An Ethan Allen dresser with dove tail joints and caster wheels was a great local garage sale find. My husband was not a fan of the existing hardware which really didn’t work with the room. Easy fix by changing out the hardware. If you have ever tried to do this you know that the center to center spacing of pulls and drawer handles are not universal. Learn how to fill in hardware holes and replace the hardware on a dresser or other furniture in only a few steps. Update your piece of furniture for less than buying an entire replacement piece.
Admittedly, I often love the look of most old hardware (not these ones) and will just clean it up and use Rust-Oleum Metallic Spray Paint in Soft Iron (my go to color). But if you are going to repaint the piece of furniture anyway, an update to the hardware may help modernize the piece. It is easy to patch the existing holes and paint over them by following the tips below.
Supply List
- Filler (wood filler, Bondo, or Wood Epoxy)
- Putty knife
- Sand paper or fine grit sanding block
- Tack Cloth
- Screw Driver (depending on style of hardware)
- Painter’s Tape
- Spray Shellac
- Tape Measure
- Hardware guide (optional)
- Level
- Pen
- Drill and drill bit
- Replacement Hardware
- Paint Supplies
Instructions
Step 1:
Remove existing hardware with either a Phillip’s head or flat head screwdriver. Sometimes hardware is attached with a nut and bolt. In that instance, a small wrench will be needed.
Step 2:
Place pieces of painter’s tape over the holes on the inside of the drawers to prevent filler from extruding into the drawer.
Step 3:
Clean off drawer fronts and wipe dry. Because I planned to paint the dresser, I cleaned the entire dresser with a degreaser and deglosser to eliminate a step later on. This cleaned everything really well while preparing the surface for paint after the new holes were drilled.
Step 4:
There are three basic types of fillers that are commonly used. Here is a breakdown of each and you can decide which you prefer.
Wood Filler- Able to sand but it shrinks, most likely need to apply multiple coats until it is flush with dresser. Works great to fill scratches.
Bondo-Â Dries fast and is able to be sanded. Doesn’t shrink so if you add too much you will be sanding a lot. Mix in small batches because it will harden in only a few minutes.
Wood Epoxy- Consistency of clay and is easy to work with. Longer working time than Bondo and dries hard. Slightly overfill hole, let dry hard, then sand.
Push the filler into the hole with the putty knife and smooth out. Be sure to slightly overfill if using the putty or epoxy. The filler I used was pink when wet and white once dry.
Step 5:
Once the filler is dry, sand with a piece of sand paper (100 grit or more) or a sanding block in the direction of the wood grain. Sand until the filler is flush with the drawer front. Wipe off dust with a tack cloth until completely clean.
Spray with shellac over patches to make a smooth finish that blends in with the rest of the drawer front.
Step 6:
Drill new holes before painting in case there are any mistakes. It is easier to patch and fix any mistakes prior to painting.
Measure the drawer front. Mark the vertical and horizontal centers of each drawer with a pen (I used a permanent marker since I was painting over with a dark color). Mark the holes for the new handles, being sure to use a level to keep the holes straight.
TIP:Â Fortunately, I had a handy plastic guide to aid in marking my drawer pulls. You can use a piece of thick paper to make a template if you don’t have a plastic guide. This ensures proper spacing of the holes for the handles.
Once everything looks good, drill the holes with a drill bit that is the same size as the bolts for the hardware. Easiest way to find the correct size is to hold the screw up to the bit to compare the widths.
Be sure to dust again with the tack cloth before painting. Apply paint and let dry before installing the new hardware.
That’s it! It really is that easy to change up the look of a furniture piece by simply adding some paint and new hardware. There is no need to replace the furniture in your home or to purchase an expensive new piece when you can update an older piece in a few easy steps. Making the most with what you have is an excellent way to make a house a home. 💙
Featured Paint: Heirloom Traditions Paint in Mediterranean
Featured Hardware: Liberty Mandara Pull in Champagne Bronze 5-1/16″
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Very helpful! I have an old dresser that’s very similar in style. I want to paint it and redo the hardware- not my favourite either. I still haven’t decided on a color, but when I do I will refer back to this article.
Thanks, Lisa!
Awesome! The best thing about older furniture is that it’s made with real wood and with quality craftsmanship. By far the best pieces to work with. I love giving older pieces new life with a little paint and an upgrade in hardware. I can hardly wait to see when you do finish your project, so be sure to share!