There’s something deeply satisfying about taking something old, worn, and forgotten—and breathing new life into it. That’s exactly what I experienced when I stumbled across a tired old dresser for $50 on Facebook Marketplace and turned it into a piece that sold for $400.
There’s something deeply satisfying about taking something old, worn, and forgotten—and breathing new life into it. That’s exactly what I experienced when I stumbled across a tired old dresser for $50 on Facebook Marketplace and turned it into a piece that sold for $400.
Not only was this my first restoration project, but it sparked something in me—a love for transformation, creativity, and resourcefulness. If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at flipping furniture, here’s exactly how I did it—plus everything I used so you can try it too.
The Find: My $50 Dresser
I found the dresser on Facebook Marketplace. It had good bones—solid wood, dovetail drawers, and that vintage charm that people are drawn to. But it was scratched, dated, and had that musty thrift-store smell.
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Lesson #1: Look beyond the surface.
If it’s sturdy and the structure is solid, you can make it beautiful again.
Step 1: Clean + Prep
Before anything else, I gave it a deep clean. I removed all the hardware and drawers and then wiped all the surfaces down to get rid of dust and dirt, if there is excess use a vacuum before wiping down to save time and energy!
Supplies:
- 🧴 Murphy’s Oil Soap – great for cutting grime without damaging wood
- 🧽 Microfiber cloths
- 🪣 Warm water
Tip: Don’t skip this step. Paint won’t adhere to grease, and dirt can ruin your finish.
Step 2: Strip and Sand It Down
I wanted to refinish the top to show off the natural wood grain, and paint the base for contrast. This particular piece had some beautiful woodworking on the edges so I wanted to highlight those with the same espresso stain I used on the top. I for one think it turned out stunning.
Supplies:
- 🌀 DeWalt Orbital Sander
- 🧵 80 + 120 + 220 + 320 grit sandpaper (I used different grits during each stage so it is nice to be prepared from the start)
- 💨 Smart ‘n Easy Paint & Varnish Remover Gel – easily removes the stain
When you are stripping always read the instructions per the brand you purchased. One thing I did learn as I went along was to add more stripper than you think and don’t let it sit for too long before removing. Once it dries it is much harder to remove – however – if you strip too soon then you leave the old stain on the piece. Do a few test runs and see what works best for you and share your results. Who knows, maybe together we will find the secret recipe for time and efficiency.
Tip: Always sand in the direction of the wood grain and wear a mask while sanding!
Before I could install the new hardware, I needed to fill the holes from the original drawer pulls. To keep the wood filler from pushing through the back, I simply placed a piece of painter’s tape over each hole on the inside of the drawer. Then, I applied wood filler generously to the front, smoothing it out with a putty knife and letting it dry completely. Once dry, I sanded the area smooth until it blended seamlessly with the drawer front. This step made all the difference in giving the dresser a clean, professional finish—and it prepped the surface perfectly for drilling new hardware holes that better matched the updated look.
Tip: Tape the inside of each drawer with a solid painters tape and make sure it is sealed and flush with the drawer. Ensure the hole is completely filled by using a bottle with nozzle (think old school glue bottle). I ran into issues because I was using a knife to try and fill, needless to say I added more work for myself because I had to do lots of touch ups.
Step 3: Prime + Paint
I went with a classic two-tone finish: stained wood top and creamy white base.
Once the surface was smooth and prepped, it was time to prime and paint. I started with a quality primer to ensure proper adhesion and durability—especially important for older furniture. Then came the fun part: painting! I used a paint sprayer, and let me tell you, it was a total game changer. Not only did it save me so much time compared to brushing, but it also delivered a flawless, even coat with zero brush strokes. The sleek, professional finish gave the dresser a high-end look that really made it shine. If you’re planning to tackle a piece like this, investing in a sprayer is absolutely worth it.
Supplies:
🎨 PPG SEAL DRIP Gripper – perfect for covering old stain
🖌️ BEHR Premium Cabinet, Door & Trim No. 7520 – in “Polar Bear”
🧽 Foam Roller + Detail Brush Set
Tip: Use light coats. Two thin coats are better than one thick one for a smooth finish.
Tip 2: In between coats, keep your brush or roller with the paint on it wrapped in a bag and place it in the fridge. This will allow less time for clean up next time and keep your supplies in working order.
Step 3.1 : Repair Deep Scratches Or Knicks
Before priming, I also took care of a few deeper scratches and nicks that sanding alone couldn’t fix. A great trick I’ve learned is to save a bit of sawdust from sanding (Step 2) and mix it with wood glue to create a thick paste. This custom filler blends beautifully with the original wood and is perfect for patching deeper imperfections. I applied it with a putty knife, smoothing it into any damaged areas, and let it dry thoroughly before sanding it smooth again. Taking the time to repair these little flaws makes a huge difference in the final finish—especially when you’re using a sprayer for that sleek, professional look.
Step 4: Stain & Seal
I stripped and sanded the top to the raw wood, then stained and sealed it for that rustic, high-end look.
Supplies:
- 🔥3M Hand Masker Tape Dispenser, Film & Tape – easy protection
- 🪵Minwax Espresso Wood Finish
- 🛡️ Minwax Clear Polycrylic Water Based Protective Finish Stain
Tip: Let each layer dry fully—don’t rush it. That’s the difference between “meh” and “wow.”
Step 5: Add New Hardware
This simple switch made all the difference—it elevated the entire piece.
Supplies:
Tip: Measure carefully. Use a cabinet hardware template to get your placement perfect.
The Reveal
When it was all finished, I staged the dresser with a few décor pieces, took some bright photos, and posted it for sale on Facebook Marketplace. Within hours, I had messages. By the next day, it was sold—for $400.
Not bad for a $50 investment and a few hours of love.
Tip: Pricing Correctly is KEY! Know your market and price it to where you will move it. I initially priced it too high and didn’t get any movement. Once I dropped it, I sold it within hours!
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Try Furniture Restoration
This experience taught me that beauty is often buried under the surface—it just takes vision, time, and a little courage to bring it out.
If you’ve been thinking about flipping your first piece or restoring something for your own home… do it. You don’t need to be a pro. You just need to start.
Tip: My husband is in the construction field so he had a lot of the tools and knowledge in how to use tools the right way and what products he has used with success. This did help me a lot since this was my first project, but I want to empower you to use your resources if you are starting completely from scratch. This is one reason why I want to share my journey and tips so you know you are not alone in this! If you have to vision, you can make it happen, no matter what! I believe in you!
And if you ever have questions, want to share your first flip, or just want to say hi—reach out! I’d love to hear from you.
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