When considering a fresh update to old furniture, the question many Mornington homeowners ask is: “Can I just paint a dresser?” The short answer is yes—but it’s not quite as simple as grabbing a brush and cracking open a tin of paint. To achieve a high-quality, lasting finish, a few important steps and decisions come into play. With Mornington Cabinet Makers, we’ll explore how painting a dresser works, what materials and processes are best, and why residents of Mornington, Victoria, should consider it a smart and stylish DIY option.
🎨 Why Paint a Dresser? (Especially in Mornington)
Whether you live near Mills Beach or in the quiet hinterlands of Mount Martha, a beautifully finished dresser can completely transform a room. Mornington homes often balance coastal charm with contemporary aesthetics—making painted dressers a natural design choice. Painting allows you to:
- Revive old furniture without replacing it.
- Match your dresser to evolving interior themes.
- Save money on new purchases.
- Reduce landfill waste, aligning with Mornington Peninsula Shire’s sustainable living initiatives.
Salvaging a timber piece from a local op shop or repurposing one from your grandparents’ garage is not only sentimental but sustainable.
🧰 The Quick Answer: Yes, But Prep is Everything
If you’re wondering whether you can just paint a dresser—the answer is yes. But if you’re after a long-lasting, professional-looking finish, then you shouldn’t skip the prep work.
Before painting, consider these steps:
- Assess the surface – Is it solid timber, veneer, or laminate?
- Clean thoroughly – Use sugar soap or mild detergent to remove dirt and grease.
- Sand lightly – This helps the paint adhere, especially if there’s varnish or gloss.
- Apply primer – Particularly important for darker woods or glossy finishes.
- Choose the right paint – More on that below.
- Finish with a sealant – This protects against scuffs, scratches, and water damage.
Locals often visit Mornington Timber & Hardware or Bunnings Mornington for supplies. Their staff are helpful when choosing products suited to seaside humidity and varying temperatures typical of the region.
🪵 What Kind of Dressers Are Ideal for Painting?
Mornington homes frequently feature furniture made from popular Australian hardwoods like Tasmanian oak, jarrah, and blackbutt. These timbers take well to sanding and painting, offering an ideal base for DIY makeovers.
Here are some materials and how they respond to paint:
- Solid Wood – Best for painting; it holds primer and paint exceptionally well.
- Wood Veneer – Requires light sanding and primer but can look great when finished.
- Laminate – Needs a bonding primer and careful prep, but can be painted successfully.
- MDF – Paints well, but be careful with moisture exposure.
Look for used dressers in good condition at local spots like the Mornington Rotary Op Shop or via Facebook Marketplace Mornington Peninsula.
🎨 Best Paint Types for Dressers
Paint selection isn’t just about colour—it’s about finish, durability, and ease of application. When painting a dresser, you’ll want something that can withstand regular use, especially in high-traffic areas like bedrooms and hallways.
Here are the top choices:
- Chalk Paint – Popular for rustic or shabby chic finishes. Requires sealing with wax or polyurethane.
- Acrylic Latex Paint – Great for durability, especially when paired with a quality primer.
- Oil-Based Enamel – Long-lasting and smooth but slower drying and more fumes.
- Milk Paint – Eco-friendly and gives a natural matte finish.
In Mornington, coastal tones like seafoam green, weathered white, and navy blue are in high demand, especially among coastal-style enthusiasts.
💡 Design Tips for Mornington Interiors
Painting a dresser is not just a repair job—it’s a design opportunity. Here’s how you can make your DIY effort align with Mornington’s popular décor aesthetics:
- Coastal Vibe: Use whites, blues, and greys. Distress edges lightly with sandpaper for a beach-worn look.
- Modern Farmhouse: Opt for matte blacks, olive greens, or natural timber tops with painted drawers.
- Hamptons Style: Combine crisp white with brushed nickel handles.
- Boho Chic: Try eclectic colours like terracotta or mustard, and use stencil patterns.
A visit to The Interior Stylist on Main Street in Mornington can inspire ideas or help with accessories like new knobs, runners, or decorative baskets.
🛠️ DIY or Hire a Pro in Mornington?
If you’re short on time or hesitant to DIY, several local businesses specialise in furniture restoration and painting. For instance:
- Mornington Cabinet Makers
- Vintage Alley Mornington
- Chalk Me Up Paint & Decor Workshops
But if you’re the hands-on type, you’ll find painting a dresser to be both rewarding and cost-effective. Mornington’s many weekend markets and community events often showcase beautiful painted furniture, proving you don’t need to be a professional to get professional results.
✅ Final Checklist Before You Start Painting
- ✅ Choose a dresser with a solid structure (no warping or deep cracks).
- ✅ Pick paint suited to the dresser’s material.
- ✅ Allow drying time between coats (especially in Mornington’s cooler months).
- ✅ Replace outdated hardware with new knobs or handles.
- ✅ Use a non-yellowing topcoat for light colours.
📍 Local Resources for Mornington DIYers
- Bunnings Mornington – Paint, tools, and accessories
- Mornington Men’s Shed – Advice, tools, and potential assistance
- Mornington Peninsula Freecycle – Great for sourcing dressers to upcycle
- Mornington Community House Workshops – Occasional DIY and upcycling events
🔁 From Drab to Fab: The Bottom Line
So, can you just paint a dresser? In Mornington, absolutely—but don’t just slap on a coat of paint and hope for the best. With the right prep, quality materials, and a touch of coastal creativity, you can breathe new life into old furniture while enhancing your space with local flair.
Not only will you elevate your interior style, but you’ll also contribute to the growing DIY and sustainability movement in Mornington—where upcycling isn’t just a trend; it’s a lifestyle.
