Luckily this piece has beautiful curves and is full of potential else this dresser top would have scared me away! Sharing how I tackle. 

If the surface is flat, then I sand. If the surface is curvy or not easy to sand, I use a stripper like Citri-Stripper. This decision is step one. 

1. After sanding or using a stripper, then I use mineral spirits on a clean rag to wipe away any left over chemicals. 
2. I think use fine steel wool to wipe away any extra stripper or left over debris. 
3. I then use a damp cheesecloth to remove any dust or particles left over. 
4. If I've used stripper, I will recheck to make sure that the surfaces are smooth and do not require a quick sanding with an orbital sander or hand sander. Repeat 1-3 steps again. This will make sure your surface is prime for moving forward to painting. 

Happy Preparing! 

I've had this Basset dresser since in 1990-something. She was first used in our master bedroom and then my daughter loved her with mismatched glass knobs. She was a beautiful dark wood.

Fast forward to when I first started furniture painting and I knew I wanted to use color to bring her new life. I knew that her height would be a perfect canvas for some flowers and some blends of soft color. 

Previously Owned Dresser $0
Listed on Marketplace and Offer up for $200; Sold within 2 hours for $185

About 6 months ago I picked this little girl up from our local Snowline Thrift Shop. She was sitting all alone just outside the doors. Instantly I loved her curves and because she was so sturdy. 

I was intimidated by her. I immediately thought to make her white and distressed. A quick paint job in white, seal, then distress with a sanding pad. That would do it, right? Nope. 

Don't get me wrong, she is so cute in white. Note & Reminder: take before pictures! Imagine her in dark oak. 

We sealed her in satin polyurethane & put her up on Marketplace. We had so many bites but nothing serious. I even dropped the price!

I put her in my shop and over a week I looked at her so many times. What did she need? I tried to sand some more. Sanding is necessary to break that polyurethane seal. I distressed her some more. Then added a blue color wash on top. Nope! 

1. Bought for $30. 
2. Distressed white: Placed on Marketplace for $60. 
3. Distressed white: In desperation, I offered to sell it for $50 to the last person to inquire on the piece. 
4. Repainted: Placed on Marketplace for $120. Sold in 2 hours.