From Tired Orange to Light & Airy: A Step-by-Step Bleached Maple Dresser Makeover
- Sarah C. Bezanson
- Apr 16
- 3 min read
Reviving a piece of furniture can be a rewarding journey that transforms an ordinary item into a statement piece. In today's post, I'll walk you through the detailed process I used to give a solid maple dresser a fresh, light, and updated look while maintaining its natural wood character.
Step 1: Preparation and Cleaning
Every great project starts with a clean slate. I began by thoroughly cleaning the dresser to remove any dirt, oils, or residues. After a thorough cleaning, I applied Green EZ furniture stripper, which effectively broke down the existing finish. After letting the stripper work its magic, and scraping off the old stain, I made sure to carefully remove all residue, ensuring that the surface was completely prepped for the next steps.
Step 2: Sanding the Surface
With the dresser cleaned and prepped, the next phase was sanding. I sanded the entire piece using three different grits—80, 120, and 150—to progressively smooth the wood surface. This multi-step sanding process not only helped remove any lingering finish but also opened up the wood grain for better absorption of later products. The change in grit was crucial for achieving a flawless finish later on.
While sanding can be done by hand, it is much more time effective to use an orbital sander. For this project, I used my Festool 5" Orbital Sander.
Step 3: Bleaching for a Clean Slate
To bring out a lighter, more natural look in the wood, I used Zinsser Wood two-part wood bleach. The first application was done on the entire dresser, allowing the piece to dry overnight. Once dried, I returned to focus on the drawer fronts and the top of the dresser, applying a second round of bleach. This extra step ensured that these high-visibility areas were uniformly bleached. To neutralize any remaining bleach and prevent any color irregularities, I wiped the drawer fronts and top down with a mixture of water and white vinegar.
You can watch me bleaching the dresser on my YouTube video:
Step 4: Creating the Paint Wash
Next, I moved on to the color treatment. I created a subtle yet effective paint wash by mixing water with Fusion Mineral Paint, Putty. This wash enhanced the natural wood grain with a gentle light tan, providing an update that was both fresh and organic. After applying the wash across the dresser, I quickly wiped it off using paper towels—Bounty paper towels work best for this step as they help remove the excess wash without disturbing the subtle tones that had been absorbed into the wood.
Step 5: Sealing for Durability and Shine
To lock in the beauty of the transformation, I applied a protective finish. Using Varathane polyurethane in a satin sheen, I brushed on three coats of clear, water-based topcoat. Each coat added a layer of durability, ensuring that the new finish remained vibrant and resilient against everyday use.
Final Thoughts
The end result is a stunning contrast to the original tired orange finish—a refreshed, light, and airy bleached maple dresser that retains the charm of its natural wood. This transformation process highlights that with the right techniques and materials, even the oldest pieces can be reborn into something truly remarkable.
What do you think of this complete before-and-after makeover? If you're inspired by this transformation or have any questions about the process, let’s chat in the comments below! Whether you're planning a DIY project or just love seeing old furniture get a new lease on life, your thoughts and feedback are always welcome.
Ready to start your own furniture makeover journey? Share your ideas and let's create something beautiful together!
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