We picked up this dresser for cheap on Facebook. It’s the perfect size for our baby’s nursery and we will put a changing pad on top of it as well.

After doing a bunch of research on the best paints, most beginner-friendly methods, etc. I think I’ve settled on this process:

1. Clean with a scotch-bride pad and 50-50 water and vinegar

2. Small repairs- there’s a small bit that is broken off the end of the bottom embellishment trim so I’ll fix that with wood glue. See questions below for fixing the separation of the top piece.

3. Light sanding of chipped paint and any other uneven spots and possible deeper sanding of top. See below for questions about the top. Remove dust.

4. Prime with Zinsser BIN (we have some of this that the sellers of our house left and it is also recommended by the paint company in the next step.)

5. Paint with General Finishes Milk Paint. We haven’t decided the color but it will likely be light, hence the choice to prime. (optional: stain the top. See questions)

6. Top with Minwax Polycrylic. (I’ve read that it’s not the easiest to work with but I was able to score some for free). (The paint doesn’t require a topcoat so we may even just topcoat the top surface only.)

Since I’m pregnant, I’m trying to lean toward less toxic products as well but I will also wear a respirator.

Ideally, I would actually like to stain the top piece and paint the rest, which brings me to my questions:

1. I know the frame of the dresser is particle board and the drawers are wood. Can someone tell me what material the top is actually made of? Is it Veneer? Laminate? Can it be sanded down and stained? Here’s a closer shot so you can see better.

2. The back corners of the top are separating from the base. Here’s a photo showing one of them. What’s the best way to repair this?

Edit: forgot one question: 3. I will obviously remove the hardware before working on it but the faux keyhole doesn’t really come off (it looks like it may be held on by 2 tacks?) What’s the best way to deal with it? Should I pry it off and then figure out how to reattach it?

Does my process seem sound? Any glaring issues or things I can do better? Thank you for any guidance!