A refinished dresser can completely transform a room while saving you money. This step-by-step project shows how I restored an old laminate campaign dresser using paint, decorative wrapping paper and a few simple hardware updates to give it new life.
With spring here, I tackled the girls’ bedroom and focused on adding as much storage as possible. This dresser came from my dad — a reliable source of neglected furniture — and it fit perfectly between two Ikea bookcases, but the yellowed laminate and scratches made it look tired.
Disclosure: I received product for this project. All opinions are my own.
The exterior laminate had yellowed, there were scratches, and the drawers were stiff and squeaky. It needed a makeover that would be both durable and attractive, so I chose paint for the main finish and decorative paper to add interest on the sides of the drawers.
Materials Used to Refinish a Dresser:
Shopping note: these are the tools and supplies I used for this laminate dresser refresh.
- White satin enamel paint suitable for laminate
- Pearl black metallic paint for accents
- Vinegar
- Steel scourer or fine steel wool
- Bar of soap (for lubricating drawer runners)
- Mod Podge or a similar decoupage adhesive
- Black-and-white damask or toile wrapping paper for drawer sides
How to Refinish a Dresser:
I started by cleaning the piece thoroughly and then applied two coats of satin white enamel paint designed for laminate surfaces. Laminate responds well to a quality paint when the surface is clean and paint is allowed to cure. To achieve a durable finish I applied a third coat to areas that needed extra coverage, including the top.
I didn’t sand the laminate because it wasn’t practical in the room where I was working. With proper cleaning and the right paint, sanding isn’t always required on laminate pieces if you allow the paint to fully cure.
The hardware on this dresser included brass handles and other metal trims. I removed the handles and soaked them briefly in vinegar, then scrubbed with a steel scourer to remove surface tarnish. The result preserved some of their original patina, which I liked for an eclectic look that mixes old and new.
For the hardware trim along the edges, I painted it with a pearl black metallic paint to add depth and tie in with the dark handles. Depending on the light, the metallic finish reads as a deep gray rather than a flat black, which gives subtle contrast against the white body of the dresser.
To introduce pattern and personality, I adhered black-and-white damask wrapping paper to the sides of the drawer fronts using Mod Podge. Applying decoupage paper is straightforward: brush a thin layer of adhesive on the wood, smooth the paper into place, trim the edges, and seal the paper with a top coat of Mod Podge once it is dry.
Addressing the sticking drawers was simple: rub a bar of soap along the wooden runners where the drawer contacts the frame. The soap reduces friction and eliminates squeaks so the drawers glide smoothly again.
The combination of clean white paint, subtle metallic hardware, and patterned paper brings visual interest without being overbearing. The piece feels updated and cohesive in the black-and-white bedroom scheme while offering a smart mix of new and salvaged elements.
This isn’t a traditional, ornate makeover, but the refreshed campaign dresser now looks polished and modern. When I showed it to my dad — the original owner — he was surprised at how much better it looked in person.
I chose patterned paper that differs from the bookcases so the room isn’t overly matchy-matchy. A small surprise of pattern on the dresser keeps the space interesting without overwhelming the black-and-white palette.
That completes the final furniture makeover for the room for now. I may add a chair later, but the dresser is fully functional and much more attractive in its new finish.
Sometimes a little paint, a few thoughtful details, and basic supplies are all you need to transform a tired piece into something you’re proud to display. This laminate campaign dresser is now refreshed, practical, and ready for everyday use.
Was I a good fairy godmother to this dresser? I’d say yes — it’s been restored, updated, and made beautiful again.
The Black and White Bedroom:
