Flipping furniture has become a popular trend among DIY enthusiasts and professional upcyclers alike. Not only does it give old furniture a new lease on life, but it’s also a sustainable way to decorate your home. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to flip a dresser using Fusion™ Mineral Paint, turning a tired piece of furniture into a stunning focal point. This How to Furniture Flip a Dresser step-by-step process will help you achieve beautiful results.

Here’s a look at the before!

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Tools You’ll Need to Furniture Flip a Dresser

Before diving into your dresser flip, it’s important to gather all the necessary tools and materials. Here’s what you’ll need:

• TSP Alternative: For cleaning the dresser.
• Orbital Sander & Small Detail Hand Sander: To sand down the dresser.( optional )
• Sandpaper (80/100/120/180/220 Grit): Various grits for different stages of sanding.
• Fusion™ Mineral Paint in Algonquin and Carriage House: For the paint wash and the main colour.
• Staalmeester 10 cm Roller & Small Angled One Series Flat Brush: For applying the paint.
• Vinegar, Water, Metal Brush: For cleaning the handles.
• Applicator Sponge: To apply the topcoat.
• Tough Coat: To seal the dresser.
• Optional: Peel-and-stick wallpaper for inside the drawers.

Prepping the Dresser: Ready To Paint

The first step in flipping your dresser is all about preparation. Start by removing the handles and cleaning the entire piece thoroughly with a TSP alternative. This cleaner will remove any dirt, grease, or grime, ensuring that your paint adheres properly.

Next, grab your orbital sander and sand down the top of the dresser to raw wood. Begin with 80 grit sandpaper to remove the old finish, and then gradually move up to finer grits (100/120/180/220) to smooth out the wood. Repeat this sanding process for any other areas of the dresser that you want to leave as raw wood, such as the bottom portion.

Applying the Algonquin Paint Wash

With the sanding complete, it’s time to add some colour! We’ll be using Fusion™ Mineral Paint in Algonquin to create a beautiful paint wash. To do this, mix 1 part paint with 3 parts water. Apply the wash to the sanded areas of the dresser using a brush, and then wipe back any excess with a paper towel.

Once the paint wash has dried, tape off these areas to protect them when painting the rest of the dresser.

A paint wash is a decorative technique that involves diluting paint with water to create a semi-transparent finish, allowing the natural wood grain or underlying surface to show through. This method is perfect for adding subtle colour while maintaining the character and texture of the wood. Paint washes are often used in upcycling projects to achieve a weathered, vintage look or to add a touch of colour without fully covering the natural beauty of the material. It’s an easy and effective way to create depth and interest in your furniture flips, making each piece unique.

Painting and Detailing

Now that the paint-washed areas are protected, you can move on to painting the rest of the dresser. We used Fusion™ Mineral Paint in the colour Carriage House, which only required one coat of paint for most of the dresser, with just a few small touch-ups.

While the paint dries, it’s a good time to clean the handles. A quick and easy way to clean them is to take equal parts white vinegar and water and bring them to a boil in an old pot. Place the handles in the boiling mixture and let them soak for about 10 minutes. Afterward, use a metal scrub brush to clean them thoroughly.

Applying Fusion Tough Coat

With the painting and cleaning complete, it’s time to finish off your dresser flip. Slightly dampen an applicator sponge with water, pour Tough Coat onto a paper plate, and then evenly apply the topcoat to the paint-washed areas of the dresser. This will protect the finish and ensure it lasts for years to come.

Finally, reattach the cleaned handles to the dresser and, for an extra touch of flair, line the inside of the drawers with peel-and-stick wallpaper. This optional step adds a unique surprise element when the drawers are opened and can give your flipped dresser a more polished look.

Furniture Flip a Dresser

Flipping a dresser with Fusion™ Mineral Paint is a fun and rewarding project that can transform any old, tired piece of furniture into a stunning, custom piece. By following these steps, you’ll not only give new life to a dresser but also hone your upcycling skills. If  you’re doing this for personal use or to sell, the end result is sure to be impressive. Happy flipping!

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