Easy DIY Dresser Makeover – Paper on Drawers
Adding paper using decoupage is one of my favorite projects. It’s super easy, quick, and makes a huge difference.
I have shared tutorials on how to line drawers before and I did the inside and the outside of desk drawers. you can see that full post by clicking on the link.
Today I am going to share how I did an easy DIY makeover on my daughter’s dresser.
The project took all day but it’s because I was taking my time and letting everything dry during each step. Plus I had the kiddos home with me so it took longer than expected.
DIY Dresser Makeover
First off the dresser was missing knobs and was really beat up. We received the dresser as a hand down over 10 years ago. So it’s been around and my kids are rough on it too!
Easy Dress Transformation with Paper
The steps for this project are simple and you will most likely have everything on hand besides the paint!
Supplies you will need for dresser makeover with decoupage:
- paper, I used wrapping paper but any paper will do. The thicker the better it will wrinkle less
- scissors
- foam brush
- modge podge or 1 cup white glue mixed with 1/3 cup water
- sander with 120-grain grit paper
- paint for dresser
- smooth surface roller
- hardware if needed
Steps to Adding Paper to Dresser Drawers
You need to clean the dresser first. I just used a wash cloth with warm soapy water.
After you are done cleaning it sand down all surfaces with sandpaper or an electric sander.
You want to make sure the surface isn’t shiny or smooth anymore. You want it to have something that the paint can stick to.
I didn’t have any modge podge on hand so I mixed 1 cup of white glue with 1/3 cup water. It worked fine, use whatever you have on hand.
The foam brush works great but any brush would probably do!
Next, you are going to want to cut the paper you have to size. I just placed it over the drawer front and cut around it leaving access to go over of the sides of the dresser front.
Add a thin layer of modge podge to the surface you want to add the paper to. I started with just the top of the drawer here.
Place the paper over the drawer and use a credit card to smooth out all the wrinkles. Starting in the middle and moving out.
After you have all the wrinkles out you move on to the edges. This is where I learned that the thinner paper wrinkles much more than thicker paper. Last time I did this project I used a different brand of wrapping paper that was much thicker and there wasn’t a single wrinkle.
Add modge podge to the edges and fold the paper under. I always folded the edges down since you can’t see them once the drawers in use.
The edges do not need to be absolutely perfect you won’t be able to tell once it’s done. As you can see here I have a white spot but it won’t matter because it will be underneath and you won’t even be able to see it.
Add another layer of modge podge over all of the paper. Just a thin layer and wait for it to dry completely.
Go back over each drawer and make sure everything is sticking fine and nothing needs more modge podge.
Since my paper was so thin I decided to take the sander and sand out some of the wrinkles and the edges to give it a worn rustic look.
You can see where I did the edges here and a finished drawer below.
Once it dried and I distressed it you can’t see the wrinkles. I love how it turned out!
Painting the Dresser
I wanted to paint the dresser as well to make it look cleaner and newer. I used paint I had on hand called linen white from Rust-Oleum
I also used a brush and a smooth surface roller for the dresser.
I added two coats of paint and let it dry. After that, I added the knobs on the drawers and put the drawers back in. It was a super easy project that anyone can do!
DIY Dresser with Paper Makeover
I loved how it turned out and so did my girls! Let me know what you think by commenting below.
If you liked this decoupage post check out my other ones too! How to line dresser drawers and easy Easter eggs white paper!
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