How to Chalk Paint an Oak Dresser

This post shows you each step for chalk painting a dresser, which includes, sanding, chalk painting, sanding off the chalk paint in strategic spots, and sealing with polyurethane.

Below is a before picture of the oak dresser. This was my husband’s childhood dresser.

Step 1: Sanding

I used fine sandpaper to remove any bumps or “burrs” and to give it a smooth painting surface.

Step 2: Chalk Painting

I used two colors. The first color is Norwegian blue.

If I were brave, I would have left it that color. However, that was a little too bold blue for me.

So, I chalk-painted it with my favorite color but sanded off some of the top layer of chalk paint so the blue is revealed.

This is my favorite color of chalk paint. I have used it to transform several pieces of furniture. It is sort of an oatmeal color and goes with everything. It also looks good over black or brown.

A few painting tips . . .

When you paint, be sure to paint in the direction of the grain of the wood. Try to paint with long, even strokes. When you paint the edges, make sure your last paint stroke ends at the edge of the table – – sort of letting your paintbrush finish this stroke going off (or away) from the table.

Also, check for drips. If you have a drip, go over this again with your paintbrush.

I painted two coats of chalk paint, being sure to get all the crevices.

Below are pictures after the second coat of chalk paint. Up close, you can see the grainy texture, which is characteristic of chalk paint.

Step 3: Sanding

The purpose of sanding is to sand off some (but not all) of the chalk paint in strategic spots so as to reveal the blue paint color and some of the oak wood to give it an aged/worn look. Hence, sand more in areas (edges, handles, etc.) where more wear from use or touching would occur over time.

I use finer sandpaper (320) initially and sometimes use more coarse sandpaper (120) if the chalk paint is not sanding off easily enough or not revealing enough. I suggest starting off with fine sandpaper (320) and then transitioning to more coarse sandpaper if needed. Deciding how much to sand off is really a matter of taste.

I sand all the like areas first – – end pieces, inside and then outside, feet, and then the top for last. This helps me to double-check myself for consistency (so all the sections blend/match), but at the same time wanting it to look random as if natural worn spots. The edges are easiest, but I don’t overdo it. Even though I try to be consistent, I am also somewhat inconsistent to give it a naturally worn appearance.

Rounded areas are fun to do because you can give them a real worn look.

I constantly look over the piece until I am happy with its appearance. You can sand more or less depending on your preference.

Step 4: Dusting (from sanding)

Use a dust cloth or rag to wipe off the dust created by sanding. Sometimes I use a blower which gets all the dust out of the cracks and crevices. If needed, I wipe it down again with a mildly damp cloth and then allow it to dry.

Step 5: Applying Polyurethane

I don’t use wax, but instead, use Minwax wipe-on poly (clear satin). I use rubber gloves so I don’t have to clean my hands with paint thinner. I take the gloves off and reuse them for each coat. I use a cotton rag (usually from an old t-shirt) to apply the polyurethane.

I don’t want the furniture to have a shiny look, but just to have protection. I put two coats on the entire piece of furniture. I put at least three coats on the top for extra protection.

Be sure to apply the poly in the same direction as the grain of the wood. Use long even strokes in a very uniform way to give it a smooth and consistent finish. If you are not consistent, you might see smudges after it dries. If that happens, don’t sweat it, just learn from it. Over time, you will not even notice this.

Make sure that you read the directions and give plenty of time to dry between coats — overnight is best.

The polyurethane tints the color a little – – sort of an antique/aged look, which I really like.

Here is the final result!

Pin this for future reference.

Check out some of my other chalk painting blog posts:

• • How to Chalk Paint a Lamp
  • Vintage Bench Makeover
  • Dresser Makeover
  • How to Chalk Paint a Bench
  • How to Chalk Paint a Table
  • Green Chalk Paint Nightstand
  • Farmhouse Table (chalk painted legs)
  • How to Chalk Paint an Entertainment Center
  • How to Chalk Paint Picture Frames

Get some chalk paint and a brush and transform something from trash to treasure!

Let me know what you think or if you have any questions by commenting below.

Happy Chalk Painting!