As most people know, new furniture is very pricey and an investment most people can't dive into, especially when living on a tight budget. This is especially true for parents with young children. As an alternative, parents can easily turn used furniture into new and decorative furniture for their children's room in just a few easy steps.
- Choose Your Colors. It's best to try to choose the colors you want before you go to buy the paint. This will keep you from getting overwhelmed by your selections when you get to the paint store.
- Picking the Paint. Make sure you get a knowledgeable sales person to help you select the type of paint you need. There are several kinds out there, and you want to be sure you get the right one.
- Make sure it's an indoor paint, one that stands up to wear and tear -- especially important in a child's room.
- A one-coat only type is recommended, though you'll probably find you need more than one coat in the end.
- The finish is also an important element. A matte finish generally works best for furniture. This is a nice touch, as glossy finishes tend to look a little cheap. Matte finish helps hide any imperfections in the wood or your paint job.
- The Supplies. In addition to paint, there are also a few other basics you will need. Make sure you get sandpaper (for taking the current finish on the dresser), a drop cloth (for protecting the surface you're painting on), and of course, the brushes. A basic mask that covers the nose and mouth is also important to have for the sanding process. Varnish finish especially is bad to breathe when it's flying through the air.
You may also want to pick up some basic stencils to make designs on your dresser. Stenciling is fairly easy, even for the novice, and a great way to add fun elements to your dressers. Make sure you pick up stenciling paints, and small brushes or sponges if you choose to do this as well. 
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Author: Carrissa Larsen