Create a Colorful Chalkboard Dresser

Give a boring, old dresser a playful new style with colorful chalkboard paint.

By: Janell Beals

Related To:

Bold Chalkboard Dresser

A coat of bright chalk paint can turn an old eyesore into an artist's canvas — or, for the super-organizers among us, another way to label every single drawer. Use chalk pens to avoid smudging and dust.

Materials Needed:

dresser
water-based primer
chalkboard paint (tinted to the color of your choice)
paintbrush
extra-fine sanding pad

tack cloth
chalk
towel
drop cloth

Prep Work Area and Dresser

Protect work area with a drop cloth. Remove all hardware and drawers from dresser. Tip: Place hardware together in a zipped baggie so no screws are lost.

Prepare the Dresser for Painting

Protect work area with a drop cloth. Remove all hardware and drawers from dresser. Tip: Place hardware together in a zipped baggie so no screws are lost.

Sand Surface

Sand all dresser surfaces to knock down any existing finish then remove all dust with tack cloth.

Sand the Dresser

Sand all dresser surfaces to knock down any existing finish then remove all dust with tack cloth.

Apply Primer

Brush a smooth layer of primer onto dresser and drawer surfaces. Let dry three hours then lightly sand primed areas to eliminate any rough spots. Wipe clean with tack cloth.

Prime the Dresser Before Chalkboard Paint

Brush a smooth layer of primer onto dresser and drawer surfaces. Let dry three hours then lightly sand primed areas to eliminate any rough spots. Wipe clean with tack cloth.

Apply Paint

Brush a consistent layer of chalkboard paint onto dresser and drawer surfaces; allow to dry three hours.

Paint Kid's Chalkboard Dresser

Brush a consistent layer of chalkboard paint onto dresser and drawer surfaces; allow to dry three hours.

Sand Between Coats

Sand down any raised areas before applying the second coat of chalkboard paint. Wipe clean with tack cloth.

Sand Between Paint Coats

Sand down any raised areas before applying the second coat of chalkboard paint. Wipe clean with tack cloth.

Apply Second Coat

Brush on second coat of chalkboard paint and allow to dry three hours.

Adding a Second Coat of Chalkboard Paint

Brush on second coat of chalkboard paint and allow to dry three hours.

Treat Painted Surfaces With Chalk

Prepare dresser for writing by covering surfaces with a large chalk stick on its side. Tip: This step prevents any future chalk phrases from being "burned" into the surface and allows markings to be fully erasable.

Treating Red Painted Surfaces With Chalk

Prep Dresser With Chalk

Prepare dresser for writing by covering surfaces with a large chalk stick on its side. Tip: This step prevents any future chalk phrases from being "burned" into the surface and allows markings to be fully erasable.