I think you should consider using a dark stain on it. As for the style, since you like contemporary it is perfect! Can you take the handles off and just spray them pewter or silver? Style-wise they are perfect.

Hi Matt,
Good for you! First thing, take off the hardware(handles)-I assume they are screwed in from the back? You can find replacements at Target, Home Depot, Lowes, etc. If each handle is screwed in with two screws, measure the distance between the screwholes and buy a replacement with the same measurement. That way, after you have painted, you can just screw the new handles right into the same holes.

Now you have to prepare the dresser for painting, and you have two options. Either sand it lightly (you can buy a sanding sponge at Home Depot). You are not trying to remove any finish, just scuff it up so your paint will stick. The other choice is to buy a 'deglosser' such as Liquid Sander for about $1.50/can, and put it on with rag or a foam brush. Let it dry 30-60 minutes before you paint.

You will want to use either a "satin finish" or "semi-gloss finish" paint, available in all brands. Semi-gloss is a bit shinier than satin, so it is just a matter of preferance. If you have Lowe's nearby, I think their Valspar paint is about the best quality for the money that you can buy. Paint the entire outside of the dresser using a 4-inch foam roller. Pick up a couple of 1 inch foam brushes too so that if you need to touch up little spots you can. Don't try to cover in one coat by putting the paint on too thick. Just a nice even coat. You will definately want to put a second coat on, so don't worry about covering perfectly on the first coat. For the drawers, paint just the face of the drawer. Painting the inside will just give you more maintenance later, and painting the sides can cause the drawers to stick when you push them in. Read the paint can to see how long to wait before you give it a second coat.

I think that about covers it. Any questions?

PS While you are letting the paint dry between coats, put your roller in a ziploc bag, tightly sealed, and you won't have to wash in between coats.

I think you'll like it painted black. To me, it seems more contemporary than stained. The handles will make a big impact on it. So, if you want to keep the ones you have, just as long as they are in good shape, even if you need to spray them with a silver metallic paint, I think they could look great. If they are peeling or not in good shape some other way, maybe you would like some contemporary rod handles. You'll be very proud of it when you're finished.

Thanks. If I first stain a part of it to get an idea of how it would look, and I didn't like it, could I paint right on top of the stain? If I go with painting it black, do any of you have pictures of something you've done that could show me the difference between a matte/flat finish and something with more shine? Matt

I believe it would look better stained. Below is a link to a dark wood chest. It is very handsome.

You could try a stain first and if you didn't like it, then you could paint over it. You may need to seal where you have stained.

Here are directions for painting a table. I clipped it from a post by sugarbeak. IF you choose to paint, these might help you (even though it talks about brown paint, you can use whatever color you would prefer):

[quote]
Primer
Sherwin Williams PrepRite ProBlock Interior Exterior Seals and Bonds, Latex primer (it's the most expensive...but if you don't like sanding or using chemicals to prep, this is the stuff for you!). I've never had to sand or strip first using this on the worst shiny stuff.
Paint
Sherwin Williams Exterior All Surface Gloss Enamel
Code IFC411X
Woodsy Brown 100% mix formula 2924 (color code)
They use Acrylic Latex HIGH GLOSS Ultradeep base 6403-25932
Code A41T00204
Do not take a less glossy finish. This finish dries HARD and rich :) (There's a man joke in there somewhere but I'll avoid making it)
I use one coat of primer and let it dry a day at least, then two coats (one day between at least) of paint with a good Purdy brush (which is important). With just one coat the grain still effects the paint, but with the two on top of the primer you get that nice smooth look :)
I'm a paint freak, so forgive me for saying this if you know. Don't use rollers for wood. I like a 1 1/2 inch and a 2 1/2 or 3" brush at the most. The smaller works well on the small areas so you don't drip or oversmear the sides of the project.[/quote]

Here is a link that might be useful: chest

My Heavens! WALNUT? Oh please, please, please don't paint it. You just can't easily find walnut furniture anymore. Maybe if it were custom made.
Find a dark brown stain and stain that baby. (Minwax Gel stain in Walnut, or if you want it really dark then use their Wood Finish in Ebony along with a satin polyurethane) It will be well worth it and also have the contemporary look you want. And like Les said, remove the hardware and spray it silver. That too will bring it up to date.
Oh and you can find Minwax products at most hardware stores and Home Depot.
Good luck. If you have any more questions, don't be afraid to ask.

Thanks for your help, I'm happy with how it turned out for the most part.
{{!gwi}}

Wow! For s first timer (and even for a seasoned DIYer) you did a great job! It looks beautiful! What does your mother think of the piece that was in her garage now?

Thats a nice looking piece of furniture; good job :)

I wasn't any help but I just wanted to say it looks great, good job! I know any job like that is a lot of work but now you have a great new chest of drawers.

Wow - looks fantastic!!

I love a before and after, completed project, good for you, college student,
it looks great and will be of excellent use for years to come !!!!!

That is just beautiful! It will go with you when you graduate and start your "life." What a beautiful job you did! Don't ever get rid of it, the memories will be awesome!

Wow, that lookd great! Good job! I'm really glad you stained it instead of painting it, being that it's real walnut.

So... what's your next decorating project? We'll be here for you.