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Painting
How to paint a wall or room: step-by-step guide
How to upcycle drawers and give them a painted pinstripe finish
Overview
Upcycling a basic chest of drawers with a painted pinstripe finish is a simple way to refresh tired furniture and add personality to a room. By using paint and tape, you can transform a second-hand piece into something that feels considered and custom. This project suits beginners and works well in bedrooms, living spaces or home offices.
Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment. Wear a dust mask and safety glasses when sanding and work in a well ventilated area while painting. Don’t forget to lay down a drop sheet to protect floors and nearby surfaces.
Steps
Get your work area ready
Clear the area before you begin and lay out all tools and materials so everything is easy to reach. Protect floors and nearby surfaces with drop sheets, and open windows or doors if working indoors to maintain good airflow.
Prepare the drawers and cabinet
Remove the drawers from the cabinet and unscrew any existing handles or knobs. Give all surfaces a thorough clean to remove dust, grease and residue, as these can stop paint from sticking properly.
Sand and fill the surface
Sand the surface using medium grit 80 grit sandpaper to remove any existing finish, smooth out imperfections and help the paint adhere properly. Work in the direction of the timber grain and use even pressure to achieve a consistent result.
Repair any holes, dents or scratches with timber filler, pressing it into the damaged areas and slightly overfilling. Once dry, sand the filled areas with fine grit sandpaper until they are smooth and level with the surrounding surface, creating a clean, even base ready for painting. Wipe away sanding dust before moving on.
Prime the surfaces
Apply a thin, even coat of primer to the drawer fronts and sides. Primer helps block stains and creates a consistent base, which is especially important when working with lighter paint colours. Allow the primer to dry fully before painting.
Paint the base colour
Use a small roller to apply the base colour to the drawers, working in long, even strokes for a smooth finish. Use a brush for edges and detailed areas. Apply additional coats if needed, allowing each coat to dry completely. Taking your time here will give a cleaner final result.
Tape the pinstripe pattern
Once the base colour is dry, measure and mark out the pinstripe design using a pencil and ruler. Apply painters tape along the lines, pressing down firmly along the edges to prevent paint from bleeding underneath. This step sets the look of the finished drawers, so take care to keep spacing even.
Paint the stripe colour
Paint over the exposed sections between the tape with the second colour, using light pressure to avoid paint build‑up. While the paint is still slightly wet, slowly peel away the tape to reveal crisp pinstripes. Let the paint dry fully before handling the drawers.
Reassemble and finish
Once all paint has cured, reinstall the drawers and fit the hardware. If you’re updating the knobs, align them with the existing holes to keep installation simple if possible. Check that drawers slide smoothly and avoid heavy use until the paint has fully hardened.
Style it any way you like
Now you’re new set of drawers has a new look it’s time to style it and start using it!
Ready for your next project?
Now that you’ve upcycled some drawers, why not try painting a room in your home?
More D.I.Y. Advice
Health & Safety
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.