DIY Network

I have a nice wood dresser with a cheery finish that I want to paint white. Do I have to sand it before I can paint it? I have started sanding some of it but its going to take me forever to sand all of it. Can I not just prime it real good. Please Help!

Sanding is often unnecessary with some of the new primers. It's purpose was to give the slick surface a scuff or some "tooth" so primers and paints could better hold/stick to the surface. Sanding does not mean you have to remove the existing varnish/stain, just scuff the surface with fine sandpaper.

A good cleaning will still be necessary if you don't sand. (you need to remove any waxes, oils, and soil on the surface) I like to wash all surfaces to be painted, with TSP diluted in warm water (use rags) and then rinsed with clear water dipped cloths and wipe down and allow enough time for it all to dry well. Then comes the primer, and finally the paint. A pro paint store like Sherwin Williams or Benjamin Moore will give you the best advice on prep and products at no cost. Just take a drawer into one of their paint stores, and show them what you are dealing with.