Black-on-Black Dresser Part 2

Continuing with our dresser makeover (part 1 here)...

With the drawers primed and drying, it is time to prime the body of the dresser. As with the drawers, sand if desired and then ensure all the to-be-painted surfaces are dust-free and clean.

The top of my dresser was quite scratched and marred. I could have filled the deep scratches with wood filler and then sanded the top to make it smooth. However, the amount of sanding needed would have generated a lot of dust, and I was not able to carry the dresser outside. Rather than dust bomb my house, I opted to not do any sanding. The top won't be seen much anyway because I intend to keep using the satin and lace fabric across it.

Apply the primer with a brush for the small or curvy parts and a small foam roller for the flat areas, such as the sides and top. I used Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 primer (tinted grey).

Tip for painting furniture legs/feet: Place a couple of coins or a small piece of cardboard under the center of each foot so that the sides of the foot are not quite touching the ground. This allows you to paint the feet without having them stick to the surface beneath. A piece of aluminum foil beneath each foot will catch drips.

Allow the primer to dry. (Check the can for recommended drying time.) Then it's time to paint! Use a latex paint of your choice. I used Behr. As with the primer, I applied the paint with a brush and a small foam roller. (And I remembered to include the tray in this photo to show the type of small roller tray I like to use.)

Paint the inside and sides of the drawers. I used "Wild Elderberry," the same purple as my bedroom walls.

Paint the drawer fronts, including the small bits on the side which will show when the drawer is closed. If you plan to do the color-on-color stenciling, be sure to use a matte paint. I used Behr Premium Plus Ultra "Black" in matte sheen.

Next, paint the body of the dresser. I used the matte paint on the sides, where I will do the stenciling. For the small pieces on the front and along the bottom, I used the same color "Black" in a semi-gloss sheen to make a nice sort of frame for the stenciled drawers. The photo below shows only one coat; I added a second coat. Even with tinted primer, black almost always needs two coats.

Stenciling and finishing touches coming up in part 3! :)