match your room's aesthetic, a fresh coat of paint can be a fun and creative project. It's important to prepare the surface of your dresser before painting, and there are a variety of primers and paints available to help you achieve a smooth and durable finish. In this article, we'll take you through the steps to paint a plastic dresser, from preparation to the final coat, and offer some tips and tricks to ensure a professional-looking result.
How to Paint a Plastic Dresser
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prepping | Clean the dresser with a mixture of furniture cleaner and hot water. Then, wipe the dresser with a lint-free rag. |
| Priming | Use a gripping primer like Dixie Belle's Slick Stick on any non-porous surface. Apply two coats, waiting an hour between coats. |
| Painting | Spray paint is recommended for plastic dressers with intricate details. Shake the can for a full minute, then spray in a back-and-forth motion about 12-18" from the dresser. Apply two coats and wait 24 hours before reassembling the drawers. |
| Sealing | For added protection, seal the dresser with a clear coat or a water-based top coat. |
| Sanding | Sand any rough or peeling spots. If the dresser is shiny and smooth, lightly sand the entire piece. |
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What You'll Learn
Prepping the dresser
Clean the Dresser:
First, clean the dresser thoroughly. Mix a furniture cleaner with hot water, using two tablespoons of cleaner per gallon of water. Use a lint-free rag to wipe down the entire dresser, including the drawers. This step will ensure that any dirt, grease, or grime is removed, providing a clean surface for the paint to adhere to.
Sand the Dresser:
Lightly sand the dresser to scuff up the previous finish and create a rough surface for the paint to grip onto. Use high-grit sandpaper to sand all the areas you plan to paint, such as the drawer fronts and any visible parts of the sides. If the dresser has a glossy finish, be sure to sand enough to remove the sheen, as this can affect the paint's adhesion. After sanding, wipe down the dresser again to remove any sanding dust.
Protect the Work Area:
Before you start painting, protect your work area by placing a floor covering, such as cardboard or a drop cloth, underneath the dresser. This will catch any paint drips or spills and protect your floor from damage.
Tape and Cardboard:
Use blue painter's tape to mask off any areas you don't want to paint, such as the inside front edges of the drawers. Additionally, place a piece of cardboard inside each drawer to catch any paint overspray and prevent paint from getting inside the drawers. You can prop up the cardboard with shims or scrap wood to ensure it doesn't stick to the plastic.
Primer:
Apply a plastic primer to the dresser, following the manufacturer's instructions. A gripping primer, such as Dixie Belle's Slick Stick, can be sprayed or hand-painted onto the plastic surface. Allow the primer to dry completely according to the recommended drying time, usually about an hour, before applying a second coat. Wait for at least 24 hours after the second coat of primer before proceeding to paint your dresser.
By following these steps, you'll ensure that your plastic dresser is properly prepped and ready for painting, setting the foundation for a smooth and durable finish.
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Using a primer
First, it is essential to choose the right type of primer. A gripping primer designed for non-porous surfaces, such as Dixie Belle's Slick Stick, is ideal for plastic dressers. This type of primer will help the paint stick to the plastic surface and create a long-lasting finish.
Before applying the primer, it is crucial to prepare the surface of the dresser. This includes cleaning the dresser thoroughly to remove any dirt, grease, or grime that could prevent the primer from adhering properly. A mixture of furniture cleaner and hot water applied with a lint-free rag is an effective way to clean the dresser. It is also important to sand the dresser lightly to scuff up the previous finish and create a smoother surface for the primer to adhere to.
Once the surface is prepared, you can start applying the primer. If using a spray primer, shake the can for a full minute before use. Hold the can about 12-18 inches away from the dresser and spray in wide, sweeping strokes to ensure even coverage. It is usually necessary to apply two coats of primer, allowing each coat to dry for about an hour before applying the second coat. After the second coat, wait for at least 24 hours before painting the dresser.
Some primers, such as Dixie Belle's Slick Stick, may require adding a small amount of water before application. Be sure to follow the directions on the primer's packaging for the best results.
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Painting techniques
Painting a plastic dresser is a great way to upcycle your furniture and give it a fresh look. Here are some painting techniques to help you achieve a smooth and durable finish:
Preparation:
Before you start painting, it's important to prepare your work area and the dresser itself. Find a well-ventilated area to work in, such as outdoors or in a garage. Place cardboard or a drop cloth under the dresser to protect your work surface and the floor. Remove any hardware, such as knobs or handles, and clean the dresser thoroughly. You can use a mixture of furniture cleaner and hot water, or a spray cleaner like Krud Kutter or Simple Green, and wipe it down with a lint-free cloth to ensure a clean, oil-free surface. If the dresser has a glossy finish, lightly sand it to scuff up the surface and remove any sheen, which will help the paint adhere better.
Priming:
Priming is an important step when painting plastic surfaces. It helps the paint adhere better and creates a smoother finish. Choose a gripping primer specifically made for non-porous surfaces, such as Dixie Belle's Slick Stick. Follow the directions on the product, but typically, you'll need to apply two coats of the primer, waiting about an hour between coats. After the second coat, wait about 24 hours before proceeding to paint.
