Now let’s list the time involved in the project. You’ve spent at least an hour at the hardware store (not counting drive time). You get home, get your supplies laid out, and are ready to get started. Remove the hardware from the piece (15 minutes on average). Sanding/deglossing & wiping down (1 hour). Let’s start painting. Depending on the size of your piece, allow at least 1 hour per coat. Most pieces take at least 2 coats, sometimes more. Allow for adequate drying time, sometimes up to 24 hours between coats in humid weather. If you want a distressed look, more sanding will take 15-30 minutes. Another wipe down with the tack cloth and you’re ready for your topcoat. You’ll need at least 2 coats (sometimes more) to achieve the desired finish. Each coat should take an hour. As with the paint, allow adequate drying time between coats. Reinstall your hardware and reassemble your piece. Looks great, doesn’t it?
So how much time did it take, and what is your time worth per hour? A rough total of the above (not counting drying time) adds up to a minimum of 8 hours of hands-on work. At the current minimum wage of only $7.25 an hour, that’s $58. Of course, a professional would charge more for their time, with a more professional-looking result.
Just in supplies and labor the costs are a minimum of $114 or more (depending on your actual supply list and labor cost). Be sure to add in the cost of the dresser itself and any hardware repair/replacement.
It can certainly be rewarding refinishing and repurposing your own furniture. There’s nothing like the satisfaction of looking at a piece and saying, “I did that.” However, if you’re not the handy type, or don’t have the time to devote, then a $200-300 dresser at Good Ju Ju doesn’t look like such a bad deal!
