I want to do a makeover to chest of drawers converting it to look like Halton style white drawers

[Guest]

Advise please! I have seen so many experienced people posting the makeovers here.

I want to do a makeover to chest of drawers converting it to look like Halton style white drawers but I have never done before. I have seen a few videos and want to do without sanding just using primer.

Any tips, ideas or what products (prime, paint) handles to use would be greatly appreciated!

[Suzy]

Sand-80 grit
Then 120 grit
then 240 grit
Prime
Paint x2-3 coats

[Donna]

As Louise said, look for Zinsser B.I.N.
This will stick to the surface without sanding.
You can then use cheaper undercoats like Taubmans or dulux.
keep applying undercoats until you have a solid vivid white.
Give it a light sand to ensure its completely smooth, Then apply your gloss topcoat.
If you want the top to be not white, then you either need to cover your existing top, or sand the top back and restrain it.
You will need painters tape too.
Have fun..
I have done hundreds. It is really fun.

[Nicole]

Anything that’s a dark colour that I’m wanting to paint light I will prime. I like the blue zinnser. For the white paint it really is up to you, you can use an aqua enamel, a chalk paint or a mineral paint. For the chalk or mineral paint you need to get it from a specialty supplier. I now use fusion mineral paint the most for my pieces, it’s a beautiful, smooth paint that has an inbuilt sealer (I do seal for high wear pieces)

This set was completed with wallpaper inlaid in the drawers and chalk paint, you do need to seal with chalk paint.

[Louise]

I’ve done lots of my furniture - some darker than this - no sanding! But a really good wash with diluted sugar soap is essential- I’ve used an old toothbrush to get into tight spaces and corners. Then, when dry, one coat of Zinser Bin to seal the stain. Then I use a cheap ($42) spray gun from Bunnings to paint - no brush strokes. I do 2 or 3 coats depending on coverage. You do need to dilute the paint with water if using a water based paint - which I do -easier clean up and acrylic paint in white stays white - won’t yellow over time like oil based paint. Up to 20% water is about usual for my spray gun but start with 10% and test spray on cardboard.

Handles - sometime I buy new sometimes I wash (using a toothbrush and cloudy ammonia,) then when dry get an old box and stab holes to loosely ‘fit’ the handles. Then I use a can of spray paint (usually black gloss) to paint them. You can hold the box upside down while spraying to paint the underside of the handles using this method. Here’s a pic of one before cabinet - ‘after’ pic I’ll put in a comment below:

[Pettienne]

It’s not hard, just need to take your time. Ask advice in Bunnings, buy products and allow lots of drying time especially if it’s cold where you are. I use a brush and a small roller to remove brush strokes. And I use a primer. Have a go what have you got to lose.

Also, Bunnings has heaps of handles, make sure they fit in the same size holes.