apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

check out www.bddw.com for mixed material dresser ideas, AT also had a link to a store called White house or white attic, I don't remember the city, that had similar refinnished modern pieces.

We did a dresser like this for our nursery. Wiped outside wood with TSP (from any hardware store...it cleans and makes helps the paint stick). Used rustoleum white enamel 3 coats with a sponge brush on the outer case. For the drawers, sand lightly/fill and use a gel stain/glaze that will refresh the grain of the veneer. You could also get adhessive veneer from www.rockler.com and cut to fit drawer fronts. You could likely get mor interesting grain that way.

Im really interested in this question too as I wanted to refinish a laminate bookcase soon.

Marfanboy's response matches the research I have done so far on refinishing laminate surfaces. I have also heard a lot about a product called Kilz that is ideal for priming smooth surfaces, and again like Marfanboy said, apply enamel with a foam brush and several coats is ideal.

Will look into TSP too! Thanks!

Not sure about the process of refinishing laminate, but thought I would provide this link for drawer color inspiration: http://vintagechica.typepad.com/the_life_and_times_of_thi/2009/01/new-spaces-in-old-places.html. Love the bright colors!

Be sure to fill in those veneer chips with wood filler and sand smooth prior to applying any primer or paint - otherwise your hard work will be forever marred by these chips beneath the finish.

Amen bepsf!

Also, I have used the Kilz primer and was very satisfied with it. You should be able to find it at any decent sized hardware store. The one I used was in a spray can.

I would suggest spray paint instead of painting by brush after you prime because, the brush will most likely need at least two coats and that can start to thicken up in the space between the drawers.

from the pix, the damage doesn't look too severe... while many (all) refinishers would dismiss the idea, you might think of refinishing with howard's restore-a-finish in a walnut color (which is what it looks like it's made of). some walnut-toned filler and some light sanding beforehand (as bepsf noted) would be in order for the few chipped spots. any loose laminate can be re-glued with some wood glue (or elmers)... wipe-up any excess and weight-down the edge or clamp (a binding clip can work on drawer fronts. in the end, the piece will be "worth" more with its original finish and future damage will be more forgiving and chalked up as "patina"... the trouble with painting furniture is that (depending on your expectations and craftsmanship), the finish always looks... well, painted on. it's hard to get that factory-painted finish without a spraybooth and HVLP gun... and a bump or scratch certainly mars the finish more than one in the original wood...

The White Attic is in Chicago, and marfanboy is right, they have lots of pieces on their site to inspire you. Good luck & have fun!

I think this is my dresser! Except mine is in great condition and has a mirror that goes with it. (I don't use it though, it's ugly.) I've always hated the finish on it, so I'm interested to read this post.

Buy a Cordless Sander!

You can get good cheap one for around $50 at any hardware place.... it's worth it especially if you ever buy another refurb piece!!!! It will save so much time!