Painting:
When choosing paint for your plastic dresser, avoid latex paint or spray paint, as these can peel and leave noticeable brush strokes. Instead, opt for chalk-based paint, which has excellent adhesion and durability. You can also use mineral paint, which provides a smooth, modern finish. Apply the paint with a high-quality synthetic brush or a small foam roller made for trim paint. Work in smooth, long strokes, being careful to avoid drips. Allow the paint to dry completely before considering a second coat.
Sealing:
Sealing your painted dresser is optional but recommended, especially if it will receive significant use. You can use a clear coat sealer or a water-based or polyurethane top coat to protect the paint and add durability. Follow the product instructions for application, and make sure everything is completely dry before reinstalling any hardware.
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Avoiding common mistakes
Painting plastic can be a tricky task, and there are many common mistakes to avoid when painting a plastic dresser. Here are some detailed tips to help you achieve a smooth and long-lasting finish:
- Avoid using latex paint or spray paint: Latex paint is not suitable for painting furniture as it will peel and not hold up well. It will also leave noticeable brush strokes, which can ruin the aesthetic of your dresser.
- Choose the right type of paint: Opt for paints specifically formulated for plastics, such as Krylon Fusion, Rust-Oleum Universal, or Rust-Oleum Painter's Touch 2X Ultra Cover. These paints are designed to adhere better to plastic surfaces.
- Prepare your work area: Set up your workspace in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling paint fumes. Place your dresser on a drop cloth, cardboard, or a large piece of cardboard to protect the surrounding surfaces from paint.
- Clean the surface: Before painting, thoroughly clean the plastic surface to remove any dirt, grease, or chalking. You can use a scrub brush, soapy water, or a wax and grease remover for this step. Ensure the dresser is completely dry before moving on to the next step.
- Sand the surface: Use fine-grit sandpaper to roughen the smooth plastic surface, creating a better base for the paint to adhere to. Pay extra attention to any rough or peeling spots. After sanding, remove the dust with a dry cloth and a wet rag with mineral spirits or isopropyl alcohol.
- Use a primer: Apply a plastic-specific primer or a gripping primer like Dixie Belle's Slick Stick. Follow the directions on the product and allow the primer to dry completely before painting.
- Avoid taping issues: If you plan to use painter's tape for a multi-colour design, invest in high-quality tape specifically for this purpose, such as blue painter's tape from Scotch or green "frog" tape. Ensure the paint is completely dry before removing the tape.
- Avoid overspray: Be cautious of overspray, as it can get on the parts you are not painting and cause unwanted paint drips. Work in a well-ventilated area, and prop up the dresser a bit to avoid paint sticking to the plastic.
- Allow adequate drying time: Give the paint enough time to dry and adhere properly. Follow the instructions on the paint can, and wait at least 24 hours before re-assembling the dresser or applying a second coat of paint if needed.
- Seal your work: Consider sealing your painted dresser with a clear coat, especially if it will be exposed to the elements. This will provide an added layer of protection and ensure the longevity of your paint job.
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Finishing touches
Once you have painted your plastic dresser, it's important to let it dry completely. Depending on the type of paint you used, you might need to wait up to 24 hours before reassembling the drawers. During this time, you can clean up any overspray or paint drips that may have occurred during the painting process.
After the paint has dried, you can start the process of sealing your dresser. Sealing is important, especially if your dresser will receive significant traffic. You can use a polyurethane or water-based topcoat for this step. Follow the directions on the product you choose, as each will have its own instructions.
If your dresser has hardware, such as drawer pulls or handles, you can update them while the paint dries. This can be done with a gold wax product, which can be wiped on with a paper towel and then rubbed off to remove any excess.
Finally, once the sealing and hardware are complete, you can reinstall the hardware and carefully use your dresser for at least a couple of weeks. This will allow the paint to fully cure and harden, resulting in a long-lasting and durable finish.
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Frequently asked questions
First, you need to clean the dresser. You can use a mixture of furniture cleaner and hot water, or a spray like Krud Kutter or Simple Green. Then, wipe the dresser with a lint-free cloth to ensure a clean, oil-free finish. Next, use blue tape to tape the inside front edge of the drawer. Place a piece of cardboard inside the drawer so that you don't get paint inside. Prop up the dresser with shims or scrap wood so that it doesn't stick to the plastic.
You should use a gripping primer that can be used on any non-porous surface, such as Dixie Belle's Slick Stick. You can spray or hand-paint the primer. If you spray, add a little water to the primer. Apply two coats of primer, waiting an hour between coats, and then wait 24 hours before painting. You can use a variety of paints, such as chalk-based paint, mineral paint, or spray paint.
Shake the can of paint for a full minute. Then, use wide sweeping strokes, spraying in a back-and-forth motion about 12-18" from the dresser. Don't get too close, or you will get drips. After finishing all the drawers and frames, wait a few minutes and then apply a second coat. Wait about 24 hours before reassembling the drawers.
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