Should I paint or strip a scratched oak dresser for upcycling?

[GeorgeW]

I recently picked up a solid oak dresser from a curb alert, and I'm excited to try my hand at upcycling furniture for the first time. The piece is structurally sound but the finish is badly scratched, and I'm debating between a full paint job or trying to strip and refinish it to show the natural wood. I have a basic toolkit and a small balcony to work on, but I'm unsure about the best types of paint or stain for durability, and how to properly prep the surface so the new finish actually lasts. Any guidance on essential steps or common beginner mistakes to avoid would be really appreciated.

[KennethVA]

Chalk-style paint is a solid beginner-friendly route for oak. Lightly sand, prime with a bonding primer, then two coats of paint and a clear poly topcoat.

[Benjamin92]

If you want the grain to show, consider stripping to bare oak and using a gel stain to minimize blotching, followed by a couple of coats of water-based polyurethane. Sand to 180–220 grit, wipe away dust, and test color on a hidden panel first. Conditioning can help with blotch-prone woods, but oak usually takes stain more evenly than softer species.

[AlexanderG]

Two main routes: paint or stain. For paint, prep is everything: clean, degloss, sand lightly, prime with a bonding primer, then color and seal with a polyurethane or polycrylic topcoat. For stain, go bare wood, raise the grain with a damp cloth, then apply stain (wipe to your desired darkness) and seal with a durable topcoat. If you're balcony-worried about humidity, choose water-based primers and topcoats—they dry faster and have less odor; apply in dry conditions and allow full cure time between coats. Always test a small area first to see how the finish looks with your lighting.

[Sophia32]

Avoid skipping the primer and don’t rush the drying. Skipping prep leads to peeling or uneven color.

[EvelynJR]

Are you planning to keep the existing hardware or swap it out? That choice can influence the finish approach and the overall look.

[Gregory.T]

I did a curb find similar to yours last year. I started with a light sand and used chalk paint, then sealed with a water-based poly. It held up well on a balcony with sun and wind; the color lasted and scratches were easy to touch up.