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DIY Dresser Magic: 20+ Projects with Mod Podge

Have an old dresser than needs a bit of an upgrade? Here are 20+ DIY dresser ideas with Mod Podge that will inspire you to get started! Learn how to decoupage a dresser with ease.

Scroll down to the bottom of the post to get a video of a dresser project in action. Cathie and Steve will show you how to paint and cover a dresser with a post, using Mod Podge.

DIY Dresser Ideas with Mod Podge

Have you ever decoupaged a dresser? I’ve only done it once – but it was one of my favorite Mod Podge projects of all time! Making over a piece of furniture is very rewarding.

And I know that many of you have that dresser you’ve been eyeing at the Goodwill but you don’t know what to do with . . . or one that is out in the garage that you haven’t brought inside because it looks ugly.

Tips for Mod Podging Furniture

Before you jump in to revamping a dresser, you should know a few things. Two articles that are important for you to read are how to prep furniture for decoupage and Mod Podging fabric to wood furniture.

The first post is a must, and the second one is good even if you aren’t using fabric (but especially if you are!).

In addition to the tips in those posts, I’ve got some other important things I think you should know:

1. If your dresser has an existing finish that’s already smooth, sand with a 220-grit sanding sponge and then wipe clean with a moist cloth. For slightly rough surfaces, sand with 180- and 220-grit sanding sponges, and wipe clean.

2. Remove the drawers and tape off the furniture to paint. I like to use FolkArt Home Decor Chalk to cover my furniture pieces. It goes on smooth without a lot of prep work.

3. Use a small roller (as opposed to a brush) to get the smoothest finish when you paint. Even with chalk paint, I like the way the roller finish looks. It’s pretty flawless!

It’s time to grab your Mod Podge formula (I recommend Hard Coat OR Furniture Mod Podge for furniture) and get started.

Are you ready to jump into the DIY dresser ideas? Learn how to decoupage a dresser with one of the projects below!

DIY Dresser Ideas

If you've never re-done a dresser, it's a fun project to tackle that you can be proud of! Get some great ideas for dresser makeovers using Mod Podge in this list.


Are you ready for your bonus project? Learn how to apply a poster to the front of some dresser drawers (using Mod Podge, of course!). Cathie and Steve show you how – just press “PLAY” in the center of the video in this post.

If you like these DIY dresser ideas, you’re going to love these decoupage furniture projects and table top ideas as well!

Lisa Worley

Thursday 3rd of March 2022

ThaNk you Both. I've learned so many new ways !!!! Ur the Best!!!

Laura

Sunday 9th of February 2014

Decoupage is such an underrated craft - I love these examples - I've seen quite a few where the outer has been quite plain, but the decoupage has been done on the inside of the drawers - I quite like that too.

jennifer

Friday 24th of January 2014

came across your site searching for an answer to re-doing some laminate booths at our restaurant. i am entertaining the idea of covering them with fabric and mod podge, but it has to be really durable and cleanable. do you know if this could work? anyone ever done a seat on a chair? thanks!

Amy

Friday 24th of January 2014

Hi Jennifer! I've actually seen a restaurant do it here in Atlanta with wood chairs. They used Fabric Mod Podge, but then they urethaned over the top so that the Mod Podge wouldn't get sticky when people's buns warmed it up. They used SEVERAL layers of urethane. And it worked great! My only concern is cleaning. I would ask that question when you buy the urethane from Home Depot or whatever hardware store - how should it be cleaned? Mod Podge is waterbase and not waterproof, so you can't spray it with cleaner over and over and have it hold up. You would definitely need something on top!