How to Give an Old Sideboard a Modern Makeover

Dress up an old dresser with this fun modern look. If you have an old dresser or can find it at a thrift store, this simple painting technique is an easy way to give it a bold new purpose. The design is up to you. Choose to show more wood and less paint or vice versa. By painting the dresser, you can be sure that you get exactly what you want and that it coordinates perfectly with the overall look of your space.

Sam Henderson

Tools and materials

old sideboard
screwdriver
sandpaper
sander
1" and 1-1/2" masking tape
Cutter

spray paint
varnish
small brush
fine gauge steel wool
drawer pull, if desired

Step 1:remove hardware

Sam Henderson

Start by removing the drawer pulls and hardware. If you're replacing hardware, take the old parts to the store so you can match the size.

Step 2:Remove the old finish

Sam Henderson

Sand the dresser completely with a sander to remove any existing paint. Use sandpaper or a sanding block to remove paint from detailed areas.

Step 3:Create Ribbon Design

Sam Henderson

Apply masking tape from the back of the top, across the top and down the front in a slight curve. To vary the width of the lines, make some of the masks with 1" duct tape and others with 1-1/2" duct tape. Cross some of the pieces of tape over each other to create triangular spaces between them. Fill in the gaps at the bottom with more tape.

Step 4:Cut the gaps for the sideboard

Sam Henderson

Use a utility knife or utility knife to cut the tape in the gaps around the drawers.

Step 5:Add tape to the edges of the drawer

Sam Henderson

Remove the drawers and place small pieces of tape on the cutouts to continue the pattern around the edges of the drawers. Repeat the process for the entire dresser. Press all of the tape firmly into the drawers and dresser to get a good seal on the edges of the tape.

Step 6:Paint

Sam Henderson

Spray dresser and drawers with a light, even coat. Let the paint dry and apply a second coat if necessary. If desired, paint the original drawer pulls at this time.

Step 7:remove the tape

Sam Henderson

Remove all tape and discard.

Step 8:Seal exposed wood

Sam Henderson

Use a small paintbrush and varnish to seal the exposed wood that was under the masking tape. Let the varnish dry completely before continuing.

Step 9:Smooth it out

Sam Henderson

Lightly rub the entire surface of the dresser and drawers to remove paint dust and smooth the edges of the tape. Wipe down the entire project with a slightly damp paper towel to remove any sanding residue.

Step 10:Attach Hardware

Sam Henderson

Replace the original drawer pulls or update the dresser with new pulls.

Sam Henderson